how to wire panels into camper

brkylnkid · Jul 21, 2020

Hi all,
im trying to figure out easiest way to wire portable 200w panel into the controller in my camper. what do you all recommend? I have 15ft 10awg mc4 cables coming from panels and would like to put a male plug at end of cables and female on camper for easy connection. 15 ft seems enough for me to move my panels where they will collect enough light even if i park in shade. im going with 10 awg cable as I'll probably increase to a 4 panel system and need up to 30amp wire. which plug setup to you guys recommend ? thx for input

mopat · Jul 21, 2020

TheGriz · Jul 21, 2020

I have a factory bulkhead for solar hookup if that is what you are referring to. Note though its only rated for 10amp. I wired up a "pigtail" to plug into that bulkhead and Anderson Powerpole on other end. I'm thinking you can get stockier bulkhead for 20 or 30 amps. See pictures.

Pierre · Jul 21, 2020

Brad Harrison connectors.

tictag · Jul 24, 2020

Ordinarily I would agree with @mopat and suggest keeping it simple with MC4 connectors but, they are a bit of a pain to connect/disconnect and if you are doing this regularly, I would probably recommend either Anderson Power Pole connectors:

Note: these are not waterproof so the connector will need to be inside your van.

...or as @TheGriz says, a bulkhead mounted connector. Note: you can get MC4 bulkhead mountable connectors!

TheGriz · Jul 24, 2020

tictag said:
Ordinarily I would agree with @mopat and suggest keeping it simple with MC4 connectors but, they are a bit of a pain to connect/disconnect and if you are doing this regularly, I would probably recommend either Anderson Power Pole connectors:

View attachment 18337

Note: these are not waterproof so the connector will need to be inside your van.

...or as @TheGriz says, a bulkhead mounted connector. Note: you can get MC4 bulkhead mountable connectors!

Agree on MC4s, and already using the Anderson Powerpoles. I am a ham operator and stock those puppies...very popular in amateur radio.

Pierre · Jul 24, 2020

In ZA it is quite common to mount the Brad Harrison / Anderson plug (same thing) externally to caravans and tow vehicles.
The spacing between the poles are so large that one will not have flash over or leakage current even when wet. To expel any moisture a quick spray of WD40 does the trick. I have towed my offroad caravan through rivers etc , connectors getting soaked and with no ill effect.

tictag · Jul 25, 2020

You could always heatshrink the connectors and squirt a load of hot glue inside ... just kidding.

how to wire panels into camper

brkylnkid

New Member

mopat

Solar Enthusiast

TheGriz

More Power Scottie!!!

Attachments

Pierre

Somewhere down South

tictag

Off-Grid Enthusiast