Plug and socket suitable for solar flying lead

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Dull Spark

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I'm looking for a socket and a plug that will take the cable from the 50W solar panel. I think it is 4mm sq, but can't be sure. Anyway, I'd be happy with a cigar-type plug & socket. Anything except connector block and a screwdriver! The idea is to put a socket on a flying lead to connect up to a plug that's permanently attached to the regulator. It will be inside, so doesn't need to be waterproof. Many thanks.
 
Dull Spark said:
I'm looking for a socket and a plug that will take the cable from the 50W solar panel. I think it is 4mm sq, but can't be sure. Anyway, I'd be happy with a cigar-type plug & socket. Anything except connector block and a screwdriver! The idea is to put a socket on a flying lead to connect up to a plug that's permanently attached to the regulator. It will be inside, so doesn't need to be waterproof. Many thanks.
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The standard plug and socket for solar panels are MC4. They come in a variety of wire sizes, are waterproof and are designed for the job. They aren't expensive, but you will need a crimp tool with the correct anvils. Plenty on either eBay or Amazon; I bought 6 sets for £10.99; the crimp tool (from eBay) cost £11.58.
 
Thanks for that. I've seen MC4's but had assumed they were "once only" and not suitable for a flying lead. My mistake. Much appreciated.
 
I wouldn't put you off MC4s. But they do vary in quality and the ones I have would not be suitable for frequent cycles of connection. I'm still considering the best solution for exactly the same problem and I think the answer is going to be one of the plug/socket connectors made for eg tillerpilots, like the Bulgin
 
Hi. I used a standard two pin deck plug, even though I eventually decided to mount the female socket inside the boat. I lengthened the lead from the flexible solar panel so that it is long enough to reach into the inside of the boat (somehow - various routes, including one that is weatherproof) from wherever the panel might realistically be mounted. It all seems to work OK.
 
My folding panel from Photonic Universe came with a very sturdy connect / disconnect plug and socket. See https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en...tart-kits-for-vehicle-and-boat-batteries.html. I believe these are known as Anderson connectors. They can be sourced from Photonic Universe, CPC and many other places. Here's what Wiki has to say about them. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Powerpole

Now I've learned about these connectors I have found many more uses for them. You can also get caps to cover the sockets and handles to help pull them apart, which is easy enough without handles. They would suit your needs well.
 
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