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Thanks Glenn. I always get those wrong.<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760</pre>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 6/28/2015 5:15 PM, Glenn Burt wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote cite="mid:20150628231621.D4A8910315@che.dreamhost.com"
type="cite">
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8">
<div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I
think you are referring to galling, not spalling which is a
concrete and rock phenomenon.<br>
<br>
Sincerely,<br>
Glenn Burt<br>
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<hr><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size:
11pt; font-weight: bold;">From: </span><span
style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a
moz-do-not-send="true" href="mailto:ray@solarray.com">Ray
Walters</a></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;
font-weight: bold;">Sent: </span><span style="font-family:
Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">6/28/2015 17:27</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;
font-weight: bold;">To: </span><span style="font-family:
Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a
moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches</a></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;
font-weight: bold;">Subject: </span><span style="font-family:
Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Re: [RE-wrenches]
SnapNrack</span><br>
<br>
</div>
Besides your note that cordless impact drivers can over torque the
<br>
clamps, also they spin the bolts too fast which can lead to
spalling of <br>
the SS hardware.<br>
We now hand torque those connects. Finally, most torque specs are
for <br>
lubricated bolts. We use anti-seize on the threads before
torquing.<br>
Using a cordless impact driver and no lube can cause not only
module <br>
damage but also clamp damage, and end up with clamps not actually
<br>
securing the modules, because the bolts spalled out before fully
clamping.<br>
<br>
R.Ray Walters<br>
CTO, Solarray, Inc<br>
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,<br>
Licensed Master Electrician<br>
Solar Design Engineer<br>
303 505-8760<br>
<br>
On 6/28/2015 3:06 PM, Benn Kilburn wrote:<br>
> Chris,<br>
> It sounds (to me) that you are describing the bonding "tooth"
dug <br>
> through the aluminum frame and into the glass? or at least
compressed <br>
> the frame enough to break the glass? If that is the case
then i'm <br>
> betting that the clamp bolt was way over-torqued.<br>
><br>
> You need to check the recommended tightening torque for the
module and <br>
> for the racking system you are using. For example, what we
are using <br>
> these days, Kinetic, the tightening torque for mid and end
clamps is <br>
> 12 ft-lb and here are some recommended clamping torques from
some <br>
> different module mfgrs....<br>
> Conergy 8 NM - 6 ft-lb<br>
> Hanwha 5 NM - 3.7 ft-lb<br>
> JA Solar 18-24 NM - 13-18 ft-lb<br>
> These likely vary based on the construction of the module
frame.<br>
> I've also found that some module mfgrs do not list
recommended <br>
> tightening torques in their install manuals, so best to use
discretion.<br>
><br>
> We had a module break after clamping it down. The crew
described it <br>
> as 'putting the module in place, clamping it down and turning
around <br>
> to grab the next module and hearing a 'crack' followed by the
<br>
> crackling glass sound (if you have ever heard a module break,
the <br>
> crackling sound can last for a few minutes). The break
pattern in the <br>
> glass seemed to focus on a particular mid clamp. I used a
torque <br>
> wrench, set at around 10 ft-lb and checked all the mid-clamp
bolts, <br>
> increasing the torque setting by a few ft-lb each time until
it <br>
> finally turned a bolt instead of clicking. I found that most
of the <br>
> bolts were close to 30 ft-lb and the one that appeared to
break the <br>
> glass was about 34 ft-lb.<br>
> Suffice to say, we were getting carried away with tightening
using <br>
> cordless impact drivers.<br>
> At that point i and the rest of the crew started using the
torque <br>
> wrench as we were going along until we had a better feel for
what was <br>
> the proper torque. (i've done this before, but it is
something that <br>
> needs to be self "re-calibrated" often.<br>
><br>
><br>
> *Benn Kilburn *<br>
> CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire
Energy Inc<br>
> 6706 – 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7<br>
> P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.skyfireenergy.com">www.skyfireenergy.com</a> <br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://www.skyfireenergy.com/"><http://www.skyfireenergy.com/></a><br>
> email <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:benn@skyfireenergy.com"><mailto:benn@skyfireenergy.com></a> facebook <br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy"><https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy></a> twitter <br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy"><https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy></a> linkedin <br>
>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5"><https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5></a>
<br>
> google <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/"><https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/></a><br>
><br>
> SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal<br>
><br>
><br>
> On Thu, Jun 25, 2015 at 5:11 PM, Chris Worcester <br>
> <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com">chris@solarwindworks.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com"><mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com></a>> wrote:<br>
><br>
> Hi Jason,<br>
><br>
> Have you or others been using the new UniRac SM mid and
end clamps<br>
> with the integrated bonding yet? My concern is the
“Stainless<br>
> steel Midclamp points, 2 per module, pierce module frame<br>
> anodization to bond module to module through clamp.”<br>
><br>
> We had an MSI Alpha + self-bonding midclamp shatter the
glass on<br>
> an LG 280 last fall, as the factory set point was
sticking out too<br>
> far, so as it was being tightened down, on top of the
module the<br>
> point dug through the module’s top frame hitting the
glass,<br>
> shattering it.<br>
><br>
> I do wonder if there are any issues with this “point” on
the<br>
> UniRac midclamps potential for doing the same damage?<br>
><br>
> Chris Worcester<br>
><br>
> Solar Wind Works<br>
><br>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installer<br>
><br>
> Office 530-582-4503 <tel:530-582-4503><br>
><br>
> Cell 530-448-9692 <tel:530-448-9692><br>
><br>
> Fax 530-582-4603 <tel:530-582-4603><br>
><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.solarwindworks.com">www.solarwindworks.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://www.solarwindworks.com"><http://www.solarwindworks.com></a><br>
><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com">chris@solarwindworks.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com"><mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com></a><br>
><br>
> *From:*RE-wrenches<br>
> [<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org"><mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org></a>]
*On Behalf Of<br>
> *Jason Szumlanski<br>
> *Sent:* Thursday, June 25, 2015 1:13 PM<br>
> *To:* RE-wrenches<br>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack<br>
><br>
> That decision was based on our distribution network
offering<br>
> better pricing on Unirac, and engineers being comfortable
with it.<br>
> Now with the integrated grounding from Unirac, I can't
see moving<br>
> away from it again barring a significant cost benefit. It
also<br>
> stacks and stocks easier than the Ironridge rails.<br>
><br>
><br>
> On Wed, Jun 24, 2015 at 5:55 PM, Dana Brandt<br>
> <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com">dana@ecotechenergy.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com"><mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com></a>> wrote:<br>
><br>
> Hi Jason,<br>
><br>
> We've used Unirac for years but have been contemplating
Ironridge.<br>
> I'm curious what your experience was and why you went
back to Unirac?<br>
><br>
> Anyone else have input on best racking systems for
flush-mounted<br>
> residential systems on comp roof?<br>
><br>
> Thanks,<br>
><br>
><br>
> Dana<br>
><br>
> Dana Brandt<br>
> Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC<br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.ecotechenergy.com">www.ecotechenergy.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://www.ecotechenergy.com"><http://www.ecotechenergy.com></a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com">dana@ecotechenergy.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com"><mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com></a><br>
> 360.318.7646 <tel:360.318.7646><br>
><br>
> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:09 PM, Jason Szumlanski<br>
> <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:jason@fafcosolar.com">jason@fafcosolar.com</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:jason@fafcosolar.com"><mailto:jason@fafcosolar.com></a>> wrote:<br>
><br>
> By Snap N Rack, you mean Sun Run...<br>
><br>
>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://cleantechnica.com/2014/02/05/sunrun-acquires-rec-solars-residential-business-aee-solar-snapnrack-means/">http://cleantechnica.com/2014/02/05/sunrun-acquires-rec-solars-residential-business-aee-solar-snapnrack-means/</a><br>
><br>
> I'm curious if these vertical integrators will still make
their<br>
> acquired brands available to small dealers through
distribution.<br>
> When SolarCity snatched up Zep, I had concerns about
being able to<br>
> service or add onto existing Zep systems we installed.
That's<br>
> definitely a concern going forward, and reason to perhaps
stick<br>
> with the most compatible racking solutions available. We
used<br>
> IronRidge for a while, which is largely compatible with
Unirac,<br>
> but now we're back on the Unirac bandwagon.<br>
><br>
> Interesting times...<br>
><br>
> Jason Szumlanski<br>
><br>
> Fafco Solar<br>
><br>
> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:45 PM, Max Balchowsky
<<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:max@seesolar.com">max@seesolar.com</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:max@seesolar.com"><mailto:max@seesolar.com></a>> wrote:<br>
><br>
> We have been using Snap N' Rack for a while, Have lots of
installs<br>
> in Hawaii - so far no problems, I like the convenience of
the<br>
> design for snapping in the slider nut in mid rail, and
also the<br>
> ability to install the panels flush with the end of the
rails….<br>
><br>
> Max Balchowsky<br>
> Design Engineer<br>
> SEE Systems<br>
> 1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217<br>
> Newport Beach, Ca. 92660<br>
> 760-403-6810 <tel:760-403-6810><br>
><br>
> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"<br>
><br>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
><br>
> *From:*Allen Frishman <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:amfrish@aeonsolar.com">amfrish@aeonsolar.com</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:amfrish@aeonsolar.com"><mailto:amfrish@aeonsolar.com></a>><br>
> *To:* RE-wrenches <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"><mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org></a>><br>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 5, 2014 6:17 AM<br>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack<br>
><br>
> I am curious about the mid clamps on the snapnrack. The
flange<br>
> that rests on top of the solar panel frame is so small ~
3/16". <br>
> Anyone experience any problems with these failing in a
big storm?<br>
> With solar panel frames not being square it is nice to
have a<br>
> little extra to grab - I am always curious as to why
these clips<br>
> are made with such a small area to hold the panels down.<br>
><br>
> All feedback on these clips is appreciated.<br>
><br>
> /Al Frishman/<br>
> AeonSolar<br>
><br>
> /(917) 699-6641 <tel:%28917%29%20699-6641> - cell/<br>
> /(888) 460-2867 <tel:%28888%29%20460-2867>/<br>
> /www.aeonsolar.com <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://www.aeonsolar.com/"><http://www.aeonsolar.com/></a>/<br>
><br>
> On Jun 1, 2013, at 10:41 AM, Max Balchowsky wrote:<br>
><br>
><br>
><br>
> Have installed last three systems (35Kw)with snap n rack.<br>
><br>
> love it....<br>
><br>
> Max Balchowsky<br>
> Design Engineer<br>
> SEE Systems<br>
> 1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217<br>
> Newport Beach, Ca. 92660<br>
> 760-403-6810 <tel:760-403-6810><br>
><br>
> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"<br>
><br>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
><br>
> *From:*Solarguy <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ntrei@1scom.net">ntrei@1scom.net</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:ntrei@1scom.net"><mailto:ntrei@1scom.net></a>><br>
> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' <<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"><mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org></a>><br>
> *Sent:* Friday, May 31, 2013 10:11 PM<br>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack<br>
><br>
> The only complaint with the Snapnrack rails is the thin
wall can<br>
> easily be distorted. This will allow the nut to drop out
of its<br>
> groove. Love the universal end clamps but have learned to
assemble<br>
> every one to check for proper fit before getting on the
roof.<br>
><br>
> Jim Duncan<br>
><br>
> -----Original Message-----<br>
> From: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org"><mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org></a><br>
> [<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org"><mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org></a>]
On Behalf Of Drake<br>
> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:32 PM<br>
> To: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"><mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org></a><br>
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack<br>
><br>
> Hello Wrenches,<br>
><br>
> How would you rate the SnapNrack mounting systems against
Unirac<br>
> and other mounting systems?<br>
><br>
> Thanks,<br>
><br>
> Drake<br>
><br>
> _______________________________________________<br>
><br>
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine<br>
><br>
<br>
<div>[The entire original message is not included.]</div>
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