Evolution of the Quick connect [RE-wrenches]

Phil Undercuffler p.undercuffler at conergy.us
Tue Jan 8 16:34:30 PST 2008


Dang it, I missed the (E) requirement.  

So all connectors need to be either rated for interrupting the current
without hazard to the operator (which manufacturers may be unlikely to
wish to attempt) or they must require a tool to operate.

The good news is, the solution isn't vapor.  Least not totally.

Multi-Contact makes the PV-SSH4 Safety lock clip that slips over the
assembled connector.  The idea is that you'd make up all the electrical
connections, then snap a safety clip over the top when you're doing the
punch list.  The safety clip is not removable, and once its installed
you need a tool to push in the locking prongs on the connector.  MC
makes a MC4 Assembly Tool PV-MS, 32.6024, which can be used to both
field assemble the connectors as well as to open the connection once the
safety clip is installed.

Tyco is developing a similar product, although theirs can be removed at
any time by pushing in on a tab with a small screwdriver.  It needs to
be removed to open the connectors, but you don't have to carry a special
tool.  Should be on the market pretty soon.

The bad news is, 690.33(E)(2) appears to require these locking clips on
every module connection.  Does anybody have an update on when California
may adopt the 2008 code cycle?


------------------------------------------------------------
Please note new phone extension!

Phil Undercuffler
Technical Services Manager
Conergy, Inc.
1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103
Santa Fe NM 87507 USA
Office | 505.473.3800 x4841
Fax | 505.473.3830
www.conergy.us

------------------------------------------------------------


-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Frye [mailto:markf at berkeleysolar.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 3:41 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Evolution of the Quick connect [RE-wrenches]


Here in lies some of the elements that make the 2008 Code cycle
re:Article
690 cycle one of the worst in many years.

Take 690.31 vs. 690.33.

It appears that the intent of 690.31 was to make sure all PV DC wire
(above
30v) is not readily accessible vis-avis having to be in a raceway.  So
then
why 690.33 requiring readily accessible connectors to be locking. Under
690.31, there can be no such thing as a readily accessible connector,
because all conductors have to be in a raceway!

As far as 690.33 E, can the connector be allowed to protector personnel
from
harm when opened under load, but become physically damaged such that it
cannot be used again?  Exactly how do the specifications of the current
vapor connectors match up to the language of the Code?

MPF



-----Original Message-----
From: John Berdner [mailto:jberdner at sma-america.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 2:17 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Evolution of the Quick connect [RE-wrenches]



Phil / Wrenches:

I was involved with some of the discussions with J. Wiles, W. Bower and
R. Wills on 690.31 (A).  2008 690.31(A)  was added to deal with the
situation of an untrained person, a small child for example, being able
to walk up to a ground or pole mounted array and grabbing onto single
conductor cables.  Even assuming locking connectors it could be possible
to pull the wire out of a terminal box or break the wire.  This could
result in live conductors and or possible arcing during the load break.


Think 5 year old hanging off the wiring jungle gym style.  I have asked
many wrenches out there if that image is ok in their minds and I have
not found one yet that thinks it is.

The key phrase in 690.31(B) is "readily accessible".  Rooftop PV for
example is not considered readily accessible under the NEC unless there
is roof access from an unlocked door, rooftop at ground level, etc.
Even if you have a ground mounted array you can make the wiring not
"readily accessible".  Building a fence or putting a cover on the back
of the array, expanded metal mesh for example.  Access to the wiring
then would require you to unlock the gate or remove the metal mesh with
a tool before you could gain access to the wiring thereby making the
wire no longer readily accessible.  I would expect that the structure
and/or module guys will come up with some innovative solutions fairly
soon that meet the requirement at relatively low cost.

This requirement is independent of the locking connector requirement.

I hope that helps shed a little light.

Best Regards,

John Berdner


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