What is and Anderson plug?
An Anderson Plug is the specialised socket at the end of what we call a ‘charge circuit’. It allows charge from the car battery to flow through the connection with minimal voltage drop. The unique pins of the Anderson plug gives a firm grip to stop disconnection under extreme vibration and the terminals are self cleaning making them ideal for a 4WD environment.
Why does everyone use Anderson Plugs?
An advantage of Anderson Plugs, is they will take a large amperage. I think they can take 50 amps up to 175 amps depending on the model. Great for sending power from say your vehicle to an electric winch on a boat trailer, dual battery system, air compressor. There are even water resistant covers for them now which helps with a permanent installation on your A frame for instance.
Where do I find a female Anderson Plug?
Now this will sound silly to start with but with an Anderson plug both ends are identical, but the design allows them to lock together to produce a very good contact between two cables
Anderson plugs do not have a male of female component. They simply plug into each other making them extremely universal, an advantage when buying as you don’t have to look for the male and female version they are the same.
What is a “Anderson Style Plug”?
An “Anderson Style Plug” is a copy or “similar style” of plug, mostly made from inferior products. Be very careful of these plugs and they are usually not as robust and can cuase electrical drama on the road.
These plugs even include the GENUINE ANDERSON TERMINAL / LUGS with the “A” symbol stamped into them BEWARE OF IMITATIONS!
- Anderson SB50 with #6AWG Contacts –
- Grey. Rated to 50Amps continuous use
- Voltage Rating: 600V;
- Contacts will accept wire from 6 to 16 AWG (1.3 – 13.3 sq mm).
Remember: Only plugs of the same colour plug together. (Red-Red, Grey-Grey etc).
John (verified owner) –
Dennis Emanuelli (verified owner) –
Stephen Pascoe (verified owner) –