[RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

[Garrison Riegel]

Multi-Contact makes MC4 "sealing caps" but I have not been able to find them
for sale in the US.  Maybe you will have better luck.  Plastic and
electrical tape has had to suffice for us until a better solution is more
available.  If you found a good plug I suppose you could also just use spare
male and female connectors.

 

http://www.multi-contact-usa.com/products/parts.php?cat=pv

 

A couple years ago I ran your moisture/dust question past MC and they said
do not spray anything in the connections.  Instead, they recommend making
and breaking the connection 5-10 times to clean the surface.  Some parts
cleaners can cause damage, and may void the module warranty if you have to
replace the connector.

 

Garrison Riegel

Project Manager 

 

Solar Service Inc

[p] 847-677-0950

 <http://www.solarserviceinc.com/> www.solarserviceinc.com

 

NABCEP Certified Solar PV and Thermal InstallerT

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2012 11:55 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

 

Wrenches,

Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and
micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying
attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or
dirt/dust prior to connecting. 

Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but
considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the
elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs.) prior to being
connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then
sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should
make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected
promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?

 

When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or
modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to
go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected.  It
used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some
electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small
roll of packing shrink wrap which works great.  I wonder, am I the only one
who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?

 

Why do I bring this up???  

I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already
been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected.  I'm not sure how
long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a
month or three.  Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module
connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of
snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of
moisture.

This leaves me with some hesitations and questions.

 

Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and
result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to
thoroughly clean the contact points?

(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).

 

I don't think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps
compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work? 

 

Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?  

 

Comments/suggestions..

 

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

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