Carflex revisited [RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

I'm all for plug-in module connectors, but they have to pass the better, faster,
cheaper test.
Better? How do plugs perform in temperature and moisture? What is their
warranted field life?
Faster? Plug-in modules are definitely faster when the plugs are factory
installed and pre-tested.
Cheaper? Plugs save on field labor, but how much do plugs add to module price?
$4 to $8 per male-female set? More? Less?
Anyone in this group doing shop and field installed plugs?
What brand, type do you recommend?

Bill Brooks wrote:

> Joel,
>
> Have a nice juicy slice of tomahto.
>
> There may be many who object to exposed wire in the array, but it is allowed
> in the code. Even the Chicago inspectors, who require everything in conduit
> have been softening on their position about requiring conduit in arrays.
>
> As I have pointed out on several occasions, not all PV modules are
> conduit-ready. Meaning, you may be creating a much worse hazard by
> connecting conduit since the junction box could pop off the back of the
> module. Very few people check on the rating of the junction box before
> connecting flex.
>
> I believe USE-2 or Tray Cable is superior and can be used on any module with
> a junction box. If we don't get jurisdictions used to seeing this stuff, it
> is going to be difficult for Astropower, ASE, and others to deploy their
> plug-in module products--an important part of lower cost PV systems.
>
> Bill.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joel Davidson [mailto:joeldavidson at earthlink.net]
> Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 5:39 PM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Re: Carflex revisited [RE-wrenches]
>
> We've wandered far afield (and into some swampy areas) since my original
> question
> about what is better,
> faster, cheaper than gray flex for PV module interconnects and short
> sub-panel whips.
> You ask why use conduit? Commercial, industrial, institutional and utility
> customers
> often require wire in conduit. Gray flex is fast and acceptable to almost
> all
> inspectors. Many customers, inspectors and installers object to exposed wire
> even
> when used with weatherseals and tiedowns. I say toe-may-toe and you say
> toe-mah-toe...let's call the whole thing off.
>
> David Blittersdorf wrote:
>
> > On 25 May 01, at 14:13, Bill Brooks wrote:
> > > All this emotion over flexible conduit. I still believe Tray Cable or
> USE-2 is
> > > cheaper and better. Why is everyone so intent on using conduit in the
> > array?
> >
> > I agree with Bill that Tray Cable works great. It is fast to put together
> and can
> > be installed with low cost weatherseals on the jct. boxes. Conduit seems
> > like an expensive (labor and material) way to go.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > David Blittersdorf
> > NRG Systems, Inc.
> > 110 Commerce Street
> > Hinesburg, VT 05461 USA
> > Tel: 802-482-2255
> > Fax: 802-482-2272
> > email: davidb at nrgsystems.com
> > Web:http://www.nrgsystems.com
> >
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