Are all SAE connectors created equal

[Razorhunter]

There is usually a U.S. mfr that offers higher quality components that are made right but I have failed to Google any such thing with SAE pigtails/harnesses.
I’m wiring up a Garmin sonar on a jon boat and I’m trying to come up with a means of quick disconnecting (unplugging) the 12v LifePo4 cell for charging so as to isolate the battery and not be charging through my expensive Garmin.

Thanks for any suggestions on a quality SAE pigtail harness source.

Btw the problem I’ve had with the Amazon SAE pigtails is that the inline fuse housings on them are sketchy at best. I was hoping they’d be good to go but they are barely making contact with the fuse blades the way they were made so cheaply. They’d probably work but I’d rather not use them lol

 

[PCustoms]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is an SAE pigtail?



Most boats are charged with their onboard electronics still plugged in. You could do an isolator switch, breaker/fuse, master disconnect, Anderson power pole etc. but it all seems unnecessary.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I don’t think SAE covers connectors. Deutch connectors are waterproof, as are several other brands.

 

[Firebrick43]

There is usually a U.S. mfr that offers higher quality components that are made right but I have failed to Google any such thing with SAE pigtails/harnesses.
I’m wiring up a Garmin sonar on a jon boat and I’m trying to come up with a means of quick disconnecting (unplugging) the 12v LifePo4 cell for charging so as to isolate the battery and not be charging through my expensive Garmin.

Thanks for any suggestions on a quality SAE pigtail harness source.

Btw the problem I’ve had with the Amazon SAE pigtails is that the inline fuse housings on them are sketchy at best. I was hoping they’d be good to go but they are barely making contact with the fuse blades the way they were made so cheaply. They’d probably work but I’d rather not use them lol

Skip the SAE connector and the issues with polarity and bad connections.

I would suggest Anderson power pole connectors which are very secure and configurable. The small size handles up to 45 amps with the correct wire size/terminal.

Power Pole

 

[Razorhunter]

Yes I have considered APP’s and/or an isolation switch or breaker. Thats what I may end up doing.

It doesn’t really matter if this connection is waterproof to be honest. The wiring is hidden away well and this is a pond/water reservoir boat that never takes on water anyhow. I mean even if I use marine grade breakers and switches they are not actually waterproof either.
Maybe I’ll just end up converting everything to APP’s or something.

 

[BrandonV]

I'd just stick to Weather Pack or Metri-Pack. Good enough for the automakers.

 

[cvairwerks]

Quick and dirty but way cheap would be get a trailer 4 pin flat extension and cut in two.

 

[Chukster]

Is this what you're talking about?

SAE 2-Pin Quick Disconnect 16 AWG Wiring Harness

SAE 2-Pin Quick Disconnect 16 AWG Wiring HarnessUse this 2 conductor quick disconnect for trailer hitches, low amperage batteries, car audio, and lights. The 12" 16 AWG wires will handle up to 8A of current. The connectors are molded to the wire with vinyl and held securely together with 0.156"...

www.parts-express.com

These guys carry a 14ga version:

SAE Power Cable 12

The SAE Power Cable 12" Polarized Electrical Connector is a 2-wire SAE type connector with a two-prong and socket connector set.

www.fishingonline.com

Just google SAE Connector, lots of choices. I'm sure you can get sets bigger than 14 ga.

 

[Razorhunter]

Is this what you're talking about?

SAE 2-Pin Quick Disconnect 16 AWG Wiring Harness

SAE 2-Pin Quick Disconnect 16 AWG Wiring HarnessUse this 2 conductor quick disconnect for trailer hitches, low amperage batteries, car audio, and lights. The 12" 16 AWG wires will handle up to 8A of current. The connectors are molded to the wire with vinyl and held securely together with 0.156"...

www.parts-express.com

These guys carry a 14ga version:

SAE Power Cable 12

The SAE Power Cable 12" Polarized Electrical Connector is a 2-wire SAE type connector with a two-prong and socket connector set.

www.fishingonline.com

Just google SAE Connector, lots of choices. I'm sure you can get sets bigger than 14 ga.

Yes Sir that’s it. My concern wasn’t difficulty in sourcing them all over the net. Rather, asking for a name brand mfr who might offer a tier 1 quality pigtail as opposed to all the cheaply made ones which are always a **** shoot as to quality.

 

[whateg01]

Yes Sir that’s it. My concern wasn’t difficulty in sourcing them all over the net. Rather, asking for a name brand mfr who might offer a tier 1 quality pigtail as opposed to all the cheaply made ones which are always a **** shoot as to quality.

I would ask on a solar power forum. They use SAE a lot, from what I understand. That's where I ended up but somebody here probably pointed me that way. In fact I didn't even know they were called SAE connectors before that. I've bought several from Amazon, up to 10ga, FWIW. All have worked as expected. None of mine use an inline fuse though. Since the fuse is likely just an over molded connector, you might be able to pinch the contacts to get a more secure connection.

 

[Chukster]

I would ask on a solar power forum. They use SAE a lot, from what I understand. That's where I ended up but somebody here probably pointed me that way. In fact I didn't even know they were called SAE connectors before that. I've bought several from Amazon, up to 10ga, FWIW. All have worked as expected. None of mine use an inline fuse though. Since the fuse is likely just an over molded connector, you might be able to pinch the contacts to get a more secure connection.

I've also seen them referred to as "Ford" connectors. They are common on many current Motorola radios.

Since I'm not in the 2-way business anymore, I've had to do some digging, but I found some really big honkers:

Motorola HKN4137 Mobile Power Cable 10 FT, 14 AWG, 15A

Need biggerer?
HKN4192: Motorola Mobile Power Cable 20 FT, 10 AWG, 20A

These were on twowaydirect.com. Pricey, too, as befits Mother M. Your google-fu can help you, I'm sure.

 

[whateg01]

I've also seen them referred to as "Ford" connectors. They are common on many current Motorola radios.

Since I'm not in the 2-way business anymore, I've had to do some digging, but I found some really big honkers:

Motorola HKN4137 Mobile Power Cable 10 FT, 14 AWG, 15A

Need biggerer?
HKN4192: Motorola Mobile Power Cable 20 FT, 10 AWG, 20A

These were on twowaydirect.com. Pricey, too, as befits Mother M. Your google-fu can help you, I'm sure.

Yup. That's where I see them is on the back of batwing mobiles.