I've been setting up my off-grid camping gear and noticed the new SOLIX F3800 Plus doesn't utilize the standard XT60 connectors for solar input. It seems like a few others are a bit puzzled by this too, so I did some digging into the specifications and did some hands-on testing. From what I've gathered, it seems like Anker made this change for safety reasons. XT60 connectors are suitable for most small DC equipment (under 60V), but the F3800 Plus can handle voltages over 160V. Regular XT60 connectors that lack UL 62109 certification aren't really rated for those higher voltages, which poses a safety risk. This seems to be why Anker has introduced a proprietary high-voltage cable with benefits like being voltage-ready (about 160V+), having fully enclosed contacts (reducing shock risk), and boasting 10x the durability with a rating for up to 5000 plug cycles. While I initially thought Anker was just locking us into proprietary components, it looks like a legitimate safety enhancement. I understand the preference for the more universal MC4, but what would everyone prefer: sticking with standard plugs or opting for the safety of this new proprietary solution? I'd love to hear your thoughts or any personal experiences you've had with the new port!
1 Answer
I personally lean towards sticking with the MC4 connectors since they're the industry standard and rated for up to 1100VDC. Honestly, I doubt Anker's proprietary connector will offer any significant safety boost over that.
While MC4 is reliable and widely used, it’s worth noting it might not hold up well with constant insertions. I've read that it only withstands a few hundred cycles, which is fine for stationary setups but not ideal for portable systems. That said, we shouldn't have to resort to proprietary solutions—there are high-rated standard connectors out there.