How We Started: Inventing Flat-Wiping Contact Technology
Global Growth and Expansion of Anderson Power
Modernizing for the Future of Power Connectors
1920: Manufacturing Automatic Time Switches
1896: Manufacturing Transit Cycles
1970: European Expansion
2001: Entering the IDEAL® Industries Family
Anderson Power is founded as the "Albert & J. M. Anderson Manufacturing Co." in Boston, MA. The two brothers convert an old brewery into a foundry focused on electrical power products.
1877: The Beginning
During the bicycle boom, the Anderson brothers manufacture the Transit Cycle to meet demand.
The company manufactures time switches for industrial applications, used to open and close an electric circuit at predetermined times.
Responding to increased product demand, Anderson Power opens its first warehouse in Europe. European manufacturing operations follow in 1988.
Anderson Power is acquired by parent company IDEAL® Industries, a family-owned business and global leader in power solutions.
The company introduces cable assemblies pre-crimped with SB® Series connectors, providing a turn-key DC power cable solution.
2025: Launch of Cable Assembly Capabilities
Anderson Power introduces the Industrial Battery Connector (IBC), a DIN-compliant connector with an industry-leading IP68 and temperature sensing options.
2025: Introduction of DIN-Compliant Connector
Anderson Power expands its sealed connector offerings for Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) with the SBS®XPRO and 6 Pole Mini SPEC Pak®.
2024: Expansion of Sealed Connectors
Founder Johan M. Anderson develops the trolley pole used in electric railways.
1890: Invention of the Trolley Pole
Anderson Power develops the popular SB connector for industrial forklifts. Modern variations on this connector have powered everything from wheelchairs to golf carts.
1953: Invention of the SB® Connector
In response to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system needs in San Francisco, Anderson Power develops its signature Powerpole Connector Series.
1964: Invention of the Powerpole® Connector
Anderson Power expands the Saf-D-Grid Series to support AC applications. The company also introduces a new SPEC Pak connector for compact industrial applications.
2016: Launch of Saf-D-Grid® AC and 5-Position Mid-Power SPEC Pak®
The company debuts the SBSX-75A, a connector specifically engineered for rugged, weatherproof, and outdoor motive equipment applications.
2021: Introduction of SBS®X-75A
To serve smaller DC power connections, the company expands its SBS Series with the introduction of the SBS Mini.
2015: Introduction of SBS® Mini
Anderson Power introduces the mini SPEC Pak connector to support compact, rugged applications. The SB Smart connector supports intelligent storage batteries.
2013: Launch of Mini SPEC® Pak and SB® Smart
To meet accelerating data center power demands, the company launches the Saf-D-Grid Max and Saf-D-Grid 3 Phase 20A to support higher voltages and currents.
2025: Saf-D-Grid Portfolio Expands
The company launches the SBS75G connector, designed to provide high power within a compact, ergonomic housing.
2012: Introduction of SBS®75G
In response to the growth of lithium-ion technology, Anderson Power engineers begin to develop connectors that support Li-Ion batteries.
2010: R&D Focus on Lithium-Ion
The company's signature Saf-D-Grid Connector is introduced, providing an industry-leading high-power interconnect for DC data centers.
2010: Launch of Saf-D-Grid®
Anderson Power launches its Sealed Power for Environmental Connectors (SPEC) Pak connectors, ideal when rugged or weatherproof interconnects are required.
2009: Introduction of SPEC Pak®
The company introduces the Powerpole T-Pak, ideal for industrial and commercial applications.
2008: Launch of Powerpole® T-Pak
The Multi Axial Rotational Connector (MARC) is launched to support medical and mobility applications.
2006: MARC Connector Launched
Anderson Power Introduces the SBS50 connector to support robotics, motive power, and more. The company also opens a sales office in Asia.
2004: Introduction of SBS®50
Anderson Power opens a manufacturing facility in Shenzen, China as well as a distribution center in Hong Kong. The company also introduces three unique connectors–PowerMod®, Power Drawer®, and Power Clip®–to meet new power needs.
2003: Asia Expansion and New Connectors
The Euro Battery Series is introduced, providing DIN-Style connectors for the material handling industry in Europe.
2003: Launch of Euro Battery Connector
