MC connectors, warranties and PV system life [RE-wrenches]

[Robert Warren]

Joel,
 Over here in Europe, Multi-Contact connectors are quite standard, for 
two major reason: they are double insulated and also provide touch-safe 
installation safety. Pretty much 99.99% of the systems over here are 
grid connected, using higher voltages up to 500 VDC feeding into first a 
DC disconnect , then from this into the inverter, again with MC 
connectors. We commonly use electrical tray/channels which are open, 
rather than conduit, and use zip-ties to the tray slots.
 As for arcing, the MC connectors are not rated for disconnecting under 
live conditions, which is why we always use a DC disconnect. The 
disconnect box can also be used for paralleling strings & lightning 
protection. We make our own, with substantial blocking diodes, heat sink 
mounted. Multi Contact has a new variety of cable available, as you can 
see on their web site. The Japanese manufacturers now make a very 
similar product, but Kaneka, on this 100 kilowatt job I did recently for 
a sports stadium in Birmingham, came with the MC cables factory 
installed. You can see the details of this installation at 
http://www.solarcentury.co.uk/content.jsp?sectno=1&subno=5
then click on Alexander Stadium.
Robert Warren
Senior Engineer
Solar Century  

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