Quote:
Originally Posted by s5511
Do you guys use the PowerPoles on your competition robot too? We had a couple issues with them coming off the wires or disconnecting during tournament, though that could be due to user error.
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They work great with the proper process. A few things to make sure of:
1) Use the proper size wire in the proper size terminal
2) Strip the wire the appropriate amount and make sure that your wire cut is pretty straight and you don't have extra nicks in the cable. Too much exposed copper can lead to bends and breaks, nicks can lead to breaks, and not enough copper can lead to power connections
3) Do a pull test after EVERY crimp. Though the Anderson crimper really works pretty well where if you squeeze it down to the point where it releases on it's own you're probably fine
4) make sure the metal tab is fully inserted with the tab going over the metal tongue in the plastic housing. If it doesnt click or can be pulled out easily after inserting the crimp into the housing you've probably done something wrong.
5) Perhaps most importantly, have a proper strain relief/bend radius on your wires. Ideally you wires should be zip tied to structure somewhere shortly after it's connection so that any strain on the wire is taken by the zip tie - not the connector.
6) I like to have a consistent way that the andersons are connected. Personally I've gone with "red on the right" by looking at the connectors from what I consider top down. (I consider the metal tongue to be the bottom of the connector). This way the connectors should be consistent across everything.
If you're having problems with the andersons disconnecting - you can get the 2 pronged tab that holds them together.