[RE-wrenches] lay in lugs

[August Goers]

Todd -

Burndy and Ilsco both make similar tin coated copper lay in lugs. Here are two manufacturer part numbers:

Ilsco GBL4 DBT

Burndy CL50-DB-T

Other wrenches, let me know if these parts numbers don't sound right.

As has been mentioned on this list several times, Wiley makes really nice lugs for grounding your rails:

http://www.we-llc.com/WEEB.html

Both the Burnday and Illsco lugs are similar as far as I can tell and include a stainless set screw. Prices vary, so be careful. You then need to decide how to you want to fasten them to the module frame. Many folks use SS 10-32 thread forming screws but I found that the crew members were commonly stripping the soft aluminum module frames during installation. I can't keep those guys away from their impact drivers! Now we use a SS 10-32 thread forming screw and a SS kep nut on the backside of the frame. The thread forming screw cuts right though the manufacturer supplied ground spot and them the kep nut assures that we can go good and tight. We always use a SS star washer between the lug and the frame. And the kep nut includes a star washer built in which keeps the install fast. Sample nut pic:

http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture7/femico/kkep.html

These lugs are widely available from most solar suppliers.

Yea, those old standard aluminum lay in lugs just don't hold up in our climate, at least.

Best, August




 August Goers


Luminalt Energy Corporation
4000 Irving Street 
San Francisco, CA 94122


Office:  415.564.7652
Mobile:  415.559.1525
august at luminalt.com
www.luminalt.com





________________________________
From: Todd Cory <toddcory at finestplanet.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2009 4:11:27 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] lay in lugs

Does anyone have a part number for the lay in lugs they use for module
grounding? I don't want copper or aluminum ones because of problems
with dissimilar metals. Don't they make a tin plated copper one that
works with the aluminum module frames? My wholesaler cannot seem to
find the part number.

Thanks,

Todd