Re: [Re-wrenches] MC4 Jumpers

[Jay]

This is a big reason to have OEM information, to keep up on the newest requirements and best practices.   Speaking for me alone, being current as to best practices, code etc  is a big separator from the YouTube slackers that have taken over.  Another plug for Bryan is that every gland nut is torqued to the correct amount. But I’m sure we all torque every gland nut.  Jay On Oct 6, 2026, at 6:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski <ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:  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 <tyroneho...@gmail.com> 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 <wlbr...@pineridgeproducts.com> 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 <d...@solarwork.com> 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 <glenn.b...@glbcc.com> 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 <wlbr...@pineridgeproducts.com> 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 <glenn.b...@glbcc.com> 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 <z...@darkforestsolar.com> 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: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 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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