[RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?

[Off Grid Solar]

New member warning!
I try to never use anything that I can't see the wire and how it is
crushed at torque. Easy to check later.
I think folks that use a torque wrench or by feel are rushed.  The idea is
to slowly bring the torque up on a connection.
I like split kearny or just the regular bus bar at home depot. Cut it to
length that you need (number of wires) and tape it.
The bus bar is listed and comes with data for an inspector.
The Polaris looks nice but I can't see the wire.
For underground a kearny and the right electrical tape is fine. I try and
use a JB for protection of the joint.

Dave Angelini / Offgrid Solar
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/


> It is also worth noting that many of the SMA installation manuals
> specifically say do not use wire nuts on DC wiring.
> Of course choosing to ignore the manufacturers installation instructions
> would be a NEC violation.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Drake" <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org>
> Sent: ‎4/‎8/‎2017 12:10
> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?
>
>
> At 01:35 PM 4/6/2017, you wrote:
>>Recently we interfaced with another solar install firm that has gone
>>back to wire nuts due to this same problem.
>
>
> Wire nuts have the advantage of holding the wires tight with a
> spring. The spring follows the cold flow of the copper over the
> years. A screw type connection does not.
>
> When I service an old breaker box, usually the wires are loose under
> the screw connections, especially on the neutral and grounding bars.
> Often they are very loose, and I bet that the screws were tight after
> the initial installation of the equipment.
>
> On old industrial control equipment, I've learned the hard way to
> tighten all screws before doing anything in the box, as wires are
> prone to fall out of the loose screw connections. Again, these
> connections have the weakness of being held by terminal screws, with
> no spring to follow the cold flow of the metal.
>
> With wire nuts, it can be a bit tricky to know if you have a good
> connection, as the connection is hidden under the plastic cap. It is
> good to pull hard on each wire separately to be sure it is securely
> under the spring. It is crucial never to mix copper and aluminum
> under a wire nut unless it is one specifically designed for the
> purpose. Unless specifically listed, all out door wire nuts should be
> in a weather proof box, and preferably taped.
>
> Drake Chamberlin
> Athens Electric LLC
> OH License 44810
> CO License 3773
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV
> 740-448-7328
> <http://athens-electric.com/>http://athens-electric.com/
>
>
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