Quick-Connects - The good, the bad and the ugly [RE-wrenches]

[August Goers]

I'll chime in a bit...
 
First off, I think that it is critical that PV manufacturers stick to one standard. It is difficult as an installer to stock different types of connectors, tools, and wire. 
 
We've been using MC2 connectors for years without incident. I've talked with many inspectors about theses connectors and from time to time it appears that they've seen circuits opening because people didn't properly tie up the wires properly. As a standard procedure we wrap MC2 connectors with electrical tape just at a) confirm that we've made a permanent connection and b) aid to seal out any tiny bit of moisture. I think that it is mainly important to completely and firmly connect the connectors and then tie them up really well. We never allow a connector to hang in free air.
 
I've been specifying a few new jobs with Day4 panels which use the Tyco connectors. I like these connectors because they have a positive locking "click together" feature. This reminds me of many automotive connectors. Once they're connected they won't come apart unless someone purposely removes them. 

I can't compare the assembly process for these connectors because I haven't yet had a chance to try.
 
Regardless of what connector becomes industry standard I sure hope that everyone can agree to one standard...
 
-August

Luminalt Energy, San Francisco
 


----- Original Message ---- 
From: Joel Davidson <joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net> 
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com 
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 10:41:52 AM 
Subject: Re: Quick-Connects - The good, the bad and the ugly [RE-wrenches] 


Jay, Thank you for your feedback. Anyone else want to ring in? 

At the Long Beach show, Multi-Contact was promoting their PV-KST4 (female), 
PV-SBT4 (male) and PV-SSH4 lock clip. 

The September 2007 issue of Photon International has a detailed article 
about their module connector testing. Scores ranged from (1.4) very good, to 
(2.5) satisfactory, to (3.5) sufficient, to (6) poor. Tyco Solarlok (1394461 
and 1394462) scored (2.0) good. The old non-locking M/C (KST3 and KBT3) 
scored (2.5) satisfactory, the locking M/C scored (3.1) satisfactory and 
most Chinese connectors scored poorly. 

The good/bad news, depending on your politics and your purse, is that the 
Chinese PV manufacturers will get better. They are moving up the learning 
curve faster than the Japanese did and copying almost everything they 
photographed at the show. The bad news is connectors are another part that 
will fail in the field. Use the highest quality connectors and spend more 
time putting connectors on properly and inspecting their assembly and 
installation. Don't let the California incentive 10-year turnkey warranty 
bite you. I strongly recommend that someone other than the assembler or 
installer check all shop and field connectors and connections. 

Joel Davidson 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jay Peltz, Peltz Power" <jay at asis.com> 
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com> 
Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2007 9:11 PM 
Subject: Re: Quick-Connects - The good, the bad and the ugly [RE-wrenches] 


> 
> Hi Joel, 
> 
> I have used MC2, MC4, Tyco. 
> 
> I like the new Tyco: you can open the junction box and install new leads 
> if needed. Also the metal connector seems very solid. Also will take 
> various wire insulation thickness. 
> 
> The MC4, has a very flimsy metal connector, I don't like it at all. Only 
> pro is that it'll take various wire insulation thickness really easily. 
> 
> The MC2, I know its not long for this world but sure liked this one. 
> Solid metal connector, flexible, small, 
> 
> jay 
> 
> peltz power 
> 
> 
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