Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:43:35 -0800

We make flexible cable assemblies for a local track rack manufacturer. seems last winter gremlins convinced "us" to muff up a large order (transposed MC4 connectors). We repaired things by pruning off the wrong polarity connectors. so, we now have we have boxes of made up MC4 connectors looking for.. um, re purposing. Will send for S&H. contact me off list. db


Dan Brown
Foxfire Energy Corp.
Renewable Energy Systems
(802)-483-2564
www.Foxfire-Energy.com
NABCEP #092907-44


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC
Connectors
From: "Garrison Riegel" <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, November 26, 2012 9:58 am
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <[email protected]>

Multi-Contact makes MC4 “sealing caps” but I have not been able to find them for sale in the US.  Maybe you will have better luck.  Plastic and electrical tape has had to suffice for us until a better solution is more available.  If you found a good plug I suppose you could also just use spare male and female connectors.
 
http://www.multi-contact-usa.com/products/parts.php?cat=pv
 
A couple years ago I ran your moisture/dust question past MC and they said do not spray anything in the connections.  Instead, they recommend making and breaking the connection 5-10 times to clean the surface.  Some parts cleaners can cause damage, and may void the module warranty if you have to replace the connector.
 
Garrison Riegel
Project Manager
 
Solar Service Inc
[p] 847-677-0950
www.solarserviceinc.com
 
NABCEP Certified Solar PV and Thermal Installer™
 
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2012 11:55 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors
 
Wrenches,
Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or dirt/dust prior to connecting. 
Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs…) prior to being connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?
 
When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected.  It used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small roll of packing shrink wrap which works great.  I wonder, am I the only one who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?
 
Why do I bring this up???  
I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected.  I'm not sure how long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a month or three.  Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of moisture.
This leaves me with some hesitations and questions…
 
Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to thoroughly clean the contact points?
(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).
 
I don’t think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work? 
 
Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?  
 
Comments/suggestions….
 
Cheers,
benn
 
DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 
www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 
Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified
Certificate # 0007S
HAVE A SUNNY DAY
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine

List Address: [email protected]

Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org

 
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine

List Address: [email protected]

Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org

Reply via email to