Ham Radio Tech: Watch this Easy Way to Install Anderson Powerpoles®

Posted by OnAllBands on March 20, 2025 at 1:55 pm

Plus, Powerpoles and Related Products Available at DX Engineering.

Enter “Powerpoles” at DXEngineering.com and you’ll get an eyeful—hundreds of ham radio products, from power supplies to DC outlet panels, solar panels to fuse blocks—featuring Anderson Powerpoles. Plus, DX Engineering carries a nice selection of Powerpole connectors, contacts, and housings, along with some handy tools for installing these compact, genderless, color-coded, easy-to-use, and versatile electrical connectors used for carrying DC power.

Anderson Powerpoles are the standard 12Vdc power connector for amateur radio emergency organizations including ARES® and RACES. This standardization allows equipment from different hams to be used together without adapters in emergencies and other operating situations.

A History of Making Connections

The Powerpole story began in 1877 when brothers Albert and Johan founded the Albert and J.M. Anderson Manufacturing Co. Albert guided the company toward making products for the electric light and power industry from the company’s plant—a converted brewery in downtown Boston. Over the years they would develop a series of disparate products, including the Trolley Pole (a support mechanism used in the overhead system of electric railways), Transit Cycles (yes, actual bicycles), and Automatic Time Switches. In 1953, they pioneered the SB® Connector, a robust two-piece device that powered everything from forklifts to wheelchairs.

The company’s Powerpole family of connectors was invented in 1964 in response to a request from the Bay Area Rapid Transit in San Francisco. Today, Anderson Power Products is an international leader in power connection solutions, with a worldwide customer base from its manufacturing facilities in Sterling, Massachusetts; Warrington, United Kingdom; and three Asia Pacific facilities.

Powerpole Installation Tips

In the video below, DX Engineering’s Michael Murphy, KI8R, demonstrates the ease of installing Powerpoles using the DX Engineering Ratcheting Crimp Connector Tool. The tool is available with die for wire terminals and 15, 30, and 45A Powerpoles. It also comes without die or in the DX Engineering Ultra-Grip 2 Crimp Connector Tool Kit, which includes additional dies, coaxial cable sheers, precision braid trimmers, and case.

DX Engineering Ratcheting Crimp Connector Tool with Die for Powerpoles — DX Engineering Ratcheting Crimp Connector Tool with Die for Wire Terminals and Powerpoles (Image/DX Engineering)

KI8R also discusses 12 Volt Power’s Quick Connect Powerpole Connector (below), which allows you to quickly add a pair of Powerpole connectors to your pre-stripped wire leads without the need for a crimping tool. Simply insert your pre-stripped wire and lock down the connector. Made with genuine Anderson Powerpole connectors, the Quick Connector is compatible with 12 to 18 AWG wire and is rated for up to 30A.