[RE-wrenches] Wire management dual axis tracker

[Ray Walters]

We used to  just bundle the PV cables and secure them close to the pivot 
point at both the rack and the pole with insulated wire loom clamps.  We 
always made a big enough loop to handle full articulation, but not too 
long so they wouldn't catch on the Combiner box, etc.  We also started 
using braided ground strap, instead of stranded #6.  Braided is made for 
movement, stranded #6 would strain harden and break off at the connector.
I'm not sure how flex conduit would do.  It definitely could break out 
of a plastic J box, I would think.  The back and forth motion eventually 
wears out things not really made to move.  I had lots of trouble with 
this issue.
Finally, don't be greedy on tracker settings, I'd keep the total range 
of motion to less than a full 180 degrees Azimuth, and probably limit 
the tilt some too.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 11/30/2015 8:21 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:
> Hi Wrenches,
>
> I'm looking for advice on the best way(s) to secure PV source circuit 
> wiring on a dual axis tracker.  I've never wired one up before and it 
> seems tricky.  This particular tracker is 12 modules, 3 strings.  Is 
> it best to run a flexible conduit up the pole and leave plenty of 
> excess conduit to create large loops that fluctuate in size throughout 
> the day?  What are some other ideas?  How do you avoid abrasion over 
> time?
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> -- 
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *
>
> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>
> *
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out or update participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20151130/2af8a00a/attachment-0002.html>