Don’t Arc Around with MC4 Connectors - Solar Panel Installation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- Ensuring correct and secure connections of MC4 connectors in solar PV installations is crucial to prevent devastating consequences. In this video, we demonstrate the proper technique for making off MC4 connectors and the importance of using the right tools. Watch till the end to see what can go wrong when these practices are neglected.
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00:00 Making off MC4 connectors correctly is crucial
00:42 Making off an MC4 connector close-up
04:15 What happens if the connectors aren't made off correctly?
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#solarpanelinstallation #solarpv #electricalinstallation - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
1:40: That has got to be THE best feature of any connector ever: Being able to put the plastic part over the metal part AFTER the connection to the wire has been made. My personal odds of forgetting to slide the plastic part over the cable at the right time must be 50% or more.
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While I agree it’s super handy, that is not unique to MC4 connectors - most crimp connectors, from big ones like this to tiny things with 1mm pin pitch, work that way. The only crimped terminals I can think of that require forethought are uninsulated faston (spade) terminals, if you want to slip an insulating boot on.
I worked as a solar installer during 2013-2016 then became a solar maintenance technician. During that time I mastered both AC/DC parts including connecting the system to the utility and commissioning it.
Just out here tooting our own horn, nice.
Don't forget to use compatible connectors, usually the same manufacturer, to ensure they do make proper contact. Technically they should all be interchangeable but we all know how sloppy the generic stuff is.
I think it’s even better to just avoid generic stuff, period. It’s not only sloppy mating with others, it’s sloppy with itself. Better to spend the money for the genuine Stäubli.
Good job
I already working in solar system
You are professionals
Had a DC isolator fail and had no choice but to pull leads under load. covering all panels or wait till dark was to much hassle. Playing with arc much more fun.
Nice demonstration.
Correct crimping is critical. Seen plenty fail due to wrong crimping. Fire hazard if not done properly.
Great video as always Gaz
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Its very helpful for new
Nice video eFIXX 👀
Will worth while showing how you protect the string cable coming out under the tile? Flashing with cable grommets?
In continuation of the discussion: can be interesting our solution, alternative to TESLA roofing (cheaper and "greener")?
Haha, i love the comment. “Sometimes these might be live aswell” yeh, those things do matter when you start stripping wire. Better do that on a shady day if not sure.
I always cover the panels with a heavy blanket before making those connections. Preferably do it on a very overcast day, too.
I prefer solid mc4 crimps instead of bent metal type
Kindky advise how easy way to pv diesel generator controls like 160 kw solar and 80 kw diesel gensets
Hi,is there any tool to cut out automatically that skin off the wire or you have to measure your self everytime that annoying half of inch? (i think ..half of inch?tell me if i am wrong) Please anybody?
I want that crimping tool!
They are _very expensive_ and unless you are a professional you will probably only use it once or twice.
What is the MPn of the connector you are using ?
Significant
There are 10mm² MC4 Connectors as well to go with 10 mm² cable for larger installations
No. Calculate the required thickness (CSA) of cable required. Then use appropriate thickness cable and suitable rated connectors.
There is no need to guess, and guessing carries risk. Eliminate that risk and do the job properly.
Also, use an Arcbox from Viridian Solar.
Special tool for putting MC4 connectors apart is zip tie🙃
I just use my index fingers
Next evolution in DC connectivity: MC4(100mm) connectors. 🔋⚡😇
Coming to a 50KA DC electrified railway near you soon! 🚈⚡😉
Points from the video...
Hard Hats missing on occasion. Using the rails as a ladder and probably damaging the roof tiles under the bracket and the validity of the bracket fixing.
..and as I see on so many roofs , not supporting the cables correctly, leaving them touching/rubbing against the abrasive
roof tiles, which over time is a high risk of fire..
That’s not a genuine MC4 from Staubli Connectors, but a copy MC4 from a different manufacturer.
I’m leery of the unbranded crimp tool. The more I use first-party crimp tools, the more I realize that most no-name crimp tools are crap, producing poorly formed, improperly pressed crimps.
Not the best way to do it.
You should ensure the cable reaches into the cylinder as the actual conductor, is the neck between the crimp and fixing....
30amp rating apparently...
Individual solar generating roof tiles MUST be the answer to those ugly panels , please comment .... DAVE™🛑
No harness connected at 2:45 while climbing.
Why do they need harnesses with full scaffolding and what exactly is harness anchored to and at what distance?
I Crimp and then Solder any connection where possible, its overkill but never had any connections fail or overheat in any application
Very bad practice. If you’ve done your crimp properly (which means it’s gas tight) then no solder will enter the crimp area itself, but the solder will wick up your wire and create a rigid area _outside of your strain relief_ where flexing can break the wire.
If you’re feeling the need to reinforce your crimps with solder, the problem is lousy crimps. Improve them rather than adding solder.
WRONG!
The only ones that care are ensurance companies.
I really hate high voltage DC for good reasons.
I have more respect for my 48V battery than our grid connection.
When it shorts, those 280Ah cells dump serious current.
Agreed, all those ( ofter to thin ) DC cables running over the roof, making tight bends everywhere... I also hate it.
Thats why I went for Enphase with micro inverters, much safter and simply better for good reasons.
Probably also much more install friendly.
The use of DC cables should be reduced to a minimun.
Also the losses in a good length of DC cables are pretty significant.
That DIY panel lifting bridle is a bit dodgy with such a shallow angle between the legs and non locking non sutable for rigging carabineers.
The question is, is he qualified to make those ends off?lol
Well thankfully Gaz is only holding the camera 😂😂😂
@@efixxbut has he got the camera holding ticket.....?
Those are not made off to specifications. First of all: He stripped the insulation to far back.
This is the only correct way (German with subtitles):
th-cam.com/video/sErsAfgwFrI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CErfpB61degL3wMN
The void to hold the stripped wire is deliberately quite generous with MC4 connectors to allow easy in field stripping and preparation of the cable. There is no need to precisely measure the amount of insulation removed. Anyone doing so is simply burning time and the customer's money.
@retrozmachine1189 my crimper have a guide and a bit of tin which only sits down flat if the stripped wire is not to long. I have had them a long time but they keep the crimp end square and set the crimp in the jaws at a set point.
@@andyhodchild8 Nice feature but doesn't negate the fact that there is space in the terminals to accommodate a degree of excess wire.
@@andyhodchild8I am guessing you are using something like Staubli's crimper?
th-cam.com/video/DUIOfUflD8A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=C1CKOwppYArtsrSb
@@retrozmachine1189I would rather spend a few seconds extra on inspecting a crimp than having a customer's house burn down.
4.41 of my life wasted...
They’re using a winch to lift the panels !!!!😯😯😯😯 wimps !!!🤣🤣🤣
Yes I wondered how many use a winch, I wanted to see how the winch was set up at the top. I have one but you need another rig short lift to make it work, to lift it over hand rail.
Stupid question on my part: How do you deal with any bird-sh!t that might accumulate on the panels? I know you need a clear sky facing, but you have little comtrol of avian flight paths. Are some panels more resistant to having it welded on? Does it make a difference?
Glass tends to self clean - if you have rain (obs) and the panels aren’t flat.
A bit amateur on too many levels
This system of panel racking is not good, birds build nests underneath which leads to a build up of compost between the panel and roof which can cause leaks to the roof and even combustion of the compost as composting organic matter can spontaneously ignite due to heat build up, I would never recommend a roof system over an easily maintained ground system, these systems only really make sense on accessable flat roofs