I had a similar discussion with staff at Enphase over their stating that the H4 connectors worked with MC4 connectors. The fit is not perfect which could lead to water penetration. But they did finally send me a copy of ETL test results approving using the two different brands. Multi Connect, however said their warranty would be voided if any other connector was used with theirs. Sure the crimping tool is expensive but the lugs always fit perfect. Jim Duncan North Texas renewable Energy Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
-----Original Message----- From: Ray Walters <r...@solarray.com> Sender: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:03:38 To: RE-wrenches<re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Reply-To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Connectors and Crimpers The wrong crimping tool with the wrong crimp is a big no no. I've seen complete melt downs at high amps, because there was not enough contact between the wire and the connector. I'm one of the guys here that will help you save money when it makes sense, but I've personally seen a lot of improper crimps, covered up in insulating material, go bad. I'm not a fan of split bolts for the same reason. Connectors like the Polaris splice blocks allow connections to be double checked, allow voltage check without disconnecting anything while trouble shooting, and make a reliable long term connection. If you want to save money, just buy pre-made MC cables and cut them to length. You end up with some left over 10 ft peices of wire, but it's way cheaper than buying the tool. Ray On 11/28/2011 12:18 PM, Dave Bell wrote: > Wondering if anyone has ever had any problem or AHJ questions regarding the > use of a "non-UL listed" crimper in the creation of homerun cables? > How about the use of cross brand connectors; like MC4 to MC4 "compatible" > connectors (Amphenol H4, Lumburg LC4, Bizlink, etc)? > > UL listing dictates brand specific application, but it's difficult to > maintain down to the tool level... > > Anyone had any experience or problems mixing it up? > > > Dave Bell > Engineering Services > NABCEP Certified PV Installer(tm) > DC Power Systems& Solar Depot > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Home Power magazine > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Options& settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules& etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > > _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
