Join pv wire temporarily

[Newfiejeff]

My existing RV has a solar panel(190 watt) along with a Go power charge controller, it came with the rv, not choice.
I am going on a 6 month trip across Canada and the US starting the first of May. I may while on my trip trade my camper and may not. So I have a 150/70 Victron just purchased for my cabin so I was going to use that instead of the Go power while on my trip. The new controller won’t fit in the location that the Go power is so how can I join PV wire only to move location temporarily as I will be removing the controller after the trip or if I decides to trade it. Swapping out the wire from the panel to the new location is inside a wall which is not easily to get at and not worth the effort for a very short time,
How can I join the PV wire, basically make a extension cable that if I trade the camper on the spur of the moment I can set up the old controller easily and quickly?

 

[timselectric]

Wire nuts

 

[Newfiejeff]

Like on electrical wire eg, 14/2, 12/2, etc?

 

[timselectric]

Like on electrical wire eg, 14/2, 12/2, etc?

Yes

 

[Partimewages]

Just make sure you do your wire nuts properly!

 

[Newfiejeff]

Just make sure you do your wire nuts properly!

Anything different than electrical wiring? Twist with pliers and then nut.

 

[Partimewages]

If all your wire is solid yes and pay attention to the spec of the wire nuts. Wire nuts are rated for X number of each conductor.

 

[Newfiejeff]

Can you use properly sized Wago connectors?

 

[timselectric]

Can you use properly sized Wago connectors?

I'm not a fan of them. But they might be good enough for that.

 

[AZ Solar Junkie]

I'm not a fan of them. But they might be good enough for that.

I do like the Wago’s actually. On Amazon mostly what you find are the 221-4xx series which are rated for 20amps and 12AWG wire. There is a 221-6xx series that is rated for 30 amps and up to 10AWG wire…

 

[timselectric]

I should clarify.
I'm not a fan of using them, myself.
But, I do like it when others use them.
Service calls are a good portion of my income.

 

[AZ Solar Junkie]

I should clarify.
I'm not a fan of using them, myself.
But, I do like it when others use them.
Service calls are a good portion of my income.

What kind of wago issues have been giving you business? ? They have been great for me for the right application - like outlet gang boxes. Just have to manage the job right so you don’t have issues like when you’re trying to tuck the wires into the back and put in your outlet that you don’t accidentally push open one of the levers. I know some people wrap the outside of the wago with electrical tape just to avoid that possibility.

 

[timselectric]

What kind of wago issues have been giving you business? ? They have been great for me for the right application - like outlet gang boxes. Just have to manage the job right so you don’t have issues like when you’re trying to tuck the wires into the back and put in your outlet that you don’t accidentally push open one of the levers. I know some people wrap the outside of the wago with electrical tape just to avoid that possibility.

Yup
That's a big one.
But sometimes, they just melt. They don't always provide a reliable connection.
I just replace them with a wire nut and collect the money.
In 40 years, I have never had a wire nut failure.
I stick with what has always worked.

 

[glandpuck]

Another option:

Much more costly than a wire nut. However, well insulated and can be used over and over. Also, generic knockoffs at cheaper prices. Places like HD have them and electrical supply houses everywhere. The "real" ones are UL listed, the knockoffs not listed.

Polaris

Polaris adds decades of reliable leadership in product quality, installation efficiencies, safety innovations, and brotherly support to NSI’s deep resources that make the brand a top choice for…

www.nsiindustries.com

I use these for my permanent splices.

 

[AZ Solar Junkie]

Another option:

Much more costly than a wire nut. However, well insulated and can be used over and over. Also, generic knockoffs at cheaper prices. Places like HD have them and electrical supply houses everywhere. The "real" ones are UL listed, the knockoffs not listed.

Polaris

Polaris adds decades of reliable leadership in product quality, installation efficiencies, safety innovations, and brotherly support to NSI’s deep resources that make the brand a top choice for…

www.nsiindustries.com

I use these for my permanent splices.

Yep - those are great especially for heavy gauges. Just need to keep trying to move the wire and tightening the screw until the strands stop shifting to avoid them becoming loose over time.