1500V MC4

[PVorBust]

I hadn't come across 1500V MC4's until a mate turned up with a panel with them fitted.
I can see they need different tools to assemble, but are they otherwise compatible?

He'll only be using the panel as a single, so the voltage won't be high.
For this application, is there any reason not to use the connectors we already have on hand?

 

[Goboatingnow]

I hadn't come across 1500V MC4's until a mate turned up with a panel with them fitted.
I can see they need different tools to assemble, but are they otherwise compatible?

He'll only be using the panel as a single, so the voltage won't be high.
For this application, is there any reason not to use the connectors we already have on hand?

No reason at all not to use them once their are rated sufficiently

 

[PVorBust]

Thanks, but to clarify - are 1000V and 1500V MC4's physically compatible?

It's a 450W panel (fairly large), so it's probably about 10A out. By it's self, it doesn't exceed the electrical spec of 'normal' MC4, but I'm always careful mixing connector series.

To me, it doesn't seem sensible for different voltage rated connectors to be compatible.

 

[Goboatingnow]

Sadly not all MC4 types are interchangeable the spec is very loose

 

[PVorBust]

Groan - yeah, that's true too.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Thanks, but to clarify - are 1000V and 1500V MC4's physically compatible?

MC4 is actually from a single manufacturer as a product.
The plethora of MC4s from (dozens?) of manufacturers are not generally compatible with each other never mind other lines/brands. I think of MC4 more as a style than a standard, and think of everything MC4 to in essence be a knock-off.

I would check with the CS of the brand you have and see if their 1000V crosses to their 1500V.

For me,? I would cut off the incompatible fittings and crimp on fittings that are the same brand as the rest of them that you have used.

 

[PVorBust]

Fair call.

 

[Goboatingnow]

MC4 is actually from a single manufacturer as a product.
The plethora of MC4s from (dozens?) of manufacturers are not generally compatible with each other never mind other lines/brands. I think of MC4 more as a style than a standard, and think of everything MC4 to in essence be a knock-off.

I would check with the CS of the brand you have and see if their 1000V crosses to their 1500V.

For me,? I would cut off the incompatible fittings and crimp on fittings that are the same brand as the rest of them that you have used.

Yes the reality is you attached them as pairs.

 

[Goboatingnow]

Mc4 “ multi contact “ 4mm i beleivecwas introduced by STÄUBLI and has spawned lots of imitators some not being compatible.

 

[PVorBust]

I Just looked it up on wiki
"Multi-Connect" was the company name before it was changed to STÄUBLI
The MC3 was also theirs and as you describe, the "3" refers to a 3mm contact pin