Mud Wasps can move in pretty dern quick up here. I fish the little squatters out as best I can (Yes, with a sheet rock screw), dose them roundly with contact cleaner (or isopropyl from the old unisolar install box), and finish things up with a Qtip and a good eyeballing.. If I don't like what I see and can't clean it, I just replace it.Yes, I have seen factory made connections fail (I have several fused together specimens on the wall of shame). If I can, I try to set up connections so's I can see them with an IR camera. (Resistance = VD = Heat)
db
Dan Brown
Foxfire Energy Corp.
Renewable Energy Systems
(802)-483-2564
www.Foxfire-Energy.com
NABCEP #092907-44
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors
From: benn kilburn <b...@daystarsolar.ca>
Date: Sat, November 24, 2012 12:55 am
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Wrenches,Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or dirt/dust prior to connecting.Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs…) prior to being connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected. It used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small roll of packing shrink wrap which works great. I wonder, am I the only one who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?Why do I bring this up???I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected. I'm not sure how long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a month or three. Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of moisture.This leaves me with some hesitations and questions…Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to thoroughly clean the contact points?(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).I don’t think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work?Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?Comments/suggestions….Cheers,bennDayStar Renewable Energy Inc.www.daystarsolar.ca * Ph: 780-906-7807Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems CertifiedCertificate # 0007SHAVE A SUNNY DAY
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