William, The only place we use splicing is in the transition box, where we transition from USE/RHW or PV wire to THWN in conduit. We almost always have this transition in smaller systems without need of a combiner box. I suspect it is the same for others. In larger systems there is no need for splicing anywhere with the use of combiner boxes.
Daryl > Wrenches: > > I am wondering why the proliferation of splices in PV leads? We all know > splices are a weak link. > > We allow only one connection between a module and the feeder destination-- > be it a combiner, inverter or optimizer-- and it is an MC connector, one > side of which is factory-made and provided by the module manufacturer. > > If one plans and pulls PV circuits with forethought, splices should not be > necessary. > > If anyone wants to know more about how this can be accomplished, look at > our web site or contact me off list. > > William > >> On Apr 8, 2017, at 10:05 AM, Glenn Burt <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> It is also worth noting that many of the SMA installation manuals >> specifically say do not use wire nuts on DC wiring. >> Of course choosing to ignore the manufacturers installation instructions >> would be a NEC violation. >> From: Drake >> Sent: â4/â8/â2017 12:10 >> To: RE-wrenches >> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad? >> >> >> At 01:35 PM 4/6/2017, you wrote: >>> Recently we interfaced with another solar install firm that has gone >>> back to wire nuts due to this same problem. >> >> Wire nuts have the advantage of holding the wires tight with a spring. >> The spring follows the cold flow of the copper over the years. A screw >> type connection does not. >> >> When I service an old breaker box, usually the wires are loose under the >> screw connections, especially on the neutral and grounding bars. Often >> they are very loose, and I bet that the screws were tight after the >> initial installation of the equipment. >> >> On old industrial control equipment, I've learned the hard way to >> tighten all screws before doing anything in the box, as wires are prone >> to fall out of the loose screw connections. Again, these connections >> have the weakness of being held by terminal screws, with no spring to >> follow the cold flow of the metal. >> >> With wire nuts, it can be a bit tricky to know if you have a good >> connection, as the connection is hidden under the plastic cap. It is >> good to pull hard on each wire separately to be sure it is securely >> under the spring. It is crucial never to mix copper and aluminum under a >> wire nut unless it is one specifically designed for the purpose. Unless >> specifically listed, all out door wire nuts should be in a weather proof >> box, and preferably taped. >> >> Drake Chamberlin >> Athens Electric LLC >> OH License 44810 >> CO License 3773 >> NABCEP Certified Solar PV >> 740-448-7328 >> http://athens-electric.com/ >> >> Virus-free. www.avast.com >> _______________________________________________ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: [email protected] >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: [email protected] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
