Mc4 replacement

[Bluedog225]

Good morning,

I’ve got a bunch of used panels I plan to install in the fall. About 60. Various brands.

Various conditions. I will test and sort this summer. Roof mount. With rapid shut down.

I’d like to replace all the mc4 connectors to ensure UL listed, properly crimped, dielectric grease, compatibility, etc.

Does it make sense to do this? What is my best source for quality connectors?

Any mc4 details or specs I need?

Many thanks!

 

[WYtreasure]

Keep an eye on the "IP" rating as you shop.

I opted to wire directly into the junction box on each panel, totally eliminating any external connections and associated issues.
Directly wiring 60 panels on a roof would not be a fun job.

 

[A.Justice]

I got some used panels a while back with the stupid barrel connectors on them, and switched them all over to MC4's.

My 2¢ would be to get name brand ones from a "real" company, and get a crimper specifically for the pins in the MC4s. I wasted a good bit of time trying to use cheap ones, and ended up getting a better brand, and a purpose-built crimping die.

 

[Britguy]

Does it make sense to do this?

It makes no sense at all, they rarely fail.

 

[Bluedog225]

I’ve heard and read they do fail. And are sometimes low quality. And sometimes mismatched therefore failing to keep the water out.

 

[Britguy]

I’ve heard and read they do fail. And are sometimes low quality. And sometimes mismatched therefore failing to keep the water out.

Shouldn't you position them where no water falls?
Mine are all tucked and tie wrapped up under the panels, 100% dry.
Quite frankly, my crimps are more likely to fail than corrosion, once you have a working connection leave it alone.

 

[Mike 134]

Apparently mismatched MC4 "compatible" connectors are enough of an issue that the 2020 NEC requires mating connectors to be of the same manufacturer and type, or to be certified by a 3rd party such as UL that they can be used together.

 

[740GLE]

Just because water can’t drip on them when it rains, doesn’t mean moisture and heat/freeze cycles can ruin a cheap connector.

 

[Bluedog225]

There will be splash from rain.

 

[john-doe]

Does anyone here use something like this?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Twist-and-Seal-0-5-ft-Plastic-Cord-Organizer/1000132801

 

[A.Justice]

Does anyone here use something like this?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Twist-and-Seal-0-5-ft-Plastic-Cord-Organizer/1000132801

I use those sometimes on cords for pool cover pumps. In my experience, they have about a 50% failure rate over the course of a hard winter sitting on the ground. Maybe there is a better brand than others, but they seem to be designed to be used on extension cords in wet areas.

 

[Bluedog225]

That should not be necessary with a quality, matched, properly installed MC4 connector.

 

[WYtreasure]

If you must use the MC4, get the best you can. You're probably expecting the product to last for decades and maintain a flawless connection. Cheap is not the way to go.

 

[Bluedog225]

Agreed. Hoping for some input on what is quality brand and source.

 

[wiseacre]

Agreed. Hoping for some input on what is quality brand and source.

I'm happy with BougeRV MC4 connectors on Amazon.
I used them 2 1/2 years ago.
They kept the innards looking like new while the mc4s preinstalled on the panels I found corroded away a week ago

 

[A.Justice]

Powerwerx sells good stuff. I haven't got their MC4 connectors specifically, but everything else I have ordered from them has been top notch.

https://powerwerx.com/mc4-solar-cable-connectors-20?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyYKUBhDJARIsAMj9lkHvVCbUdUlstZI3ITrVL36CzCm3YGV-rCXVfS-UT_8gcHcdT3bZ_MMaAiv-EALw_wcB

 

[Mike 134]

Agreed. Hoping for some input on what is quality brand and source.

If it's a MC4 OEM you want, specify "Stäubli Multi Contact" connectors. They are the original MC4 manufacturer. Everyone else is just "compatible/comparable"

I bought mine from CED Greentech

 

[Bluedog225]

Excellent info. Thanks!