I agree that installer error is the primary cause of bad MC4 crimps, not whether a $500, $300, or $30 crimper was used. That said, the rules are the rules. And this one is broken as a matter of routine.
Jason Szumlanski Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP) Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956 Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208 On Mon, Oct 5, 2026 at 7:33 PM Tyrone Houck <[email protected]> wrote: > It seems like a good time to mention that Rennsteig makes the Staubli > crimp and dies to the exact same specifications as their own, excepting the > stamp. Rennsteig made their crimper for Multi Contact/Staubli from the > origin and through the entire history of the MC4 connector long before > Staubli changed the name from Multi Contact to Staubli. It's the same die > spec with/without an inspection stamp... > I am of the opinion that if a connector fails under normal conditions it > is 99.99+% of the time an installer error. Staubli vs rennsteig is not > going to determine if a connector fails and a seasoned installer knows what > a good crimp is and is effectively standing behind every connection they > make anyway. > > It seems like the larger discussion is one of liability shields and > accountability. > > > Sunny Regards, > > Tyrone Houck > Oregon Solarworks LLC > CCB #204937 LRT #076 > > On Mon, Oct 5, 2026, 3:45 PM William Bryce <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> My issue is with someone like Glen using this forum to act as a >> code-enforcement representative, calling out installers he knows nothing >> about in a disrespectful manner. >> >> I agree with his interpretation of a rule, But the real reason for this >> rule was not to create a monopoly using the rule to sell extremely >> overpriced tools. The professional approach would have been to explain your >> thoughts of the requirements and educate, much like Bryan’s response from >> PV-Cables. >> >> That said, I’ll put my Rennsteig tool up against the overpriced OEM tool >> any day. >> >> I’ve been around long enough to know that people in glass houses >> shouldn’t throw stones. This is a professional forum and a valuable >> resource. Let’s keep the discussion respectful and useful, without letting >> it turn into the kind of arguing we see on the DIY Solar Forum. >> >> I personally know Zeke, he is a professional installer and his installs >> are top notch. >> >> >> -William >> >> >> >> On Mon, Oct 5, 2026 at 5:36 PM Dana Orzel <[email protected]> wrote: >> >>> This friendly conversation brings up a good point and that is just >>> because one manufactures crimper used with their crimp versus another >>> manufacturers crimper used with their crimp. Versus one manufacturers >>> crimper with another manufacturers crimp. >>> There is no STANDARD that I am aware of. Has anybody ever done >>> calibrated pull tests? Has the NEC done pull tests? >>> When crimping OO & OOOO cable ring ends onto wire. I’m definitely not >>> using an end that is manufactured by the same manufacturer as my crimper >>> that I’ve had for 25 years. >>> Is this a violation of the NEC? >>> I do a manual pull test (tug) but I think that’s definitely subjective. >>> >>> >>> Sent from my iPad >>> >>> On Oct 5, 2026, at 1:41 PM, Glenn <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> >>> If bringing attention to what should not be done by professional >>> installers, and pointing out code non-compliance is considered to be not >>> friendly, then so be it. >>> >>> I have inspected too many installations where adherence to manufacturers >>> required installation instructions have been 'overlooked, ignored or we've >>> alwys done it that way' were inadequate responses. >>> >>> If a manufacturer lists its required method of assembly and installation >>> and you interpret it as being a suggestion, it is clearly a violation of >>> the NEC article 110.3b. >>> >>> Everyone takes their own level of responsibility for adherence and >>> ultimately their accountability for their actions, obviously. However >>> blatently posting such choices does zero for the reputation of our industry >>> and needs to be avoided. >>> >>> I stand by my previous post. >>> >>> -Glenn >>> >>> On Oct 5, 2026 15:09, William Bryce <[email protected]> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Glenn, >>> >>> That was quite the "friendly" response (not so much)! >>> >>> If using my Amazon purchased tool made by Rennsteig that has the exact >>> die crimp design and compression ever comes into question, I'll take that >>> hit! >>> The goal of 110.3(B) is to make sure things are done correctly, to the >>> recommended MFG specifications. In this case, a positive crimp of the MC4 >>> connector to avoid loose connection, heat, and fire. >>> >>> Not to support a company's monopoly of a tool and their bottom line. >>> >>> I'm pretty sure that not everyone on this forum uses the Staubli tool. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Mon, Oct 5, 2026 at 2:19 PM Glenn <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> Why would you admit to violating NEC 110.3b here? >>> That seems like a poor business decision. >>> >>> -Glenn >>> >>> On Oct 5, 2026 13:49, Zeke Yewdall <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> I've always just made them up myself -- CED Greentech carries the real >>> MC4 connectors and the wire. My crimper is the amazon one, not the >>> official staubli one. >>> >>> Or PV-cables.com has all sorts of custom ones with custom ends of any >>> sort. >>> >>> Zeke >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >>> >>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >>> >>> List Address: [email protected] >>> >>> Change listserver email address & settings: >>> >>> https://lists.re-wrenches.org/mailman/options/re-wrenches_lists.re-wrenches.org/ >>> >>> There are two list archives for searching. 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