Last year we were given a 60 amp circuit breaker with quick release battery connectors also rated at 60 amps. This year we were given a 120 amp circuit breaker – and motors to match – with the same 60 amp battery connectors. Will these connectors be able to withstand the current? Does First really intend for us to use these battery connectors outside of their specifications, or should we use two on each battery?
Even though the connectors might be rated at 60 amps, they will probably get you through the competition without problems. The rating on the connector is meant for long life, and the amount of time in which you actually have current flowing through them is drastically less than what they are designed for. Where I work, we are often forced to use connectors which are severly underrrated (putting 40+ amps through a 15 amp connector) and they will eventually burn up, but it takes a surprisingly long amount of time for them to burn out (maybe 100+ hours of usage). I would not worry about the connectors.
The battery connectors supplied by first should work for most teams with a few caveats…
- Robots designed such that high currents are provided by the battery most of the time should look to using a different battery connector. (i.e. teams who end up discharging their battery in just one match)
- If you use the provided connectors, please use a clamp (ty wrap, velcro, etc.) to hold the connector together. They are easily jarred apart.
- We use Power Pole connector’s for battery.
So it is safe to assume that, even though the Quick-Disconnect power connectors are not rated for 120A, they are legal (and required?) for use in competition?
*Originally posted by n[ate]vw *
**So it is safe to assume that, even though the Quick-Disconnect power connectors are not rated for 120A, they are legal (and required?) for use in competition? **
Of course they are legal, they are provided in your kit for that purpose.
where can you get the other connectors to use for the battery from
Anderson power makes some nice 120 amp connectors (and higher ones). The 50 amp connectors in the kit are actually the bottom of thier product line.