[RE-wrenches] Ilsco SGB bonding lug

Mon Aug 27 19:37:37 PDT 2012

Yep. Definitely lower cost that tin-plated copper. Designed with PV frame grounding in mind. Lots to like....

On Aug 27, 2012, at 7:59 PM, Brian Mehalic wrote:

> I think the tin plating is to minimize/eliminate galvanic corrosion. Tim plated aluminum - now that sounds smart!
> 
> Typos courtesy of my iPhone. 
> 
> On Aug 27, 2012, at 8:52 PM, benn kilburn <benn at daystarsolar.ca> wrote:
> 
>> Kirpal.
>> 
>> The Ilsco lug GBL-4 also comes with a stainless steel set-screw… as stated here….GBL LAY-IN AL/CU 
>> if that is all it takes to use the AL lug outdoors (stainless steel set-screw), then why have we been steered towards the 'direct burial rated' tin-plated copper lug instead of an AL lug with SS set-screw?  
>> 
>> I'm not trying to make a case to not use the SGB lug, I like it and would like to keep some in stock, as they seem pretty useful, I just want to have my bases covered if/when an inspector questions me on them being approved for the application.
>> 
>> Dan,
>> Agreed!  Been trying to get an answer from Ilsco, just tracking down the right person with the answers.
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> benn
>> 
>> DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 
>> www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 
>> Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified
>> Certificate # 0007S
>> HAVE A SUNNY DAY
>> 
>> On 27/08/12 5:42 PM, "Kirpal Khalsa" <solarworks at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Benn...it looks like that lug has "stainless hardware for corrosion resistance"  as stated on the brochure....That would be the biggest consideration as David Brearly mentioned earlier in regards to rust potential.  Stainless hardware and tin plating is equivalent to the WEEB lugs....Tin plating and stainless hardware is as good as anything else available as far as outdoor ratings are concerned.....
>> I see your point that it is not explicitly stated for outdoor use....however being marketed for use with solar panels also seems to imply rather obviously that it is outdoor rated.....in my unofficial opinion.  
>> 
>> -- 
>> Sunny Regards,
>> Kirpal Khalsa
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 4:11 PM, benn kilburn <benn at daystarsolar.ca> wrote:
>> Thanks for the feedback Wrenches, lots of interesting comments,
>> 
>> However I'm still wondering…..
>> How does one confirm that it is specifically approved for outdoor use?  
>> Other than assuming it is implied (because it is 'marketed' as a solar lug).  As far as I can tell UL 467 does not imply "outdoor rated" as the aluminum lug "GBL-4" is also UL467 listed.  See here…GBL LAY-IN AL/CU.  
>> 
>> As well, and as Gary pointed out with his second link, for a module bonding/grounding method to be acceptable, it must be recognized by the module manufacturer, no?
>> Which means that any new bonding product on the market must have the blessing  of each mod mfgr.  
>> (by way of letter or mention in its install manual).  I have come across inspectors that actually look for this.
>> 
>> Jason, 
>> you wrote "I like the looks of that lug. However, I've been using WEEBs too long to go back now." I agree, and i'm not looking to replace weebs with these, but these certainly seem to have a place in the What do you use for the bonding connection from the ?rails? 
>> This SGB lug was suggested for this purpose as well.
>> 
>> 
>> Benn
>> DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 
>> www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 
>> Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified
>> Certificate # 0007S
>> HAVE A SUNNY DAY
>> 
>> On 27/08/12 2:35 PM, "Gary Willett" <gary at icarussolarservices.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Here's the Ilsco listing from UL, where it's classed as "Grounding and Bonding Equipment":
>> http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/showpage.html?name=KDER.E34440&ccnshorttitle=Grounding+and+Bonding+Equipment&objid=1074099002&cfgid=1073741824&version=versionless&parent_id=1073988940&sequence=1
>> 
>> The GuideInfo for Grounding & Bonding Equipment lists:
>> Grounding and Bonding for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems — Grounding and bonding equipment intended for use in PV systems are additionally investigated in combination with the PV module/panel (see QIGU) to the applicable requirements for such products. Installation instructions provided with the PV system (see QIGU) identify the specific grounding and bonding device that has been investigated and intended for use with that system.
>> http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/showpage.html?&name=KDER.GuideInfo&ccnshorttitle=Grounding+and+Bonding+Equipment&objid=1074098839&cfgid=1073741824&version=versionless&parent_id=1073988940&sequence=1
>> 
>> 
>> Regards,
>> 
>> Gary Willett, PE
>> On 8/27/2012 3:20 PM, David Brearley wrote:
>>> Yes, sorry. I wasn't speaking of this lug...I like the redesign. Looks quicker and easier and robust.
>>> 
>>> On Aug 27, 2012, at 3:17 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Yeah, but this one is marketed as a solar bonding lug. I think it's safe to say that it appropriately rated for outdoor use. It's always good to double-check, of course.
>>>> 
>>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>>> Fafco Solar
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 4:11 PM, David Brearley <david.brearley at solarprofessional.com> wrote:
>>>> Some of the aluminum lugs are indoor-rated. They have a set screw will rust in an outdoor environment. That's one of the                     classic John Wiles slides. I'd just watch out for that....
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Aug 27, 2012, at 12:53 PM, Brian Mehalic <brian at solarenergy.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>>> I believe the UL467 listing means that it is rated for direct burial/outdoor use.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Brian Mehalic 
>>>>>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ R031508-59
>>>>>> IREC ISPQ Certified Affiliated Instructor/PV US-0132
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor
>>>>>> Solar Energy International
>>>>>> http://www.solarenergy.org
>>>>>> .org
>> 
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