1) I've used the Euro connectors you show for decades with good
results. Not necessarily legal here, but I like them....
2) Before bad mouthing the wire nuts, I've found installer error to
almost always be the problem. In the installation pictured, the wire
nuts are not outdoor rated, and they have obviously not been twisted
enough. None of the wires leading into the connector show any twist.
They need to be twisted until the wires wrap around themselves a couple
of turns.
I don't like wire nuts, but they are legal to use for DC, and only cause
problems AC or DC when improperly installed.
I think the real reason we see so many failures on DC is they are
outdoors (more corrosion, hotter) and they are higher continuous
amperage than most AC circuits see.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 9/6/2016 1:39 PM, Chris Mason wrote:
The problem is that wire nuts are not intrinsically sound, a good
connection depends on the skill of the craftsman. They are not legal
under the British electrical code, where I did my training, wires need
to be firmly held under a screw as in a terminal. The US would be
better to get rid of these nasty devices.
In Britain, you see these terminal strips used. As long as they stay
dry, they last forever.
http://my.rs-online.com/largeimages/R4649744-01.jpg
On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 3:19 PM, MDElectricSolar .
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Yes, wire nuts, and loose connections are a big issue in AC
circuits as well. One of my most frequent troubleshooting calls is
tracing out loose/burnt/arcing connections behind receptacles and
switches. Usually caused by sloppy workmanship, or contractors
being in a hurry.
Mike
On Tue, Sep 6, 2016 at 12:14 PM, Glenn Burt <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Be aware that SMA explicitly prohibits the use of wire nuts in
their installation instructions on the DC input circuits.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jerry Shafer <mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: 9/6/2016 14:32
To: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Wire nuts
Wrenches
Better pic
On Sep 5, 2016 4:52 PM, "Jerry Shafer"
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
wrote:
To my fellow wrenches
It comes up every so often and with DC, I will not use,
approve or pass any wire nuts on any DC side. Some say its
OK but the facts are they will fail, this connection was
just six years and when l opened the junction box it was
glowing and by the looks of it has for some time. There
are 8 strings 2 per string and thats a 12.5 % failure rate
(the other one was completely distroyed) not to mention
the fire hazard in a PVC junction box.
Please pass this along and tell everyone to stop using these.
Jerry
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