[RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC interpretation/guidance?

Thu Nov 9 16:03:45 PST 2023

Fascinating. I emailed the list a little while back asking if anyone knew
of a way to make a warranty claim with Solarworld. We had a system with 36
of these panels, and basically every module to module connector was crispy
and deformed as Ray mentioned. I never was successful in getting in touch
with Solarworld, but we did go and replace the module connectors with MC4
on every module.

Ray, I am curious whether you were able to get any help from SolarWorld, or
whether you had to take it upon yourself to fix it.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Nov 9, 2023 at 6:58 PM Brian Mehalic via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Are they the Amohenol UTX connectors? SW had a recall on them, sounds like
> about the right timeframe.
>
> BREAKING: SolarWorld recalls PV modules with Amphenol connectors
> <https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2017/03/29/solarworld-recalls-amphenol-connectors-sold-with-pv-modules/>
> pv-magazine-usa.com
> <https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2017/03/29/solarworld-recalls-amphenol-connectors-sold-with-pv-modules/>
>
> <https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2017/03/29/solarworld-recalls-amphenol-connectors-sold-with-pv-modules/>
>
>
> Brian
>
> On Nov 9, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
> 
>
> 12 Ga wire is not going to catch on fire, but the MC connectors might.  I
> just went back on a 7 yr old Solarworld install, and had a bad series MC
> connector (module to module).  It got quite crispy, deforming and bubbling
> the plastic on both sides of the connection.  It was still passing current;
> I didn't get a chance to measure the volt drop.  It was completely plugged
> in, so not an installation issue.
>
> This was not one of our connectors made up in the field, these were
> Solarworld factory connectors on both sides, same model modules.  That also
> means no mismatch of "MC4" connector type.
>
> 10+ amps continuous, moist environment, 30F+  hotter than ambient temp,
> all are tough on connectors.  I predict more connector failures as module
> current ratings increase.
>
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> On 11/9/2023 3:02 PM, Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> Good luck trying to convince your customer that their house caught on fire
> because of a manufacturers flaw, and you have no responsibility for it…
>
> It may be an out to shift the blame, but it only makes everybody get some
> on them…
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> *On Behalf Of *William Miller
> via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 08, 2023 12:14 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Cc:* William Miller <william at millersolar.com> <william at millersolar.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC
> interpretation/guidance?
>
>
>
> George:
>
>
>
> Appliance manufacturers have their own requirements that are not the same
> as the NEC requirements.  As long as you are not modifying the manufactured
> assembly you are not responsible for compliance of that appliance.  By
> appliance, I mean the solar module, microinverter, etc.
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *George McClellan via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 8, 2023 9:06 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Cc:* George McClellan
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC
> interpretation/guidance?
>
>
>
> Team;
>
>
>
> With the move to larger cells, some modules have an Isc that is pushing
> the limits of 12 AWG wire.  If I apply the rule of 156% (or 125% solar
> derate*125% continuous load derate) to an 18 Amp Isc module this will
> exceed the 25A that a 12 AWG wire can carry.  I understand that the
> homeruns will need to be a larger AWG (10 ga), but do the solar module
> cables (from junction box to MC4) also need to be larger?  Any guidance or
> reference material would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thx,
>
>
>
> George McClellan | Senior Technical Sales Manager | REC Americas LLC
>
> 330 James Way Ste 150 | Pismo Beach, CA 93449 | USA
>
> Cell phone +1 805 704 3226 | Fax +1 805 357 6104
>
> www.recgroup.com | george.mcclellan at recgroup.com
> <shannon.kent at recgroup.com>
>
>
>
>
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