Anderson Connector Types and Their Commercial Applications

Rather than just focusing on general-purpose hardware, Anderson Power has established their niche in the power supply equipment space by manufacturing specialized high-current and modular interconnects. With their philosophy centered around simplifying wiring while accommodating very distinct power delivery needs, Anderson’s offerings are able to serve small-scale robotics setups and massive data centers alike. To help you get an idea of their options and determine which might align with your system’s performance demands, this blog will cover the specifications of core Anderson connector lines.

Powerpole® Connector Series

The Powerpole series enables countless configuration possibilities thanks to a modular, genderless design. With their molded-in dovetails, users may stack these connectors to create customized, multi-pole blocks. Their slim profile makes them great for small equipment housings and rack-mounted architectures, but as they can be scaled to the application at hand, Powerpole connectors fit everything from LED lighting schemes to renewable energy systems.

Features and Specifications

• Electrical Rating: Powerpole connectors are available in four sizes—PP15/45, PP75, PP120, and PP180—to support current levels from 10A to 350A. Furthermore, they carry a UL rating for AC and DC power up to 600V.
• Flat-Wiping Contacts: During every mating and unmating cycle, two flat, silver-plated copper surfaces slide across one another and shear off any oxidation or debris from the contact area to uphold a clean, low-resistance connection.
• Material Standards: Most housings are made from UL94 V-0 flame-retardant polycarbonate, though chemical-resistant PBT versions are also available for harsher installation conditions.
• Operating Temperature: These connectors are rated for continuous use from -20°C to 105°C.

SB® Connector Series

A universal solution for high-current DC power, the SB connector is another genderless offering that can be flipped 180 degrees to mate with another of the same series. Inside of its plastic housing are stainless steel springs, which guarantee consistent contact pressure. Intended for battery or power connections, SB connectors are widely employed for vehicle charging stations, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and large-scale electrical testing equipment.

Features and Specifications

• Electrical Rating: Housing sizes are offered to suit varying electrical loads, including the SB50, SB120, SB175, SB350, and SBE/SBO. The majority of models handle currents up to 350A, but certain configurations boast extended-range contacts to support up to 500A.
• Safety Keying: Each housing variant has distinct molded-in ridges and slots that only allow mating with an identical counterpart, eliminating any potential for installation mistakes. For visual identification, they are color-coded in accordance with their industry-standard voltages.
• Hot Plug Capability: These connectors are UL rated for circuit interruption at levels between 50A and 100A, meaning connections may be broken under an active electrical load without damaging its contact surfaces or attached equipment.
• Operating Temperatures: The standard polycarbonate housings are able to tolerate temperatures from -20°C to 105°C. However, Anderson offers a PBT/PC blend that extends the lower operating limit to -40°C while also adding protection against degradation from hydrocarbons, solvents, and UV exposure.

Saf-D-Grid® Connector Series

Developed specifically for modern infrastructure like data centers and DC micro-grids, Anderson’s Saf-D-Grid series lets users seamlessly transition from older AC to high-voltage DC interfaces. As they mirror the form of the AC IEC C13/C14 connectors found on nearly all desktop computers and server power supplies, these options mesh well with existing architectures while presenting significantly higher power capacity.

Features and Specifications

• Electrical Rating: Saf-D-Grid connectors support up to 40A and 600V DC.
• Safety Features: The connector contains a ground contact that is physically longer than the power contacts to ensure safe grounding before any power is transmitted. Furthermore, the housing has a deeply recessed geometry that prevents fingers or conductive tools from reaching internal pins.
• Operating Temperature: Most models in this series are rated for temperatures up to 80°C, but the glass-filled nylon variants can withstand up to 120°C.

SBS® and SBS® X High-Performance Series

Many systems, especially those using lithium-ion batteries, require both high-current power and a secondary signal pathway to monitor data like temperature, state-of-charge, and cell health. The SBS series addresses this need in one package with a two-pole power interface, supplemented by as many as six auxiliary contact positions to manage low-voltage signaling and sensor feedback. The SBSX is mostly the same but adds a sealed IP68-rated exterior and dual-latch locking mechanism, holding unwavering connections in environments that impose dust, moisture, and heavy vibration.

Features and Specifications

• Electrical Rating: The primary power interface can carry loads up to 110A, depending on the model and wire gauge used. Meanwhile, both the power and signal contacts are UL rated for up to 600V to match the requirements of high-voltage battery strings and industrial power distribution. 
• Mechanical Durability: This series can withstand up to 5,000 mating cycles, perfect for setups that are often disconnected.
• Operating Temperature: The operating temperature range of these connectors falls between -20°C and 105°C.

Shop for Anderson Connectors on Hardware Domain

Whether your setup would benefit from the modular adaptability of the Powerpole series, necessitates the high-voltage protection offered by Saf-D-Grid connectors, or somewhere in between, Anderson is sure to have a fit. Their offerings extend far beyond these series, so if you are interested in purchasing Anderson components, we encourage you to check out our selection on Hardware Domain.

As an ASAP Semiconductor-owned procurement platform, Hardware Domain is meant to serve as a one-stop shop for connectors, aircraft components, and a wealth of NSN-designated parts. Every product is directly sourced from a reputable manufacturer or supplier and subject to various quality-assurance measures, meaning only the best options are sent out to our customers. There is far more to learn about our offerings, commitments, and competitive procurement solutions, so take the time to explore our website and connect with our experts today!