<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body><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 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;">\u200e6/\u200e28/\u200e2015 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 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 \u2013 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7<br>> P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com <br>> <http://www.skyfireenergy.com/><br>> email <mailto:benn@skyfireenergy.com> facebook <br>> <https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> twitter <br>> <https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> linkedin <br>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5> <br>> google <https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/><br>><br>> SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal<br>><br>><br>> On Thu, Jun 25, 2015 at 5:11 PM, Chris Worcester <br>> <chris@solarwindworks.com <mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com>> 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 \u201cStainless<br>> steel Midclamp points, 2 per module, pierce module frame<br>> anodization to bond module to module through clamp.\u201d<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\u2019s top frame hitting the glass,<br>> shattering it.<br>><br>> I do wonder if there are any issues with this \u201cpoint\u201d 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>> www.solarwindworks.com <http://www.solarwindworks.com><br>><br>> chris@solarwindworks.com <mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com><br>><br>> *From:*RE-wrenches<br>> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org>] *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>> <dana@ecotechenergy.com <mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com>> 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>> www.ecotechenergy.com <http://www.ecotechenergy.com><br>> dana@ecotechenergy.com <mailto:dana@ecotechenergy.com><br>> 360.318.7646 <tel:360.318.7646><br>><br>> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:09 PM, Jason Szumlanski<br>> <jason@fafcosolar.com <mailto:jason@fafcosolar.com>> wrote:<br>><br>> By Snap N Rack, you mean Sun Run...<br>><br>> http://cleantechnica.com/2014/02/05/sunrun-acquires-rec-solars-residential-business-aee-solar-snapnrack-means/<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>> \u200bFafco Solar\u200b<br>><br>> On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 12:45 PM, Max Balchowsky <max@seesolar.com<br>> <mailto:max@seesolar.com>> 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\u2026.<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 <amfrish@aeonsolar.com<br>> <mailto:amfrish@aeonsolar.com>><br>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> <mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>><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 <http://www.aeonsolar.com/>/<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 <ntrei@1scom.net <mailto:ntrei@1scom.net>><br>> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> <mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>><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: re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org><br>> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org>] On Behalf Of Drake<br>> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:32 PM<br>> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>> <mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org><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></body></html>