Alternatives to EC5 connectors for drone battery (easier to plug/unplug) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Léa_drones_33
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 12:42:49 pm
content: Hi everyone,I’m currently working on a custom drone project where the battery is connected using an EC5 connector.The issue I’m facing is that EC5s are not very practical: plugging/unplugging requires a lot of force, and over time this puts stress on the power cables and they start to loosen.I’m looking for better alternatives that can handle similar or higher currents but are easier to mate/unmate without damaging the wires.So far I’ve been thinking about:XT90S (with anti-spark, but maybe still a bit stiff)QS8-S (seems more robust, but maybe overkill in terms of size/weight)Dock-style connectors (like Molex EXTreme Ten60Power or Amphenol PwrBlade), though I’m not sure if these are practical for drones.Do you have any experience with these, or other recommendations for connectors that are reliable, high-current, and user-friendly for frequent battery swaps?Thanks in advance for your advice!

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 02:44:48 pm
content: How about the bladed ones like Traxxas/Deans.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 03:09:23 pm
content: I second Deans. That's what I use for my models. For very heavy current, I use Anderson PowerPole (https://powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpole-connectors-15amp-bonded). Don't be scared by the price in that link.Shop around.

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 01:56:33 pm
content: Quote from: Léa_drones_33 on August 18, 2025, 12:42:49 pmThey don't seem designed for high mating cycles either. Amass has a new line of connector which actually latch, LCBxx, but from the few reviews it seems the latching tabs aren't very durable.Compact, low insertion/extraction force, latching, high mating cycles, low cost ... not available.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 07:37:53 pm
content: I don't fly drones but for my land-locked vehicles, I use XT60. The mating force of these is plenty high, but I use the type with boots as in the attached picture. This completely transforms the usability of the connectors. Similar XT90 varieties exist, which are closer in size and current handling to the EC5.

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 08:12:19 pm
content: The point was less mating force, not more. The alternative to just relying on friction is some kind of latching or screw collar.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 01:08:00 am
content: I doubt there is any significant difference between EC5, XT90, or QS8 in terms of mating force. They are all rated 90-120A so would have similar requirements.You can put a thin layer of dielectric grease and see if that reduces the friction.If you are worried about wires being damaged then a crimp connector is more reliable.But I only know of anderson powerpole which is only 45A. There may be some crimp XT60 and XT90, but hard to find.Amass LCB60 came up in a search too:https://www.china-amass.net/products/

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 02:19:34 am
content: The small Anderson Powerpole connectors (15-45A) don't need much force to connect or disconnect, in fact you may need to add something to prevent accidental disconnection.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 06:42:06 pm
content: Quote from: Marco on August 19, 2025, 08:12:19 pmMy point was that the extra boot part makes it easy to grab and easy to disconnect without resorting to pulling on the wires, which I assume is how you are damaging your wires.