ice cap ballast wire connector

an411 · 04/01/2008, 09:38 AM

I have my MH wired with wire nuts I was wondering if there is anything that I can use to make a quick connect like the PFO ballasts that I had. I just want to be able to disconnect easier so I can clean my reflectors easier. Is there anything that I can do to make this happen?

sgarron · 04/01/2008, 09:55 AM

You can use heavy duty outlet connectors from HD or Lowes, they also come in a twist type.

nasotang · 04/01/2008, 10:25 AM

If you're willing to replace the lamp cable you could go with a PFO lamp chord and matching Sun System Female Detachable Receptacle.

an411 · 04/01/2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sgarron
You can use heavy duty outlet connectors from HD or Lowes, they also come in a twist type.

So this would be like having a female and male plug. One wired to each end type of deal. like an exstention cord?

Dakota Reef · 04/01/2008, 11:46 AM

If you don't mind spending a little more you can use these....

Icecap Quick Connects

There are both male and female versions.

DarG · 04/01/2008, 12:32 PM

They have molex type connectors at the electronics suppliers like Mouser or Digikey. rat shack sells them as well. My icecap ballast is further away that the connector wires are long so I needed extra length and a quick disconnect for my light rack. I had a couple extra wire harnesses for the 660 so I cut the wires off of a spare (so I could match wire colors) and wired up to one of these molex type connectors. They are available in all number of contacts ... 6 pin, 9 pin, 13 pin, 20 pin .... whatever you need for your application.

I picked mine up from Rat Shack instead of waiting for an online order to arrive. It works fine. I think they may be crimpable but I solder everything I can for the best connection. The male and female connectors just pull apart and push back together. There isnt a whole lot of current through the wires and the plugs are rated higher anyway so it is electrically safe. Shouldnt be any signifigant losses through the connector either, not enough to matter. Its really no different than the connectors on the Ice cap extension harness.

Personally, if I couldnt solder or didnt have the equipment I think I would just buy the Icecap extension.

an411 · 04/01/2008, 01:04 PM

awesome thanks for the info I want to get something like this I just wasn't sure if there was anything out there that would help me with a quick disconnect but now that i got some ideas I am going to get this situated and looking nice and neat.

DarG · 04/01/2008, 03:59 PM

Oops. For some reason I thought you needed a disconnect for the flourescent ballast. I wouldnt use that molex type in my picture for the halides. Too much power through it.

04/01/2008, 09:38 AM	#1
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	ice cap ballast wire connector I have my MH wired with wire nuts I was wondering if there is anything that I can use to make a quick connect like the PFO ballasts that I had. I just want to be able to disconnect easier so I can clean my reflectors easier. Is there anything that I can do to make this happen?

04/01/2008, 09:55 AM	#2
sgarron Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 651	You can use heavy duty outlet connectors from HD or Lowes, they also come in a twist type. __________________ You want cheap, Get a goldfish.

04/01/2008, 10:25 AM	#3
nasotang Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: SF Bay Posts: 576	If you're willing to replace the lamp cable you could go with a PFO lamp chord and matching Sun System Female Detachable Receptacle. __________________ -Mike Current Tank Info: ELOS 120XL , PowerModule 10x54 watt, Vortech MP40, BK250 Internal, Custom Sump 2010-210 reef , (2)400w MH Luminarc , 50 gallon sump, 18 gallon refugiu, 30 gallon r-DSB, BK250 internal, OM-8way

04/01/2008, 11:46 AM	#5
Dakota Reef Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Dakota Posts: 222	If you don't mind spending a little more you can use these.... Icecap Quick Connects There are both male and female versions.

04/01/2008, 12:32 PM	#6
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	They have molex type connectors at the electronics suppliers like Mouser or Digikey. rat shack sells them as well. My icecap ballast is further away that the connector wires are long so I needed extra length and a quick disconnect for my light rack. I had a couple extra wire harnesses for the 660 so I cut the wires off of a spare (so I could match wire colors) and wired up to one of these molex type connectors. They are available in all number of contacts ... 6 pin, 9 pin, 13 pin, 20 pin .... whatever you need for your application. I picked mine up from Rat Shack instead of waiting for an online order to arrive. It works fine. I think they may be crimpable but I solder everything I can for the best connection. The male and female connectors just pull apart and push back together. There isnt a whole lot of current through the wires and the plugs are rated higher anyway so it is electrically safe. Shouldnt be any signifigant losses through the connector either, not enough to matter. Its really no different than the connectors on the Ice cap extension harness. Personally, if I couldnt solder or didnt have the equipment I think I would just buy the Icecap extension.

04/01/2008, 01:04 PM	#7
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	awesome thanks for the info I want to get something like this I just wasn't sure if there was anything out there that would help me with a quick disconnect but now that i got some ideas I am going to get this situated and looking nice and neat.

04/01/2008, 03:59 PM	#8
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Oops. For some reason I thought you needed a disconnect for the flourescent ballast. I wouldnt use that molex type in my picture for the halides. Too much power through it.