The problem installers are having is the interpretation by two different
entities: 1) the AHJ, and 2) the program compliance inspector.
They don't always have the same interpretation and the installer gets
caught in the middle.
The installer does not want to antagonize either.
>From what I gather in this thread, waterproof wire twist connectors, of
which I believe seem to be the most "waterproof", but not the best
assured long-term connector will meet the program compliance inspector's
needs, but not be the best from most of what I read from the installers.
Most installers prefer the multi-port connectors.
I will be contacting the program compliance inspectors and see if they
will take another look at this problem.
Thanks for everyone's input. Chris
On 2017-04-11 10:13, August Goers wrote:
> As a related note, the 2014 NEC has an addition that allows field-installed
> drainage holes in junction boxes:
>
> We've found that installing drain or weep holes is a very good idea to keep
> water from accumulating in outdoor boxes and conduit bodies.
>
> August
>
> FROM: August Goers [mailto:aug...@luminalt.com]
> SENT: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 6:46 AM
> TO: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> SUBJECT: RE: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?
>
> 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:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] ON
> BEHALF OF cwar...@entech-engineering.com
> SENT: Monday, April 10, 2017 4:45 PM
> TO: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> 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, e...@harvesthesun.com 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" <will...@millersolar.com>
> Date: 4/8/17 2:48 pm
> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
>
> 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 <glenn.b...@glbcc.com> 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]
>
> [2]
>
> Virus-free. www.avast.com [3]
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org [4]
>
> List-Archive:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
> [5]
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm [6]
>
> Check out or update participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org [7]
_______________________________________________ List sponsored by
Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change
listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm [6] Check out
or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org [7]
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org [4]
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
[5]
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm [6]
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org [7]
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm [6]
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org [7]
Links:
------
[1] http://athens-electric.com/
[2]
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=icon
[3]
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=link
[4] http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
[5]
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
[6] http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
[7] http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
