Recommendation for multi-pin connector kits?

[BillCaswell]

I am looking for an all-around connector kits that are waterproof (automotive?), and come in a kit that has anywhere from 1-pin up to 6-pins. I've always used molex connectors in other projects in aviation, but am looking for more advanced, modern technology.

I thought that I would ask this forum because of the large number of connections that we need to make. My application is building a LiFePo4 house bank, but want to standardize across the boat.

What are people using these days that is state-of-the-art?

 

[Samsonite801]

I've used both of the connector kits at the following links with great success (need the special crimpers for these types of terminal ends):

MSD Superseal Connector Kit

Wiring the best ignition on the market requires quality electrical connectors. MSD now offers various electrical connector and heat shrink kits for all your wiring needs. Our offerings include Weathertight, Insulated, Non-insulated, Superseal, Open Barrel, Solder Sleeve Wire Splice and Heat...

madracingparts.com

and:

Rugged Roads OEM Style 6-Way Waterproof Connector - CRF1000L Africa Twin

www.advmotorrad.com

Also, NAPA Auto Parts usually always had quite a good selection of weatherproof connector options and even ready-made pigtails for many connector types as well...


EDIT:
I've used some of these Delphi ones too, although not from this supplier but is another example:

Delphi Weather Pack Pro Connector Assembly Kits

Delphi Weather Pack electrical connector kits in stock. Orders placed before 2pm PT ship same day. Free shipping to the US on orders $25 or more!

www.customconnectorkits.com

 

[toms]

Check out Deutsch connectors.

 

[400bird]

Check out Deutsch connectors.

I love Deutsch connectors! They are by far the easiest connectors to de-pin. Their also super robust compared to some other options.
The special crimper can be pricy, but work purchased my set.

 

[l00semarble]

2nd Deutsch

 

[Pappion]

The above are good for connect and forget use. With occasional disconnect. If they are tin plated it's helps to use a contact cleaner/lubricant to prevent vibration induced fretting wear. I use Deoxit, auto parts stores have similar.
3M The Tin Commandments.
Anything cycled connect-disconnect frequently should be gold platted. I use XT45, XT60, or XT90. A pain to solder, so I buy them with pigtails.

BTW: Deoxit works great for my RV plug and the Parks socket. No longer melting plugs on my pricey surge protectors. I use the new non-flammable version. Before that I just waited for evaporation.

 

[toms]

The above are good for connect and forget use. With occasional disconnect. If they are tin plated it's helps to use a contact cleaner/lubricant to prevent vibration induced fretting wear. I use Deoxit, auto parts stores have similar.
3M The Tin Commandments.
Anything cycled connect-disconnect frequently should be gold platted. I use XT45, XT60, or XT90. A pain to solder, so I buy them with pigtails.

BTW: Deoxit works great for my RV plug and the Parks socket. No longer melting plugs on my pricey surge protectors. I use the new non-flammable version. Before that I just waited for evaporation.

You can get gold plated deutsch connectors. I don’t have any component on my power system that need disconnecting often enough to warrant them. Anti fretting compound is a good idea in any case.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

I've always used molex connectors in other projects in aviation, but am looking for more advanced, modern technology.

Molex is fine. As with butter, sirloin steaks, qtips, and wheels in general more advanced modern technology cannot improve them.

 

[toms]

Molex is fine. As with butter, sirloin steaks, qtips, and wheels in general more advanced modern technology cannot improve them.

Molex is OK, no good in a damp environment though.

 

[AnarchyJet]

What is the max current you are looking to carry though the connector. Aptiv Metripack 150 is good to 14 amps. Metripack 280 is good to 30 A. Metripack 480 is good to 42A. Metripack 630 is good to 46A.
Amphenol AT series is the same as Deutsch but costs less. They are good to 13a

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Molex is OK, no good in a damp environment though.

I thought the Molex was gasket it and waterproofed?

 

[toms]

I thought the Molex was gasket it and waterproofed?

This is a typical molex connector, they do make waterproof ones but i haven’t used them.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

This is a typical molex connector, they do make waterproof ones but i haven’t used them.

Ah. And I haven’t ever looked for connectors that aren’t waterproof so I guess I was skewed in my awareness.

 

[BillCaswell]

I love Deutsch connectors! They are by far the easiest connectors to de-pin. Their also super robust compared to some other options.
The special crimper can be pricy, but work purchased my set.

I'm ordering a Deutsch kit with their fancy crimper

 

[BillCaswell]

2nd Deutsch

I'm ordering a Deutsch kit with their fancy crimper. That makes me a third...

 

[Leeds]

I buy these 6 pin pre-built connectors. (One side can be 8 pins but I just ignore/snip the add on 2 pin part.

Cut these in half and you've got a very handy connector all ready to go.

If you put one side on a terminal block then you only need to solder and shrink wrap the 6 lines coming from the other end. Very fast and easy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09JSK6D6C

 

[Leeds]

Just re-read the original post on this thread and realized that I offered a solution that's not waterproof or cutting edge. Oh well. They're great for dry panel to panel wiring anyway.

 

[svsagres]

I used milspec amphenol connectors for my through-deck connectors. Overkill? yeah, but they're watertight and reliable. I have a 15 pin at the base of my sailboat's mast that lets me disconnect the entire mast (other than VHF antenna) with one connector. Masthead Light, tri-light, deck light, steaming light, wind sensor, and loudhailer.

 

[BillCaswell]

I'm ordering a Deutsch kit with their fancy crimper

This is what I ended up buying. I can use these on my boat, my plane, in the hangar workshop and in my home workshop. I occasionally use gold-plated when connecting to sensitive avionics equipment. In the past, I've used Molex connectors with gold plated pins when passing signals. These connectors seem to be of high quality. I will try a few in non critical applications, where I can monitor there performance.

 

[peakbagger]

While we are talking connectors,. any one know of a company that sells and assortment of tools for taking pins out of Amphenol connectors? The factory tools that I find on line are pretty steep.

 

[AnarchyJet]

https://www.amazon.com/Depinning-Electrical-Connector-Extractor-Automotive/dp/B0922GF9W8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=terminal+removal+tool+kit&qid=1672867462&sprefix=terminal+r%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFLOUo1SkM3RzczODkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4NDc4OTEzUkdSM005WUVVUko1JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2NjY2MTJEVkNJRDFQOUhFUFMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

[peakbagger]

Thanks for the quick reply