Newbie, with install questions

[borg357]

I've purchased a "solar" van package from Explorist.life. I'm going to DIY my build. So, I have some advanced questions for anyone who's done this themselves.

To do things right, I'm thinking about purchasing a Temco Hydraulic crimper for those large-size cables like 2/0 or 4/0 awg. The way I understand this is that you can't make mistakes here. The crimp connections HAVE to be perfect, or later on, you could have potential failures, which could result in catastrophic fires! The crimp tool is like 175 bucks... And, I see tons of Chinese crimpers here.. plus the Harbor freight crimpers too. But reviews seem to be filled with crimps that are less than par, or the wrong sides, or not wide enough, etc, etc. The hammer puch stuff is second rate too. What is everyone's opinions on these?

For the lugs? Tinned or Copper? Seams tinned is the way to go, so why so much copper?

No-ox? I've watched over 100 videos on building power systems, and NOT one of them has the use of No-OX-ID? I've got 32 years with the phone company and for high power DC connections in the central office. at&t, Verizon, and hundreds of other phone companies have this stuff built into every procedure they have!! It's wild to me how no one has discovered this stuff in the prosumer world. Maybe it's overkill?? IDK.

Thanks to all who comment.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I've purchased a "solar" van package from Explorist.life. I'm going to DIY my build. So, I have some advanced questions for anyone who's done this themselves.

To do things right, I'm thinking about purchasing a Temco Hydraulic crimper for those large-size cables like 2/0 or 4/0 awg. The way I understand this is that you can't make mistakes here. The crimp connections HAVE to be perfect, or later on, you could have potential failures, which could result in catastrophic fires!

A bit dramatic. It depends. "Perfect" is the enemy of progress. Crimps can be good enough.

The crimp tool is like 175 bucks... And, I see tons of Chinese crimpers here.. plus the Harbor freight crimpers too. But reviews seem to be filled with crimps that are less than par, or the wrong sides, or not wide enough, etc, etc. The hammer puch stuff is second rate too. What is everyone's opinions on these?

Lots use them, including me.

For the lugs? Tinned or Copper? Seams tinned is the way to go, so why so much copper?

Tinned is mandatory in marine. If you don't live in a coastal area, you can likely live without tinned lugs. Mine aren't.

No-ox? I've watched over 100 videos on building power systems, and NOT one of them has the use of No-OX-ID? I've got 32 years with the phone company and for high power DC connections in the central office. at&t, Verizon, and hundreds of other phone companies have this stuff built into every procedure they have!! It's wild to me how no one has discovered this stuff in the prosumer world. Maybe it's overkill?? IDK.

Thanks to all who comment.

Mostly overkill.

I used NO OX ID A Special on my 53 feet of Aluminum bus bars. I used it nowhere else. Again, it's about the application and environment.

 

[borg357]

A bit dramatic. It depends. "Perfect" is the enemy of progress. Crimps can be good enough.



Lots use them, including me.



Tinned is mandatory in marine. If you don't live in a coastal area, you can likely live without tinned lugs. Mine aren't.



Mostly overkill.

I used NO OX ID A Special on my 53 feet of Aluminum bus bars. I used it nowhere else. Again, it's about the application and environment.

Thank you!