SAE 12V Connectors

[Ramper]

SAE connectors come in many different wire gauges. Do the ends all connect together? I want to put permanent cords on my small engine units (tractors, 4-wheeler, etc) and want to buy the heavier gauge wires, but will they plug in to my chargers?

Also I have an Optimate that has a different type connector. Does nayone know the name of this connector?

 

[PhysicsDude]

I'm pretty sure all SAE connectors are the same. Something intended for heavier use would use a different plug such as an EC5.

How heavy of gauge are you wanting to use? Heavier than 12awg? I'm pretty sure SAE connectors are only rated for 10 or 15 Amps, so anything more than 12awg won't really have any benefit that I can see.

 

[Ramper]

I was hoping to use the 12 awg. I saw 12, 14, 16 and 18. I want to be sure I get the "best" ones.

SAE-71 is the type that Optimate uses.

I might just change ALL my chargers to one type

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, there is no universal "standard" for 12VDC power. Pick one and convert all of your 12V devices to it.

Second, that style of "bullet" connector has been around for well over 50 years. It has "problems". The biggest is/was they are frequently installed REVERSED, meaning you might be applying POSITIVE 12VDC to something that should be grounded ! There are no external visual cues, unless the installer uses color coded wire that is visible at the connector to let you know if you are doing it right or wrong. I have seen many of these wired with just 2 black wires.

Those bullet connectors never seemed to fully seat even when large amounts of force were applied. And they took large amounts of force for them to be separated.

I see the never versions have external shrouds, but if there is no real "standard" how do you know if you can mix brands ?


Anderson PowerPole connector are a good 12VDC solution. They come in multiple sizes and individual pieces (crimp contacts and plastic shells). Ham radio operators have been using them for years because they a reliable and easy to use. Also, in the event that one pair gets assembled "backwards", you can easily disassemble it and reverse the colored outer shells.

With a kit like this, you can "roll your" anytime and not worry if you are on the battery side or the load side !

 

[ttpete]

The SAE connectors are commonly used on battery maintainers and have been for many years. There's a fused pigtail that's attached to the battery and the maintainer plugs into it. They work well for this purpose. I currently have 4 motorcycles, a generator, and a jump box set up using SAE connectors for battery maintainers.

If you wanted to connect something with a higher amperage draw, you would be better off using a weatherproof connector like an AMP or Deutsch.

 

[kitchenTablesaw]

Connectors are the same, but gauge of wiring is frequently not. I've seen/bought a dozen or so of such connectors over the use and they tend to be a **** shoot.

 

[grantw]

+1 on the anderson power pole connections... I found the "30A" connectors tend to be a more common size. But, you need to be sure the crimp is a good mechanical connection.

I have crimped a "30A" connector on a 16awg zip cord and had the connector pull off. I had to double over the stripped portion of the stranded 16awg to get a good mechanical crimp with the 30A sizing.

I am okay with the "bullet" styles as long as I am CLEAR on which size is + / -

The power pole connectors are red/black to make it really easy to identify and avoid shorts/ blowing up or melting your gear.

 

[Movover]

+1 Anderson Power Poles. Cheap, Easy and available all over the internet with sizes in the 100's of amps