Powerpoles- NOT for Permanent Installations

While discussing Anderson Powerpoles last week on another message board, a couple folks were angered with my post …

A note on Powerpoles … if not “used” (connecting/disconnecting) often, they can develop resistance in that two-spring contact. Enough to slow or even stop 100-200mW loads.

Look at a cross-section of the contacts – and see how very little metal-to-metal contact there actually is.

So – using for non-permanent installations, like taking equipment to events or  for demos – is great. But if not “working” by disconnecting-connecting, the  contacts can corrode and create a little resistance.

Tiny Jones’ screw plug connectors are a great choice for shack installations.

This is a phenomenon I have read about and realized for several years. And in 2006, I contacted Anderson Power for their input – which affirmed what the proper intent and design of their Powerpoles actually is, and that their beauty is the “self-cleaning, wiping” action.

So here we are in 2022, and I re-contacted Anderson …

Good day, XXXXX. And Happy New Year to Anderson!

Would it be a fair statement to write that the PowerPoles we are using for  12VDC amateur radio applications “want” to be occasionally disconnected  and connected – to “wipe” clean any tiny amount of corrosion that may  occur?

I always thought that they are, indeed, the ULTIMATE “universal” connector  for hams … one of a very few items that ALL can agree upon for power  connection needs as we move that equipment from site to site. But that they were not intended for “permanent” equipment installations: I should not  install them on cabling that I won’t access for months/years.

“Built-in” to your design is the “cleaning by wiping” …

MANY THANKS for your support of the amateur radio community.

Clint Bradford K6LCS

And Anderson replied –

Hi Clint,

You are on the right track.

According  to our preventative maintenance page 15 of the catalog below there is a self-cleaning action as the connectors engage and disengage.

Anderson Powerpole Tech Manual

When mating and un-mating a self cleaning action is provided.

It helps prevent dirt from accumulating.

You may also purchase white lithium grease from a hardware store as well to clean.

It does not take away corrosion and if there is  a lot of corrosion they should be replaced,

Please read the PM section on page 15 and let us know if you have further questions.

SO … Nothing monumental. The majority of hams are, probably, moving equipment and “cleaning” their Powerpoles by merely disconnecting and connecting.

But my original assertion – that they should not be used for “permanent” installations – is, indeed a valid one. I never wrote that there would be a dramatic loss of power, and your equipment would fail – it is just a statement accurately reflecting how Anderson engineered their product.

And don’t “add” problems to the equation by purchasing non-Anderson Powerpoles. HRO –  Ham Radio Outlet – offers genuine Anderson products, as does Powerwerx.

Clint Bradford

DISCLAIMER: Clint has absolutely no financial interest in Anderson, Tiny Jones,
HRO, nor Powerwerx.