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

[Joel Davidson]

Today, I went to the Electric-West trade show at the L.A. convention center.
Wire clips and wire ties were on my shopping list. Honest vendors said UV
resistant wire ties eventually fail, spring steel wire clips rust quickly and
coated wire clips lose their coatings in a few years. One vendor said he could
perhaps make stainless steel wire clips if the quantity was right. He also said
he did not know if ss clips would work well. If you are interested in buying ss
wire clips, email me off-list what wire size you want to clip, what your
price-point per clip is and how many clips you would buy in 6 months. If there
is enough interest, I will try to get samples and a good deal.
Best regards,
Joel Davidson

"Nick Nicholas, APS" wrote:

> Hi Phil:
>     After referencing the Del City Catalog, I noticed that the aluminum wire
> loom clamps need to be bolted or screwed to the module frames.  This seems
> like a strong, long lasting solution for wire management, however, it can
> not be as quick as the steel clips being discussed.  A three Kw Array can be
> clipped up in 15 minutes, and most of the wiring is not visible, because it
> is hidden within the module frames.
>     I have photos of a systems utilizing this method of wire management.
> The photos are of systems utilizing the Unirac- Large Array Mounting System
> (U-LA.)  All of our prepackaged installed systems utilize either this
> mounting system or a roof mount system.
>  http://www.alternativepowersystems.com/portfolio_f6.html
>
> Nick Nicholas
> Alternative Power Systems
> www.alternativepowersystems.com
> aps at sbcglobal.net
> 135 Colfax Ave.
> Grass Valley, CA 95945
> (530) 274-0588 phone
> (530) 274-0589 fax
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Phil Undercuffler, Positive Energy" <phil at positiveenergysolar.com>
> To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 8:37 AM
> Subject: Re: MC connectors, warranties and PV system life [RE-wrenches]
>
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Doug Pratt" <dpratt at pacific.net>
> > Subject: RE: MC connectors, warranties and PV system life [RE-wrenches]
> >
> >
> > > Someone mentioned that Energy Outfitters and others are offering a
> > > "clip" to support and retain the MC cables.
> >
> > We've used neoprene jacketed aluminum wire loom clamps for the past year
> > with good success.  Vendor is Del City, (800) 654-4757.  They also have a
> > stainless steel version, if you need.  Their part #2808  (2008-9 in
> > stainless) is the perfect size to clamp an MC connector tight.  $12.30/100
> > in aluminum, $27.21 in stainless.
> >
> > (A UV-resistant zip tie that's
> > > going to last 20 years? If you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell
> > > you...)
> >
> > I've gone back to systems after 3 years in the New Mexico sun and seen
> black
> > "UV-resistant" zip ties snap when touched.  I've also seen the black
> plastic
> > locknuts that ship with BP module cable glands split into quarters on the
> > same array.
> >
> > Mother Nature always wins.

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