How to Choose the Right Maytronics Dolphin Cleaner Replacement Cable

This guide explains you how to understand the differences among the cables so that you will be able to select the right cable or cables for your specific Maytonics Dolphin Robotic Cleaner. When you look on our Maytonics Dolphin Cleaner parts list for a replacement cable, you will see up to 7 options to choose from for your specific cleaner. This can be confusing especially since the cable descriptions are minimal and abbreviated like: "CABLE AND SWV ASSY 18M DYN DC". 

1. ASSY – A major distinction between the types of cables is how the plug on the motor end of the cable is designed. For most of the older Robotic models, the cord was installed through the small hole in the SIDE panel of the cleaner.  Generally, the opening on the side was too small for the cord to go through with the plug on the end, and therefore, the wires needed to be threaded through the opening first and then attached to a plug before being connected to the motor after. These cables with “assembled” plugs are designated as “ASSY” in the cord’s abbreviated description.

2. DIY – The “ASSY” type plugs tended to leak over time and were not considered a customer repairable part. So a molded plug was designed and was permanently attached to the motor end of the cable. Instead of coming through the small hole in the side, the cable entered through the TOP of the cleaner and was simply plugged into the top of the motor. Because this cable design was much simpler to install, it was designated as “DIY” for Do It Yourself in the cable description.

3. ASSY to DIY - The designs of many of the newer SIDE installed models are being modified to accept the molded plug through a larger hole. Therefore, if you have to replace a SIDE installed cable on a newer SIDE model, you would now select the DIY cable. If you have an older SIDE design, you will have to replace it with the older ASSY option.

4. RAW - Refers to the loose wires on the motor end of the ASSY cable prior to being attached to an assembled plug.

5. RETROFIT KIT – Refers to the parts of the assembled plug that are attached to the RAW end of the cable. Most ASSY cables use the universal Retrofit kit, 9991279. Supreme M4, Supreme M% Wave 65 and Wave 90 use Retrofit kit, 9991273. Wave XL uses 9991274. Note, you will have to buy this Retrofit kit separately. It is not provided with the ASSY cable. Also, in some descriptions for a Retrofit kit, you will see "KIT OF 5" This option is for dealers who might what extras on hand. The typical owner only needs one and would the kit as 9991279SGL.

6. DIAG vs DYN – Cables with a DIAG (Diagnostic) designation have 2 lines or pins. Cables with a DYN (Dynamic) designation have 3 lines or pins. The third line is used to communicate with a remote control.

7. Springs – There are two options for the protective spring on the top of the molded plug: metal and rubber. These are only on the DIY cables that are installed at the TOP. Rubber cables are designated as “M4” in the cable description.

8. XXM – Example 18M or 1.2M refers to the length of the cable.  1M equals 3.28 feet so these examples would convert to ~60 feet and ~4 feet.

9. SWV  - Refers to the Swivel option incorporated in the cables of some of the newer models to help keep the cable from twisting during operation. The Swivel can be added to either an ASSY of DIY cable. Also, a Swivel cable can be used to replace an older non-swivel cable.

10. SHORT CABLES – Refers to the approximately 4-foot  (1.2M) cable that replaces the cable section between the motor and part of the Swivel. The Swivel comes apart to accept the replacement. The purpose of these short cables is to enable you to upgrade an older assembled plug style (ASSY) to the newer molded plug style (DIY)  without having to replace the whole cable. The original cable has to have a swivel and the molded plug must be able to be installed through the top or through a larger hole in a modified side panel. This short cable will not fix a broken swivel since that mechanism is on the end of the longer cable.

11. EXAMPLE 1 - In the parts list for a Maytronics Dolphin TRITON Robotic Cleaner, scroll down to Key 17 and you will find a list of six replacement cable options. Since the cable of a Triton plugs into the top of the cleaner, you will be looking for an 18M cable with a part number ending in DIY - a cable with an attached molded plug. The cables ending in ASSY are older versions that have been replaced by the DIY design. .For this example, you will find two options: 9995872 - DIY, and 9995873 - DIY. Select 9995872 - DIY.  In the picture, you will see a long cable with a swivel, a METAL spring and a molded attached motor plug. The cable description is "CABLE AND SWV ASSY 18M DYN DC". This is translated as a cable with a swivel assembly, 18 meters long with 3 pins (DYN). "DC" stands for Direct Current which is non-descriptive since all Dolphins motors used DC power.

12. EXAMPLE 2 - In the same parts list for a Maytronics Dolphin TRITON Robotic Cleaner, select  the last cable 9995873 - DIY. In this cable picture, you will see an almost identical cable as above, but it will have a rubber spring instead of a metal spring. The "M4' designation in the product description identifies this cable as having a rubber spring. Select the cable in these two examples that has the spring type of your current cable.

13. EXAMPLE 3 - In the parts list for a Maytronics Dolphin NAUTILUS Robotic Cleaner, scroll down to Key 17 and you will find a list of seven replacement cable options. Since the cable of a NAUTILUS also plugs into the top of the cleaner, you will again be looking for an 18M cable with a part number ending in DIY. As above, ignore the older ASSY options. For this example, you will find three DIY 18M options: 9995851-DIY, 9995861-DIY, and 99958 62-DIY. If you select 9995851-DIY, you will see a long cable with NO SWIVEL, a METAL spring and a MOLDED plug on the motor end of the cable. If you select 9995861-DIY, you will see a long cable with a SWIVEL, a METAL spring and a MOLDED plug If you select 9995862-DIY, you will see a long cable with a SWIVEL, a RUBBER spring and a MOLDED plug on the motor end of the cable. Pick the 18M cable that matches your current cable.

14. BOTTOM LINE - Now that you have a better idea of what makes up a cable design, look at your current cable and try to match or upgrade (ASSY to DIY) it to the options provided for your Dolphin Cleaner.

If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!

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