[RE-wrenches] Rail concerns (was: Top of POST mount)

[R Ray Walters]

I 2nd William's comment: the anti-seize is especially important on stainless bolts bigger than 1/4". The spalling effect with larger SS hardware has caused me to return to regular plated hardware, if the project isn't near the ocean, and just use SS washers when in contact with Aluminum.
Having a 3/8" SS bolt grind itself to a halt before even starting to compress the lock washer, and then have it not back off is a huge time waster. Having to then cut the offending bolt off without damaging the nearby rail or modules is also no fun. All this while dangling from a harness on a steep roof, with the sun about to go away......now we're contemplating retirement.....

R. Walters
ray at solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Mar 23, 2011, at 9:35 AM, William Miller wrote:

> Friends:
> 
> We broke one hex head bolt in the middle of a rail before we learned a valuable lesson:  Always use anti-seize on any bolt you can't allow to break.
> 
> William Miller
> 
> 
> At 07:42 AM 3/23/2011, you wrote:
>> Yes, the IronRidge slide in bolt on the top of the rail is a design flaw. They should use drop in T-bolts, like Unirac. What happens when you break one, after installing enphase micro's, and grounding lugs, etc. I've had to cut the bolt off, and install an extra Unirac t-bolt. IronRidge needs to seriously rethink that one. Other than that, I really like their products, especially the dark bronze anodized rail. Looks great under dark framed modules.
>>  
>> Mike Nelson
>> MD Electric & Solar
>> Gualala, Ca. 
>> 
>> On Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 7:34 AM, <dan at foxfire-energy.com> wrote:
>>> Yup.. I'm on board with the bolted vs clamp notion for this app.. I also agree with a wider spacing for panel attachments...
>>> 
>>> As for racking manufacturers and design oopsies, anyone have anything nice to say about Iron Ridge roof mounts? Personally, I kinda like the rail design, but the slide in bolt set up seriously sucks..  or Am I missing something.. again? db 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Dan Brown
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