Thank you, I appreciate the information. I will check this out and send
it along to the inspecting company. Chris
On 2017-04-11 09:46, August Goers wrote:
> Hi Chris,
>
> I've contacted Ideal about the suitability for their copper crimp connectors
> to be used in outdoor locations in approved junction boxes. Their response
> was that they are listed to UL 486C and are designed to be used in approved
> outdoor boxes. I'll forward the email to you off list.
>
> That said, they do not have the dielectric silicone grease that an outdoor
> wire nut has and if a J-box fills with water then there could be a potential
> fault between adjacent conductors or to ground.
>
> August
>
> FROM: RE-wrenches [mailto:[email protected]] ON
> BEHALF OF [email protected]
> SENT: Monday, April 10, 2017 4:45 PM
> TO: RE-wrenches <[email protected]>
> SUBJECT: Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?
>
> I haven't seen a reply regarding the NEC requirement (by some AHJs), that all
> of these connectors, except waterproof connectors cannot be used in outside
> JBs. Has anyone else run into this? Thanks for any insight. Chris
>
> On 2017-04-10 15:48, [email protected] wrote:
>
> Good discussion here. I will not rule out loose connections entirely but I
> will say that our installers know that can be an issue and really tighten
> their connections. I like William's suggestion of fabricating an MC-type
> connector at the PV Wire to THWN transition. At least I presume that's what
> he's suggesting. Indeed we've moved away from the screw-type Polaris and are
> not interested in the old-fashioned wire nut. We're 100% Sunpower and they
> recommend the Buchannon's so that's what we're installing today. However, I'm
> going to investigate the Miller method. William has never led me astray!
>
> Eric Stikes
>
> SunHarvest
>
> --------- Original Message ---------
>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?
> From: "William Miller" <[email protected]>
> Date: 4/8/17 2:48 pm
> To: "RE-wrenches" <[email protected]>
>
> 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: 4/8/2017 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/ [1]
>
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