[RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?

[John Blittersdorf]

Chris,
   I have had Polaris connectors fail in combiners and inside Main Service
Panels.  I immediately quit using them.. That was about 5 years ago.  I
didn't trust wire nuts either as I have had them meltdown.   I'm a split
bolt junky now. They never fail unless you don't wrap enough insulation
around them.  Had one split bolt arc and pit the metal box but no problem
with the connection.

John Blittersdorf
Rob Stubbins Solar
Rutland, VT

On Thu, Apr 6, 2017 at 1:57 PM, Kristopher Schmid <solman at legacysolar.com>
wrote:

> Hi Eric,
>
> I had this happen on one install.  I assumed that it was due to
> insufficient terminal torque.  I use the Polaris torque specs and my
> torqueing screwdriver now on all Polaris connectors and have not had any
> more issues (yet).
>
> Kris
>
> On Thu, Apr 6, 2017 at 12:35 PM, <eric at harvesthesun.com> wrote:
>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>> We have been having Polaris connectors start to fail on older installs.
>> About 4 or 5 years ago we abandoned wire nuts in favor of the much more
>> pricey, but deemed safer Polaris insulated tap connectors in our combiners.
>> About a year ago we transitioned, about 80% away from Polaris to Buchannon
>> connectors. We have had two recent call-backs on systems downed due to
>> Polaris connectors burning up inside of boxes. (No damage beyond the
>> connector itself). Recently we interfaced with another solar install firm
>> that has gone back to wire nuts due to this same problem. Anyone else
>> seeing this? Wondering if this is an industry-wide issue regarding a
>> Polaris manufacturing defect or if we're still in the realm of isolated
>> flukes.
>>
>> Eric
>> SunHarvest
>> (530) 559-5023
>>
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>
>
> --
> Shine On!
>
> Kris Schmid
> Legacy Solar, LLC
> 864 Clam Falls Trail
> Frederic, WI 54837
> www.legacysolar.com
> 715-653-4295 <(715)%20653-4295>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
> BSEE
>
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