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

[Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters]

Doug and Colleagues,

Sorry for the delayed reply, have been buried in projects.  We have been
searching for various clips either metal or other material.  So far 3
different styles of metal clips have been found to be of appropriate  design
to work.  The best design we've found is, unfortunately, spring steel and
will rust away.  Some of the possibly acceptable clips have various coatings
and we're doing some water testing to see how fast rust appears.  If anyone
has ideas, suggestions, or would like samples of what we've found so far,
please contact Ryan or myself off list.  ryan at energyoutfitters.com
bob at energyoutfitters.com

Regards,
Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Pratt [mailto:dpratt at pacific.net]
Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2003 4:18 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
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. Okay...I'll admit my
ignorance. Bob, what is this clip? I'm interested in anything that gets
us away from sagging cables and zip ties. (A UV-resistant zip tie that's
going to last 20 years? If you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell
you...)

-Doug Pratt


William Miller wrote:

> >keith wrote:
> >
> >>  When I review the MC connection concept, I realize it is a good
> >> thing.
>
> Keith:
>
> I've used the MC connectors and I'm afraid I can't agree.  I have no
> confidence in using unprotected wires on any assembly, especially one
> outdoors.  Fastening tray cable to metal structures with wire ties
creates
> an abrasion point, rodents chew wire, leaves can catch on them and
hold
> moisture and the installations look poor.  I'm sure your familiar with
the
> propensity of high voltage DC installations to arcing?
>
> I've viewed those installations done by other contractors and by my
crews
> and you can see the unprotected cables sagging from the backs of the
> modules, regardless of how well they are tied.  This goes against my
> instincts and my training.  I fear frequent failures in the not too
distant
> future.  Combine this with top down infrastructure and repairs will be
> difficult.  I see electricians reaching under modules with dikes
attempting
> to cut loose ties to find the bad connection.  How well can they tie
these
> cables back up with the modules laying down flat?  Cheap, fast, yes,
but
> not, in my book, better.
>
> William
>
> __________________________________________________________________
> William Miller
> Miller Power and Communications
> PO Box 50, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
> Voice :805-438-5600     Fax: 805-438-4607
> email: wrmiller at slonet.org
> http://millerpowerandcomm.com
> License No. C-10-773985
> _____________________________________________________________
> Compatibility:
> Word processor: WP10
> Spreadsheet: Quatro Pro 10
> CAD: Microstation 95, DXF, Visio 4.1T
> _____________________________________________________________
> "Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under."
>                                     H. L. Mencken
> __________________________________________________________________

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