Anderson SB / Powerpole Connectors

Difficulty 2/50.5–2 hrs$10–1001984-1990, 1991-1995, 1996, 1997-2001

Anderson SB50 (gray, 50A) and SB175 (red, 175A) connectors are the off-road standard for quick-disconnect heavy loads — winches, jumper cables, solar input.

Anderson Powerpole-style connectors are genderless (you can mate any two of the same size), make a low-resistance connection, and disconnect cleanly even under partial load. The XJ community uses them everywhere:

SB50 (gray housing): 50A continuous, fits 6-10 AWG. Use for solar input panels, fridge feed-throughs, jumper cable extensions, removable accessories.
SB175 (red housing, larger): 175A continuous, fits 1/0-2 AWG. Use for winch quick-disconnects (mount one on front bumper and rear bumper so you can move the winch), and trailer power.
SB50 colored housings only mate with same color — gray-to-gray, red-to-red. Useful for keying so you don't accidentally cross-connect.

Crimping requires the proper Anderson crimper or a hammer crimper that can do the contacts. Always solder the strands inside the contact after crimping for max conductivity, but be aware soldered crimps are more brittle.

Protip: PP15/PP30/PP45 Powerpoles (smaller, red+black housings that snap together) are great for radio gear and accessory wiring inside the cabin.

Why it works

quick disconnect
rated for high amps
genderless

Trade-offs

need correct crimper
ugly if not enclosed

Tools required

Anderson crimper
hex crimp tool
wire strippers

Parts

Part	Vendor	Est. price
Anderson SB50 gray with 6 AWG contacts	Anderson Power Products	~$12
Anderson SB175 red with 1/0 AWG contacts	Anderson Power Products	~$30

Sources

{'title': 'Anderson Power Products SB Series', 'url': 'https://www.andersonpower.com/us/en/products/sb.html'}

Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.