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

Thu Nov 9 18:55:53 PST 2023

Those are the Amphenol H4 connectors pictured, not the UTX version.  Amphenol had issues with the plastic housings on both connectors and I saw more of the H4s fail than that of the UTX.

Bryan
PV-Cables

Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>
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From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf of Garrison via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2023 6:28:00 PM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: Garrison <garrison.rie at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC interpretation/guidance?

I just replaced 34 pairs of connectors on SW modules that were installed in 2014 or so. Makes me a bit concerned for the many other installs out there. These were on a SunnyBoy that did it’s job and triggered and arc fault alert.

The connector manufacturer seems to have tried to designed a melt-away logo but I think we can figure it out.

[image0.jpeg]

I see some O&M work in our future.

Best,
Garrison Riegel
Celestar Solar

On Nov 9, 2023, at 6:33 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

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.

<https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2017/03/29/solarworld-recalls-amphenol-connectors-sold-with-pv-modules/>
[X]
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/>

Brian

On Nov 9, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org><mailto: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><mailto: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><mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: William Miller <william at millersolar.com><mailto: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<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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