I think the biggest issue with poor connections on the Polaris type
blocks is not stripping enough insulation off the wire. They need much
more stripped off than other types of connectors. With too much
insulation remaining, the screw tightens on the insulation, and the
electrical connection is just some loose copper tickling the inside of
the barrel. You wouldn't notice it at first with testing, but it would
definitely start to over heat over time. Might catch it with a FLIR
though.
What other connectors are 1000 v rated? This seems like more an issue
of having the manufacturer's retest to 1000v. I can't imagine those
blocks not being able to handle 1000v, but.....
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 4/28/21 11:27 AM, Corey Shalanski wrote:
Chris's reminder is a good one—the 600V rating of most insulated
"multi-tap" connectors pretty much limits their use to residential
systems. I would also keep in mind that those connectors generally
have a torque spec. I've definitely seen examples of meltdowns caused
by poor terminations - either the compression screw isn't torqued
properly or the conductor isn't fully inserted. To help eliminate the
latter case, we used to favor the Burndy models (e.g., BIT4
<https://www.hubbell.com/burndy/en/Products/Power-Utilities/Connectors/Lugs-Terminals/Bolted/Vinyl-Insulated/BIT4/p/2021315>)
because they had a transparent case; I see that Polaris also now
offers transparent models (e.g., IT-4C
<http://www.nsiindustries.com/catalog/nsiproducts/polaris-mechanical-connectors/polaris-vision-tap/it-4c>).
--
Corey Shalanski
Jah Light Solar
Portland, Jamaica
On Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 7:38 AM Chris Sparadeo
<sparadeo.ch...@gmail.com <mailto:sparadeo.ch...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Keep in mind that Wagos, Polaris lugs, Multi-tap Burndy lugs are
rated for 600V. I can see this being a possible use for MC4
connectors in a higher voltage splice scenario, because of their
1000V/1500V ratings.
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