M-C branch plugs: Legal? Safe? [RE-wrenches]

[Jay Peltz, Peltz Power]

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Hi Mick,

If you connect the "branch connector"' for batteryless there is  
probably no problem, but for battery
based then you have to do all the calcs to make sure that each string  
is protected.

Usually for battery based I install a CB for each string.

jay

peltz power
On Feb 4, 2008, at 7:50 AM, Mick Abraham wrote:

>
> Hi, Wrenchers~
>
> The Multi-Contact "branch connectors" connect two PV strings in  
> parallel
> by just plugging them together. MC part numbers for these "branch  
> plugs"
> would include PV-AZS3 & PV-AZB3.
>
> These connectors have a UL recognition mark, but they seem non-code
> because there's no individual fusing for each string of modules.
>
> Are code issues raised by this product? I'm working on something where
> there are no codes, so my other question is: are safety issues raised?
>
> Specifically, if one plug-parallels three Kyocera 135's (with, say,  
> one
> 30 amp breaker to protect the trio from the 12v battery side), is that
> hazardous? 30 amps exceeds the series fuse rating recommended for the
> KC-135 which again seems non-code. On the other hand, if one uses 10
> gauge plug leads (which are likely fine with 30 amp protection),  
> perhaps
> the worries are small.
>
> Multi-Contact rates the branch plugs for 30 amps when 10 gauge wire is
> used. If they're non-code, however, who uses them, and how?
>
> Thanks all around,
>
> Mick Abraham, Proprietor
> www.abrahamsolar.com
>
>
> - - - -


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