Multi-Contact parallel connectors [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Lafferty]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Brooks" <billb at endecon.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Cc: "Chuck Whitaker" <chuckw at endecon.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2002 10:34 PM
Subject: RE: Multi-Contact parallel connectors [RE-wrenches]


> John and wrenches,
>
> Here is the post that never made it to the list:
>
> Ryan,
>
> I find that a smooth glass of wine works well when trying to ponder the
> stranger things in PV. Just a little clarification for those who might
have
> misinterpreted my statements as having come on strong with the MC issue.
The
> problem is not the MC connector, nor is it the idea of developing a
> paralleling cable to assist in wiring an array. The problem as I see it is
> the possibility of some misapplying the connector in the field and trying
to
> parallel multiple strings of crystalline modules into a battery-based or
> some inverter that could be a source of backfed current. Currently no
> crystalline module on the market can handle that situation.
>
> I can think of the one case in my Brain Teaser message where a harness
that
> could combine two or three strings together would be a good idea. However,
I
> know that I would spend the next three years of my life training
installers
> to only use this connector when connecting SP75 modules to a SunnyBoy
system
> and don't do it when connecting them to a Xantrex Sun-Tie, or whatever.
>
> It complicates life for the installer/designer which is why I'm so stuck
on
> fully engineered system packages. We are starting to hear stories about
> installers connecting 1000 Volts to SunnyBoys by accident, finding all
kinds
> of new ways to connect 600 volts improperly, and it scares the heck out of
> me. I think there is far too little manufacturer's training on this
> equipment and far too few engineered system packages.
>
> I know most of the wrenches design their own systems, but how do people
feel
> about the newbees designing systems? How about wrenches with 600 Volts--we
> talked about this over a year ago on the list and there was a lot of
> well-deserved apprehension--I'm still worried.
>
> Bill.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: jberdner at sma-america.com [mailto:jberdner at sma-america.com]
> Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2002 6:43 AM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: RE: Multi-Contact parallel connectors [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> Bill:
>
> I do not understand why you say this assembly can not ever be UL Listed.
> You can certainly make code approved, parallel connections with a number
> of UL Listed Products.
> Ilsco power distribution blocks come to mind for one.
> Several other companies make UL recognized (RU) terminal blocks as well
> but I am pretty sure the Ilsco's are UL Listed.
> Listing versus RU is a big deal for 508A shops and when I was at Pulse
> we had to have the Gould blocks tested by UL so we could use them in our
> 508A combiner boxes.  This testing was required because they were only
> RU not UL Listed.  Split bolts, wire nuts, etc. also qualify as ways to
> make parallel connections.  Over current protection does not necessarily
> have to be included in a product for it to be Listed.
>
> Also, I think the assumption that there are few places where this
> product can be used is incorrect.  They can be used with most
> crystalline modules and Sunny Boys for example.  They could also be used
> in conjunction with inline fuse holders with any modules and any
> inverter or battery combination.  Some modules have a high UL series
> fuse rating compared to their Isc rating. In that case you can certainly
> make a parallel connection without any over current device.  I agree
> that this is usually higher voltage thin film but I think it is better
> to do the calculation than to make a untrue blanket statement that a
> parallel connection is strictly prohibited.
>
> IMHO, parallel connections always add cost and complexity to a system
> but there is nothing in the code that prohibits parallel connections.
>
> One other thing to consider: Once you make a parallel connection you
> have created a PV output circuit on the side away from the modules. Now
> you have to consider the code requirements for that as well.  Some of
> the exceptions the code allows for PV source circuits (one series
> string) do not apply to output circuits (more than one series string).
>
> If you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please
> do not hesitate to contact me.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> John Berdner
> Phone: 530.273.45595
> Fax: 530.274.7271
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Brooks [mailto:billb at endecon.com]
> Sent: Friday, May 17, 2002 11:57 AM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Cc: Chuck Whitaker
> Subject: RE: Multi-Contact parallel connectors [RE-wrenches]
>
> Ryan,
>
> This is precisely why that assembly is not, nor ever can be, a UL-listed
> item. It could be a UL-recognized item that becomes part of a fully
> UL-listed system package, but that is a very different situation. There
> are
> a few places where that assembly can be used in a code-approved fashion
> and
> will not void the UL listing of the modules (max series fuse rating for
> amorphous silicon modules). But in most applications (crystalline
> silicon) a
> parallel connector is absolutely prohibited.
>
> Bill.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ryan Mayfield [mailto:ryan at energyoutfitters.com]
> Sent: Friday, May 17, 2002 7:45 AM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Multi-Contact parallel connectors [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> Wrenches,
>
> I have a sample from Multi-Contact of their "branch plugs and sockets"
> for
> parallel connections of modules but there is no UL listing on them. I am
> hesitant to use a non listed product and was curious what others are
> doing
> to get around this problem. Do you only bring down conductors off series
> connected panels? Is there another product out there that has a listing
> for
> parallel connections? Thanks in advance.
>
>
> Ryan
>
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