[RE-wrenches] Wire nuts

Tue Sep 6 13:32:00 PDT 2016

Again, I am using Buchannon copper crimp sleeves, with a Buchannon crimper,
never seen one NOT work or go BAD. This is the best connection I have seen.
I've never had an inspector open up my rooftop j-box/combiner box and ask
about the listing of my connectors, but as a solar business owner who's
reputation rests on good installation practice, this is the best
connection, and it lasts long term, especially when you fill the crimp cap
with anti-oxidant compound, before you install the cap.
Mike

On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 1:25 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I was just called last week to a three phase Enphase system installed by
> others with three of eight strings that were exhibiting erratic voltages on
> random phases. First I checked the combiner panels and everything checked
> out. I went to the roof and discovered that wet rated wire nuts were used
> (red). The first of eight j-boxes that I opened, I just pushed a wire a
> little and heard crackling sounds. I didn't have to go any further... bad
> connections. Problem identified.
>
> So the question remains... what ARE you using? There is a recent thread
> about fine stranded wire and Polaris taps not being acceptable. There are
> also people using Alumiconn and Polaris black connectors, which are not
> rated for wet/damp locations. This all ties in together in terms of best
> practices in roof junction/transition boxes.
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 3:19 PM, August Goers <august at luminalt.com> wrote:
>
>> Are those wire nuts listed for wet locations? Most ideal outdoor
>> (damp/wet) rated wire nuts are blue or grey in my experience.
>>
>>
>>
>> August
>>
>> Luminalt
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
>> Behalf Of *Benn Kilburn
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 06, 2016 12:02 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Wire nuts
>>
>>
>>
>> The reason i'm asking is that the only time i have seen a short,
>> first-hand, in a wire nut, was because it appeared that one wire was pushed
>> down rather than binding with the other wire, which would have happened if
>> the wires were not held tightly when the nut was twisted on.  Also, it was
>> a stranded wire (that was pushed down) being connected to a solid wire,
>> which is acceptable, but care must be taken to do it properly.
>>
>> Also, on all the Ideal wire nut packages I have, the instructions say to
>> twist the wire nut on until there are two visible twists in the wire.  I
>> suppose this is to ensure the twist/connection is sufficient to make a
>> solid connection and perhaps to keep the wires together if the wire nut is
>> removed.
>>
>> The ones in this photo do not look like they were installed as per the
>> instructions, which brings how much attention was put in to installing them
>> in the first place.
>>
>> I've always questioned the why wire nuts are cautioned against,
>> especially considering how many wire nuts are used in residential and
>> commercial jobs.  I'm sure if there was a legit issue with them then
>> insurance companies would insist they not be used, such as aluminum wiring?
>>
>>
>> *Benn Kilburn *
>>
>> CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc
>>
>> 14515 – 121A Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T5L 2T2
>>
>> P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com
>>
>> [image: email] <benn at skyfireenergy.com> [image: facebook]
>> <https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: twitter]
>> <https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: linkedin]
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5>
>>
>>
>> [image: SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal]
>>
>> *WE HAVE MOVED!** Please note our new address above.*
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 12:47 PM, Jerry Shafer <jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> All the other nuts are tight so l cant not say it was or not but l see
>> this alot and this was one that was caught just at the right time.
>> Jerry
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sep 6, 2016 8:44 AM, "Benn Kilburn" <benn at skyfireenergy.com> wrote:
>>
>> Jerry,
>>
>> Can you confirm that this was caused by a failure of the wire nut,
>> itself, and not due to user error (not properly stripping enough jacket,
>>  inserting even length wires and sufficiently twisting on the wire nut)
>>
>> Benn Kilburn
>>
>> SkyFire Energy Inc.
>>
>> 780-906-7807
>>
>>
>> On Sep 6, 2016, at 12:32 PM, Jerry Shafer <jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Wrenches
>> Better pic
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sep 5, 2016 4:52 PM, "Jerry Shafer" <jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> To my fellow wrenches
>> It comes up every so often and with DC, I will not use, approve or pass
>> any wire nuts on any DC side. Some say its OK but the facts are they will
>> fail, this connection was just six years and when l opened the junction box
>> it was glowing and by the looks of it has for some time. There are 8
>> strings 2 per string and thats a 12.5 % failure rate (the other one was
>> completely distroyed) not to mention the fire hazard in a PVC junction box.
>> Please pass this along and tell everyone to stop using these.
>> Jerry
>>
>> <2016-09-06 08.29.40.jpg>
>>
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>
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-- 
Michael & Jessica Nelson
MD Electric & Solar Inc.
Office: 707-884-1862
Cell: 707-684-0064
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