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

[Ray Walters]

I'm trying to find a pic to post, but they were MC4 connectors, not the UTX.

Ray

On 11/9/2023 4:57 PM, Brian Mehalic 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> *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>
>>> *Cc:* William Miller <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 <http://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 <http://www.recgroup.com/> | 
>>> george.mcclellan at recgroup.com <mailto:shannon.kent at recgroup.com>
>>>
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