[RE-wrenches] SS Zip Ties alternative

[ASAP POWER! 2]

Hi Kirk,
Love it.  Sounds clean.  I think I understood your route.  Question, was
this a ground mount array or at significant tilt, and would these nifty
2-conductor clamps and SS screw attachment be just as easy to attach and
work with for flush roof mounted array wire management along rails?  I would
think so, since you could just gauge where the USE-2 wire w/ MC connector
ends need to be before the modules are placed.  Have you used them for
residential rooftop arrays?  

I like the Wiley SS clamps for module frames also, but do you have a part
number for the 2-hole weather-tite connector to the 1" FMC?  We always seem
to have trouble finding.

Do you have any pictures you could share?

Sincerely, 
Peter D.

Global Builders, Inc. - Renewable Energy Contractors (A,B 821587)
Escondido, California, USA
ASAP POWER! is "As Solar As Possible"
Oceanside, California, USA
Toll Free 866-724-3444
 
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander, VSE
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 4:22 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SS Zip Ties alternative

I just wired a 50 kw array using Mcmaster-carr #7429K42 www.Mcmaster.com
uv-resistant cable clamps. They worked great, attached to the Unirac rail
with SS screws. Certainly much neater than tie-wraps. I was never able to
get tie wraps to look that good in any installation. These little clamps,
along with the acme SS clamps for the module frames that Wiley and others
sell, really made the wiring look good.
>From the point of connection to the module mc connectors, I attached my
USE-2 wire down the respective rack legs to a j-box, entering through a
2-hole weather-tite connector, then to 1" FMC to the fused combiner box,
then EMT to the respective inverter disconnect.

Kirk, VT Solar  

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Richard L
Ratico
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 9:47 AM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SS Zip Ties

Tump,

Interesting. No AHJ on my job in NH. Just trying to comply with the intent
of the code and common sense. 
Next time, with the same AHJ, you might try using plumber's CVPS DWV pipe,
it's not conduit :-)

Dick



--- You wrote:
I tried this once only to have the AHJ indicate that that is NOT the correct
method of use for PVC conduit. "You need to have strain relief's on your
wires if your using conduit". Needless to say; yes sir, removed it & used
tie straps.  AHJs......

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Richard L
Ratico
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:55 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SS Zip Ties


Fellow Wrenches,

For MC cable "management", we recently used 1 1/4" Schedule 40 PVC conduit,
strapped loosely (to allow for expansion/contraction) to the our top rack
rail with SS pipe clamps. 
The conduit was drilled with a 1 1/4" hole saw every 18" or so to match the
spacing of the module pigtails. 
The hole edges were softened with a dremel tool. The MC cables dropped into
the conduit through the drilled holes. 
We also drilled 3/8' holes in the PVC to act as drains. Excess cable was
folded and tucked into the conduit. 
The layout was planned to allow easy access to each module's cables.
Grounding was by WEEB washers. 
This approach was much more satisfying and easier to implement than tywraps
or clips. 
The conduit dropped through the roof deck through an LB in a roof boot
directly into a metal junction box. 
EMT to the DC disco. The LB was dammed with duct seal.

Best,
Dick

Dick Ratico
Solarwind Electric
Bradford, VT




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