Solar panel connecting thru dri-plugs ?

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dunkelly

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I have a few spare dri plug type connectors and was hoping to use them to connect my 60watt solar panel through the deck to a charge controller .is there any reason ie: significant losses or possible overheating issues why these type connectors cannot be used ?
 
The maximum current flow from your 60 watt panel maybe around 3-4 amps. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't use a driplug. The only difficulty will be in adapting the awkward fat cables that are fitted to the panel into the plug. Some glue filled heatshrink did it for me!
 
I used Index deck glands, pear shaped and suitable for 2 cables. SE7 range, in black, grey or white (black being cheapest!) cables enter parallel to the deck so less chance of tripping over them.
 
dunkelly said:
Understand the suggestions, but would really like to be able to remove them easily when away for long periods
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yes ... and it is quite easy to damamge panels during the removal and transportation processes. I doubt there will be any net improvement in lifespan. Enjoy your free time.

Which is not to say you don't want plugs. I'm not voting on that. Personally, I have skipped the plugs on several installations and never missed them.
 
dunkelly said:
I have a few spare dri plug type connectors and was hoping to use them to connect my 60watt solar panel through the deck to a charge controller .is there any reason ie: significant losses or possible overheating issues why these type connectors cannot be used ?
Click to expand...
I use the a 2 pin Dri-Plug for an 80w panel. I believe the 2 and 3 pin versions are rated to 12A.
 
Thanks , I assume you've had no problems with it . Might say hello as we come round the corner currently in Dartmouth
 
Never found dri plugs particularly good. I've been using IP68 aviation plugs. The blue plastic ones that come up on eBay and Amazon. I've standardised on these for any removable external power connections autopilot etc and found them much better than anything else I've tried. For solar panels mine are just glued down and hard wired. I've got some mounted on my self steering gear. Here the wires are just twisted together below deck. Sounds horrible but shouldn't be underestimated. Works for me. Reliable, cheap and easy to fix.
 
KAM said:
Never found dri plugs particularly good. I've been using IP68 aviation plugs. The blue plastic ones that come up on eBay and Amazon. I've standardised on these for any removable external power connections autopilot etc and found them much better than anything else I've tried. For solar panels mine are just glued down and hard wired. I've got some mounted on my self steering gear. Here the wires are just twisted together below deck. Sounds horrible but shouldn't be underestimated. Works for me. Reliable, cheap and easy to fix.
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If you mean these IP68 plugs then I agree. Cheap with gold plated pins and several sizes with up to 30A rating.data sheet
Rather than bulkhead sockets that can be knocked I have gone for a swan neck for the cables and inline connectors. Easy to add extra cables later without making new holes.
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Yes those are the plugs +1 for the swan neck too. I used 1 to replace 3 plugs and glands the previous owner fitted. Never leaks a drop and nothing to maintain.
 
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