Carflex revisited [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

Joel,

The answer to all your questions is "exactly." I'm no evangelist for plug
and receptacle connectors unless they can prove that they help. I am unaware
of any field installable, UL-listed connector on the market. The
MC-Connector is nice, but it needs a little more attention. It is far too
easy for an installer to improperly mate the connector--which ends up with a
dead connection eventually. That connector really needs a simple snap-on
cover to ensure that the installer properly mates it. This cover could be
used to fasten the connection to the module frame to keep it off the roof
deck.

I merely brought up the point to show that it is one way to get to more
easily installed systems, and we should work to keep that option open to
system designers.

Bill.


-----Original Message-----
From: Joel Davidson [mailto:joeldavidson at earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2001 6:20 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Carflex revisited [RE-wrenches]


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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