Split Bolts vs Wire Nuts on the Roof [RE-wrenches]

[Jeff Clearwater]

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Hi Mark,

I think split-bolts are far superior to wire nuts and I've never had 
one loosen when properly tightened.  One does need to find that sweet 
tuorque spot between overtightening and undertightening as CU or 
Brass strips easily (are you sure it wasn't stripped to loosness by 
your installer?).  I have had the 3M mastic ooze out from under the 
tape if the tape is put on too tight in hot climates, but other than 
that split bolts are THE way to go for secure long lasting 
connections in my opinion no matter what size wire.

Best,

Jeff C.


>
>
>Esteemed Wrenches,
>Many thanks for the insolation data for coastal locations.
>
>On another subject, we recently had a call back on a grid tied PV 
>system and found a split bolt in a raintight j-box on the roof that 
>was slightly loose.  I'm thinking the stranded USE-2 had relaxed 
>with all the temperature cycling up on the roof, and loosened the 
>split bolt just enough to cause an intermittent.  I know the drill, 
>tighten and loosen the bolt a few times before the final tightening, 
>to get the strands to compress as much as possible.  But I'm 
>wondering, do you prefer split bolts or wire nuts in this 
>application?  Seems like wire nuts wrapped securely with rubber tape 
>might actually be more reliable than split bolts for this small size 
>wire (10-12AWG).
>Thanks
>Mark
>Cobalt Power Systems

-- 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design Associates
Sustainable Energy & Water Solutions for Home & Village
http://www.villagepower.com
gosolar at villagepower.com

530-470-9166
877-SOLARVillage
877-765-2784
425 Nimrod St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
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