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

[EH Roy]

Wrenches,

We have been heat shrinking MC connectors in high voltage systems and in
applications where physical pull-apart is a risk. However, MC has now
designed a closure device, two identical plastic halves that snap together
over a mated MC connection. Unlike heat shrink it can be removed easily. It
doesn't add the weatherproofing that heat shrink does but if the MC
connector is held together, there should be no need for additional
weatherproofing. I got a sample through Kensington Electronics (800)
325-0534. Their part number is "PV Closure".

I encourage all our installers to tie up loose wire and connections. "UV
resistant" wire ties can be a bit of a crapshoot. I think the best solution
for this is #12 solid copper wire with USE insulation. Not always easy to
get, and not cheap, but probably has a longer life expectancy than most wire
ties. Even solid Cu #12 THHN probably lasts longer than wire ties. Whatever
you use needs to be inspected during annual inspections - these aren't
systems you install and walk away from for twenty or thirty years (despite
marketing hype about NO maintenance).

Hope this helps.

E. H. Roy
Solar Works, Inc.
64 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
1-800-339-7804 ext. 306
ehroy at solar-works.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Smiley [mailto:Eric_Smiley at bcit.ca]
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 12:34 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: MC connectors, warranties and PV system life [RE-wrenches]


>I have an idea that perhaps will reach fruition in the years to come- a
>twist lock style connector that will have a tab that lines up when it
is
>"twisted and locked" in place.

I thought both NEC 690.33(c) and CEC 50-016(d)required the connectors to
be a latching or locking type. Following this list, I understood that
some installers were heat shrinking the MC connectors. Aside from better
weather resistance, was this to meet the intent of 690.33(c)?

I was also told by an inspector that wire marked only TC must be
supported by a cable tray or raceway - at least in Canada. Is there an
exception in the NEC?

Eric Smiley
Project Leader
Photovoltaic Energy Applied Research, Technology Centre
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Burnaby Campus

NE25 - 3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5G 3H2

phone: 604.432.8657    fax: 604.436.0286
esmiley at bcit.ca             www.tc.bcit.ca

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