Locking Connectors [RE-wrenches]

[Brian Teitelbaum]

Ray,

Sorry to rain on your parade, but I hear that Solarworld is about to change
the dimensions of the SQ175 module (now SW 175 mono) to conform with their
European product. I don't have the new dimensions yet though.

Unfortunately (in my opinion) they are also going to a sealed JB with either
the Tyco or MC locking connector. The one that I just saw at Electric West
had the MC locking connector on it and I was told that that module was the
"final" version. We shall see...

Looks like openable JB's on modules are going by-by, at least for modules
over 130W. I think that this is unfortunate since I don't like the idea of
having open wiring on ground and pole mounts. As a compromise, I would love
to see some way to connect liquid-tight conduit directly to the outside of
the JB, even if the JB is not openable. The conduit would act as a sleeve
over the pigtail just for physical protection. It might have to be 3/4"
though, because of the size of the locking plug.

Brian Teitelbaum
AEE Solar



-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Walters [mailto:walters at taosnet.com] 
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 3:13 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Locking Connectors [RE-wrenches]



I'm still a huge Shell/ Solarworld Fan for all John's reasons, and they 
don't screw around with the module dimensions every few years like BP 
either. Today's SQ175 will fit on a rack without drilling with an old 
130 from 5 years ago. I just hope they don't go the MC only route. I 
NEVER trusted MC connectors; wasn't there a recent recall of many of 
BP's MC- only modules, because they could overheat and burn out where 
the cable connected to the module back?

Ray

John Raynes wrote:

>
>
> I think y'all are convincing me to bite the bullet and stick with
> j-box panels, and just deal with the more difficult sourcing issues.  
> At least until all of this settles out.  The "special tooling" for 
> j-boxes costs about $15-20 max and it works on all types, now and into 
> the future.  And the end result looks so much cleaner on poletop and 
> ground mount racks, which as an off-gridder is most of what we do.
>
> John Raynes
>
>
> At 11:18 AM 3/2/2007 -0800, you wrote:
>
>> For better or worse, the Multi-Contact monopoly is over. Tyco
>> International and Multi-Contact and others think their patented and 
>> patent pending connectors are the best and will not agree on a 
>> standard. It's the same with no standard for modules and mounts (and 
>> don't even bother to ask me to loan you spare tire if you get a flat).
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters"
>> <bob at energyoutfitters.com>
>> To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
>> Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 10:43 AM
>> Subject: RE: Locking Connectors [RE-wrenches]
>>
>>
>>>
>>> John,
>>>
>>> It is really going to complicate things! We've not made a decision
>>> if we
>>> will gear up for one or all types!  It will take an industry wide 
>>> effort
>>> to get to a standardized connector and you can guess what will 
>>> happen if
>>> we get there.  With no competition, the winning manufacturer can charge
>>> whatever they want for their connectors!
>>>
>>> Best Regards,
>>> Bob Maynard
>>> groSolar!
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: John Raynes [mailto:john at raynes.com]
>>> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 4:52 PM
>>> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
>>> Subject: RE: Locking Connectors [RE-wrenches]
>>>


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