[RE-wrenches] Rennsteig Crimper Tool

[robert ellison]

I would think the UL listing would means it s a safe tool to use for the
crimps. But with anything use common sense.

Bob

On Sat, Feb 20, 2010 at 3:15 PM, Doug Pratt <dmpratt at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

>  Rennsteig shared many, many MBs of independent 3rd party test results
> using various brands of crimpers with various brands of connectors, on
> various types of wire that were then subjected to incredibly precise
> resistance and pull tests.  I came away thoroughly convinced that the
> Rennsteig is more than equal to (actually a bit better) than the
> Multi-Contact tool.
>
>
>
> And, if you recall, there were a few months toward the end of ’09 when it
> seemed everyone was tooling up for MC4 connectors. Multi-Contact couldn’t
> come close to keeping up with demand.  During the worst of it they couldn’t
> even predict when we’d get our next shipment, or how many crimpers would be
> in that shipment.  Pretty lame for a company that’s making $200 profit per
> crimper. We had desperate dealers with contracts that HAD to finish
> installation by year end even offering bribes.  (My favorite was the
> home-smoked wild pig ham, which I will admit did have some effect on my
> actions. He’s also one of my best dealers.)
>
>
>
> Coming down the pike very soon we’ll be seeing other brands of connectors
> that are fully-compatible with the Multi-Contact MC4 connector. Apparently
> MC doesn’t have a patent lock on this connector. There’s at least a couple
> European brands and probably some Asian ones too, currently beating their
> way thru UL listing. I know at least one of them specifies the Rennsteig as
> the preferred crimping tool.
>
>
>
> So, is it cheaper hardware that could potentially bring on performance and
> liability problems? Ha! Not at all. It’s just better hardware at a
> non-gouging price.
>
> The MC branded tool is, of course, still available also.
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Doug Pratt
>
> DC Power Systems
>
>
>
> *From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
> re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Warren Lauzon
> *Sent:* Saturday, February 20, 2010 11:24 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Rennsteig Crimper Tool
>
>
>
> Uhm. not quite.
>
>
>
> The insistence of MC to use their tool has nothing to do with code, NEC,
> UL, or anything else.
>
>
>
> It has to do with (1) sales, (2) liability, and (3) quality control.
>
>
>
> For (2) it means that if a connector fails, burns down the house, and kills
> 93 chickens that they are not liable because you did not use their tool.
> For (3) There are or at least have been in the past attempts to use crimping
> tools that were totally not meant for MC connectors, and there was also at
> least one junky Chinese(?) knockoff that was way out of spec.
>
>
>
>
> ..................................................................................................
> Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979
> Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
>
> ..................................................................................................
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Mark Frye <markf at berkeleysolar.com>
>
> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>
> *Sent:* Saturday, February 20, 2010 9:41 AM
>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Rennsteig Crimper Tool
>
>
>
> Humm,
>
>
>
> I know I am only supposted to use Listed parts in my electrical assemblies,
> but hey, I know galvanized water pipe is the same as electrical conduit....
>
>
>
> ....I find this thread somewhat disturbing in that it supports the idea of
> undermining manufactures requirements at the whim of the installer [just as
> long as you don't get caught by the inspector ;-)].
>
>
>
> Scroll up a few post and find folks singing the praise of inverter
> manufacturers, confirming the need to strictly abide by their requirements
> as documented....
>
>
>
> ...this willingness to subvert clearly stated manufacturer requirements for
> the sack of a few hundred bucks peals off the vanier of emerging maturity
> and reveals the underlying backwards-ness inherent in the PV industry...
>
>
> Mark Frye
> Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
> 303 Redbud Way
> Nevada City,  CA 95959
> (530) 401-8024
> www.berkeleysolar.com
>
>
>
>
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