Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist?

   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #1  

powerscol

Veteran Member
Joined
May 25, 2010
Messages
2,328
Location
SW Colorado
Tractor
CT 235
On my bobcat CT235 I have aux power wiring to the rear to run a light. Its factory and has existing bullet connectors on the wiring. I currently have a light plugged into these that I would like to keep. I need to tap into this to run an electric sprayer, I an trying to find a T splice that will fit between the existing bullet connections. I do not want to use a crimp on line splice as they damage wiring.

My other option is to run a new line and plug to the back. I have seen these posted here, but cant find the thread.

I have searched all my local auto parts stores, but the folks are stumped at what I am trying to do.

Can anyone help me in this endeavor?

Thanks Keith
 
   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #2  
I do a LOT of electrical on trailers, boats, and auto/trucks (and now my tractor) and have a number of different methods. If I understand your requirement, you want to achieve a place to plug in a attachment on the rear of the tractor. If that is the case, I would recommend a new run from the battery with a inline fuse right at the battery to a switch located wherever is convenient and then to a connector on the back of the tractor somewhere where it won't get tangled in all the other hardware, and here's what I'd recommend is something like this:
SB/SY Connector Housings - 50 Amp
5634_primary_225px.jpg

I use these a lot, the different colors available are mutually exclusive, meaning a red won't connect to a gray or black, so you can have multiple and not cross connect accidentally. They are 50Amp contacts, so it will handle most any attachment you need, the contacts are extremely rugged, and since they wipe on insert, even if they sit for a while when you plug in you'll get a decent connection. I use them for such things as a pigtail for battery charging, and the 300Amp units will actually work for jump start service for small engines.

Just to reiterate, PUT A FUSE INLINE AT THE BATTERY! you MUST protect the wiring, you can put a fuse on the device of a lower amperage if you want, but be sure to protect that long run of wire (and your tractor). I've seen this mistake made by so called mobile audio specialists installing big amps in trunks of cars, and a pinch under a seat can (and I've seen it) cause the whole car to go up in flames, could be prevented with a $5 inline fuse AT THE BATTERY!
 
   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #3  
Anderson connectors are the BEST. For everything except huge amperage battery disconnects, I like their next size down "powerpole" connectors. Exactly the same idea and you can still get contacts rated for up to 350 amps, but they take up less space! Can also be "stacked" for two or more conductors with the individual housings pinned together. Be sure to buy contacts sized to match your wire/conductor.

Powerpole(R) Stackable Connectors, Anderson Power Products
 
   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #4  
On my bobcat CT235 I have aux power wiring to the rear to run a light. Its factory and has existing bullet connectors on the wiring. I currently have a light plugged into these that I would like to keep. I need to tap into this to run an electric sprayer, I an trying to find a T splice that will fit between the existing bullet connections. I do not want to use a crimp on line splice as they damage wiring.

My other option is to run a new line and plug to the back. I have seen these posted here, but cant find the thread.

I have searched all my local auto parts stores, but the folks are stumped at what I am trying to do.

Can anyone help me in this endeavor?

Thanks Keith

Throwing all other warnings and cautions about overload, circuit damage, and what have you out the window & assuming you've done your "due diligence" in electrical safety already . . . .

Why can't you just take 2 short pieces of wire and some matching crimp on bullet connectors and make a Y to split the 1 circuit into 2?
No fuss, No muss, totally un-doable in the future.

I'm betting you probably have at least some of the tools / materials you need on hand already but if not - one quick trip back to the Auto Parts store will get you everything you need.
 
   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #5  
   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #6  
If it's in a protected area I just use a wire nut, if not I use 3M Scotchlok #314 connectors. I definitely agree to not use the line splice connectors.
 
   / Bullet / barrel T splice connectors - do they exist? #7  
Anderson connectors are the BEST. For everything except huge amperage battery disconnects, I like their next size down "powerpole" connectors. Exactly the same idea and you can still get contacts rated for up to 350 amps, but they take up less space! Can also be "stacked" for two or more conductors with the individual housings pinned together. Be sure to buy contacts sized to match your wire/conductor.

Powerpole(R) Stackable Connectors, Anderson Power Products

Not exactly correct as the electric fork lift industry uses the larger series on even 72 volt 5000 lb lift trucks.
Tow trucks also use them for booster cables.
My cables and vehicles are equipped with the large series as well. Great set up, never need to open the hood to boost.
 

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