Hey everyone! I'm working on a little project where I want to wire up a compact solar panel to a 12V LiFePo4 battery. I think I've got the basic idea down, but I'm looking for some advice on the best way to connect everything, especially since I also want to use the battery to power a radio at the same time while it's charging. I plan to use an MPPT charge controller and MC4 to wire cable to hook everything up, but I'm not sure how to connect both the charge controller and the radio power from the battery without running into issues. Any suggestions on routing the wiring safely? Would using connectors like WAGO or wire nuts be a good idea? Thanks for any tips!
2 Answers
For your setup, it’s important not to use those F-type connectors; they can create a loose fit which is risky. Instead, keep it simple by combining the wires from the charge controller and the power pole connector into a single terminal for both positive and negative connections directly on your battery. This should keep your connections secure. If your terminals are small, you might consider using terminal blocks or soldering the connections for better reliability. Just make sure everything is tightly secured!
Using WAGO connectors could actually be a smart move for this. They provide a compact way to make connections without the mess of soldering. Just be sure to check the amp rating to match your intended load. It’ll keep things tidy and safe while allowing you to run both the radio and charge the battery simultaneously!
Exactly! I love WAGO connectors for DIY projects like this. Just make sure to keep your connections neat to avoid any shorts.
I totally get that! But with the F2 terminals on your battery, you might want to look into adapters that can branch out to multiple connections. That way, you can safely connect everything without overloading any single terminal.