{"id":9346,"date":"2025-09-18T14:59:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:59:07","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-05-26T09:53:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:53:48","slug":"sealed-connectors-the-importance-of-enhanced-signaling-and-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonpower.com\/en-in\/sealed-connectors-the-importance-of-enhanced-signaling-and-power\/","title":{"rendered":"Sealed Connectors: The Importance of Enhanced Signaling and Power Capabilities for the Future of OPE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The rise of battery-powered, tech-savvy outdoor power equipment is creating new demand for advanced power and signaling in high power density connectors. Anderson Power\u2122 is leading the charge with new, innovative sealed connector solutions.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor power equipment (OPE) is going \u201csmart\u201d.  The newest snowmobiles, lawnmowers, snowblowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers are incorporating<\/a> innovative smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve their functioning and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zero-turn electric lawnmowers packed<\/a> with features like Bluetooth connectivity, expanded user interfaces, and LED lights are becoming common. The latest battery-powered snowblowers include programming<\/a> designed to match the user\u2019s natural walking pace. Autonomous equipment like self-driving tractors<\/a> and robotic lawnmowers<\/a> are using advanced GPS tracking and smartphone apps to control their operation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The popularity of this smart equipment is expected to grow as customers embrace enhanced convenience, efficiency, and user control. However, these high-tech, battery-powered designs require more power and data transmission capabilities from their connectors than ever before. New Anderson Power connectors like the SBS\u00aeXPRO and SBS\u00aeX-75A<\/a> feature the power and signaling capabilities that electrical design engineers and quality engineers require to power their latest innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Auxiliary Signals in Battery Connectors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Before exploring these connector solutions, the role of power and signaling in high-tech OPE designs is important to consider. Auxiliary signals are the physical, auxiliary pins within a battery connector. Signals are used to transfer data and keep tabs on the batteries and electrical loads like motors. Engineers can use signals to monitor battery lifespan, mating cycles, internal temperature, control brushless motor sequencing, communicate with the battery monitoring system (BMS), and more. This intelligent data is useful to maintain peak battery and motor performance. The data flags any potential battery maintenance issues, permitting the user to respond proactively to issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The need for signaling in OPE designs is growing. Large electric equipment that used to require four signals might require six or even eight signals today to support all their technological features. Standard battery connectors only provide four or six signals, so those that offer eight provide design and quality engineers with an advantage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Black<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The SBSX-75A Connector from Anderson Power is an example of a sealed connector with up to six signals and two power contacts.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

More auxiliary signals are also particularly useful to monitor the growing number of lithium-ion (Li-ion) powered equipment. Li-ion technology enables fast charging<\/a>, but excessive or improper charging can lead<\/a> to overheating and, in rare cases, thermal runaway. This phenomenon involves<\/a> a chain reaction in which the battery heats rapidly and releases toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newer connectors with six or eight auxiliary contacts can be used to provide extra Li-ion temperature monitoring capabilities. The real-time battery data from the auxiliary pins provides an additional layer of safety by enabling a proactive response to any overheating issues. This also helps to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion powered equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This advantage is particularly important as the switch to battery powered equipment from internal combustion engine (ICE) equipment continues. 44% of OPE customers expect<\/a> to purchase battery-powered equipment in the future, compared to only 35% for gas-powered models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Exploded<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A detailed illustration of the SBSXPRO Connector from Anderson Power that shows the power contacts and signal pins.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Power Contacts in a Battery Connector?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The other important consideration for battery connectors involves their power contacts. Power contacts are the conductive elements, typically metal pins or blades, that establish a secure and efficient electrical connection to the battery. These contacts facilitate the flow of electrical current through the connector, enabling equipment to draw power from the battery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power contacts are often the point of failure on a connector, but flat-wiping contacts help ensure a durable and reliable connection. Invented by Anderson Power in 1954, flat-wiping contacts<\/a> over-wipe to self-clean the mating surface when engaged or disengaged. The universal, genderless design includes a sacrificial tip which confines damage to a non-conducting area when mating or breaking under load. Using these features, flat-wiping contacts deliver long-lasting performance in demanding industrial environments. They help reduce inventory costs, expand storage battery life, and simplify assembly. The power contacts on the SBSX Sealed Connector Series<\/a> from Anderson Power are flat-wiping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most battery connectors provide two power contacts in total. However, three power contacts can come in handy for certain OPE designs with brushless DC motors<\/a>. Using the extra power contact, design engineers can replace the traditionally hardwired internal connection between an equipment\u2019s power source and its motors and controllers with a connector. This allows users to disconnect the battery by simply unplugging the connector rather than necessitating specialized tools, significantly speeding up equipment assembly and repairs. Battery connectors that offer three power contacts thus provide an effective and convenient maintenance interconnect solution<\/a> for brushless motor designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some connectors that deliver three power contacts lack robust signaling capabilities, requiring OEMs to purchase separate signaling connectors. To avoid this inconvenience, the best approach involves obtaining a connector that combines high power and advanced signaling into an all-in-one solution. For example, the SBSXPRO<\/a> from Anderson Power provides up to eight signals and three power contacts in one powerful connector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should Design Engineers Look for in Battery Connectors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To support the needs of tomorrow\u2019s outdoor power equipment, battery connectors must deliver the required levels of power and signaling while remaining tightly sealed against water\/dust intrusion. Larger applications and more technologically-advanced applications will usually require more auxiliary signals than smaller applications. Regardless of size, electrical design and quality engineers should look for options that combine their required power and signaling into one connector for maximum convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of combining power and signaling include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n