Difference between revisions of "Module connectors"

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[[File:Mc4connector.png|thumb|right'''Positive, negative and joined MC4 connectors depicted with wiring.''']]
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[[Category:PV source]]
[[PV module|PV modules]] are installed outdoor and exposed to the elements, therefore any connections made with PV modules should be water-tight. PV modules are typically connected to one another, or to a wire that goes to a combiner box, with specialty connectors designed for us with PV modules exposed to water and sun. These connectors are designed to to be crimped onto wires using a specialty crimper. They can then be easily snapped together, but typically require a tool to seperate them once connector to avoid accidents. The most common type of connector on the market, which typically comes pre-installed on PV modules, is called a Multi-Contact 4 (MC4) connector manufactured by Staubli. There are other different connector designs on the market and many cheaper versions of MC4 connectors that are are not all compatible with one another. If not using original Staubli MC4 connectors, it is important that all of the connectors used are of the same kind to ensure compatibility and avoid high resistance connections that can lead to failures or fires. It is also important that a crimping tool designed for use with the specific type of connector is used.
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[[File:Mc4connector.png|thumb|Positive, negative and joined MC4 connectors depicted with wiring.]]
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[[Special:MyLanguage/PV module|PV modules]] are installed outdoor and exposed to the elements, therefore any connections made with PV modules should be water-tight. PV modules are typically connected to one another, or to a wire that goes to a combiner box, with specialty connectors designed for use with PV modules exposed to water and sun. These connectors are designed to be crimped onto wires using a specialty crimper. They can then be easily snapped together, but typically require a tool to separate them once connector to avoid accidents.  
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Modules can come with different types of connectors - MC4 (the most common type of connector which is produced by Staubli), Amphenol, Tyco - which are not compatible with one another. So it is important to make sure that you have the correct type of connector to be able to make a connection with the PV module. Otherwise a high resistance connection can be created that might lead to a failure or a fire. It is also important that a crimping tool designed for use with the specific type of connector is used.
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==Notes/references== <!--T:4-->
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Latest revision as of 14:15, 10 February 2021

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Positive, negative and joined MC4 connectors depicted with wiring.

PV modules are installed outdoor and exposed to the elements, therefore any connections made with PV modules should be water-tight. PV modules are typically connected to one another, or to a wire that goes to a combiner box, with specialty connectors designed for use with PV modules exposed to water and sun. These connectors are designed to be crimped onto wires using a specialty crimper. They can then be easily snapped together, but typically require a tool to separate them once connector to avoid accidents.

Modules can come with different types of connectors - MC4 (the most common type of connector which is produced by Staubli), Amphenol, Tyco - which are not compatible with one another. So it is important to make sure that you have the correct type of connector to be able to make a connection with the PV module. Otherwise a high resistance connection can be created that might lead to a failure or a fire. It is also important that a crimping tool designed for use with the specific type of connector is used.

Notes/references