Ring Terminal and Adapter Cables Explained for Power Stations

Quick answer

A ring terminal adapter cable joins a 12V lead acid battery to your power station so you can extend runtime or add capacity. Use a 6mm male to ring terminal adapter for a permanent single-battery connection, and a female MP120 to ring terminal cable when you want to link multiple 12V batteries to a Yeti power station. Match the connector on your power station's input port to the cable end, then tighten the ring terminals onto the battery posts.

What a ring terminal cable actually does

A ring terminal cable is a DC cable with a metal ring at one end that slides over a battery terminal post and a connector at the other end that plugs into your power station or solar generator. The ring end is bolted down with the battery's own terminal hardware, so the connection stays put instead of relying on a spring clamp. The plug end is keyed to a specific input, which is why the same battery can need different cables depending on the power station you own.

The practical benefit is capacity. A 12V lead acid battery stores energy your power station can pull from when its internal battery runs low. Ring terminals make that link semi-permanent, so you can leave the battery in place and reconnect the power station whenever you need a top-up.

Which connector fits your power station

Connector shape is the deciding factor, not brand loyalty. The 6mm male to ring terminal adapter ends in a 6mm male plug, so it fits power stations or solar generators that accept a 6mm input. The female MP120 to ring terminal cable ends in a female MP120 connector, which pairs with the MP120 input on Yeti power stations and is designed for adding 12V lead acid battery capacity.

Check the port on your power station before ordering. If the port is a 6mm barrel-style input, the 6mm male adapter is the match. If it is an MP120 input, you need the female MP120 cable. If your power station uses a different input entirely, neither cable will fit without an additional adapter.

How to connect a ring terminal to a battery

Work with the battery disconnected from any charger and the power station turned off. Slide the ring over the battery's positive or negative terminal post, matching the polarity marked on the cable and the battery, then tighten the terminal nut or bolt so the ring cannot rotate by hand. Repeat for the second ring on the other post, then plug the connector end into the power station input.

Once connected, check that the power station recognizes the external battery before you rely on it. If the input is loose or the ring is only finger-tight, the connection can heat up under load. A firm, clean metal-to-metal contact is the goal.

Adding more than one 12V battery

If you want to increase capacity beyond a single 12V lead acid battery, the cabling changes. The female MP120 to ring terminal cable connects multiple 12V lead acid batteries to increase the capacity of Yeti Power Stations, but it requires the male MP120 to ring terminal cable when you are adding more than one additional 12V lead acid battery. In other words, one cable handles the first battery; the second cable is needed to bring the next battery into the bank.

Plan the battery bank layout before you buy. Two batteries wired together need both cables present, and mixing cable types or leaving one out will stop the bank from working as intended.

Ring terminal cable FAQs

Can I leave the ring terminals connected all the time?

Yes. Ring terminals are designed for a more permanent connection than a clamp, so you can keep them bolted to the battery posts between uses. Just make sure the power station end is unplugged when the system is not in use. Permanent at the battery, removable at the power station.

Do I need one cable or two for two batteries?

One female MP120 to ring terminal cable handles the first 12V lead acid battery. Adding a second battery requires the male MP120 to ring terminal cable as well. Count your batteries before ordering.

What if my power station has a different input?

The 6mm male adapter and the female MP120 cable each fit a specific input type. If your power station uses neither, these cables will not connect without an additional adapter, and no adapter is listed in the catalog facts here. Match the connector to the port first.

Cables in this guide

• 6mm Male to Ring Terminal Adapter: 6mm Male to Ring Terminal Adapter with a 6mm input, ring terminal output, and 28 in. cord length, used with GZ product to 12V battery. A short, direct link for a single 12V lead acid battery when your power station has a 6mm input.
• Female MP120 to Ring Terminal: Female MP120 to Ring Terminal cable with an 8-gauge, 27 in. cord, used with AGM lead acid batteries, and requires the Male MP120 to Ring Terminal Cable when adding more than one additional 12V lead acid battery. The heavier gauge suits higher-current battery bank connections, and the second-cable requirement means you should buy both if you plan to run more than one extra battery.