Anderson Powerpole & SB Connector Sizer
Select genderless high-current DC disconnect connectors for solar, auxiliary batteries, amateur radio, and winches.
Quick Engineering Answer: What Size Anderson Connector Do I Need?
UL 1977 • Anderson Power ProductsAnderson connectors are split into two major product families: modular Powerpole series (PP15, PP30, PP45) for branch circuits up to 45A using 16–10 AWG wire, and heavy-duty Multipole SB series (SB50, SB120, SB175, SB350) for high-amperage battery quick-disconnects. Sizing requires matching continuous load current and wire gauge: portable solar and ham radios use PP30 or PP45; DC-DC chargers and overland fridge feeds use SB50 (up to 6 AWG); high-output alternators use SB120 (up to 2 AWG); and electric winches or trailer battery feeds use SB175 or SB350 (up to 4/0 AWG).
Design Inputs & Parameters
Engineering Results & Specifications
Enter your circuit current and wire gauge, then click Select Anderson Connector.
Engineering Architecture of Genderless High-Current Contacts
Calculation Assumptions
- Flat-wiping silver-plated copper contact system rated for 10,000 disconnect cycles.
- Maximum wire gauge limited by contact barrel inner diameter.
- UL rating allows hot-plugging disconnect under load up to rated DC voltage.
Engineering Limitations
- Powerpole PP15/30/45 housings use identical outer shells but different internal contact barrel sizes.
- Never solder heavy SB-series contacts when installed in high-vibration vehicle chassis runs without strain relief.
A campervan installer wants a removable 50A DC-to-DC charger powered from the vehicle alternator over 6 AWG wire. A Powerpole PP45 is undersized and will overheat under 50A continuous load. The correct choice is an Anderson SB50 connector with 6 AWG contacts, housed in Grey (36V) or Red (24V) keyed shells.
Anderson Powerpole & Multipole Contact Specifications (PP15 through SB50)
Manufacturer mechanical specifications, wire gauge range, and nominal contact resistance:
| Series / Model | Rated Amps (UL) | Wire Gauge Range | Contact Barrel ID | Contact Resistance | Standard Contact PN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP15 | 15A (UL 1977) | 16 AWG – 20 AWG (0.5 – 1.5 mm²) | 0.063" (1.6 mm) | ≈ 220 μΩ | 1332 (individual) |
| PP30 | 30A (UL 1977) | 12 AWG – 14 AWG (2.5 – 4.0 mm²) | 0.098" (2.5 mm) | ≈ 200 μΩ | 1331 (individual) |
| PP45 | 45A (UL 1977) | 10 AWG (6.0 mm²) | 0.138" (3.5 mm) | ≈ 175 μΩ | 261G2 (open barrel) |
| PP75 | 75A (UL 1977) | 6 AWG – 12 AWG (4.0 – 13.3 mm²) | 0.220" (5.6 mm) | ≈ 120 μΩ | 5900 (bus / cable) |
| SB50 | 50A continuous | 6 AWG – 12 AWG (4.0 – 13.3 mm²) | 0.220" (5.6 mm) | ≈ 100 μΩ | 5900 / 904-BK |
Anderson Powerpole connectors use a stainless steel leaf spring behind each silver-plated copper contact to deliver consistent mechanical contact pressure regardless of thermal expansion and contraction cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you plug different colored Anderson SB connectors into each other?
No. Anderson SB-series connectors (SB50, SB175, SB350) are mechanically keyed by color. A Red connector has unique internal alignment tabs that will not plug into a Grey or Blue connector, preventing accidental cross-connection of different voltage sources.
What is the difference between PP15, PP30, and PP45 Powerpoles?
All three share the exact same outer plastic housing, but use different silver-plated copper contact barrels: PP15 fits 16–20 AWG wire; PP30 fits 12–14 AWG wire; and PP45 fits 10 AWG wire. They can all plug directly into each other.
Should Anderson contacts be soldered or crimped?
Crimping with a dedicated ratcheting crimper is strongly recommended. Soldering wicks solder up the stranded wire, creating a rigid stress concentration point prone to fatigue failure from vehicle vibration.