PowMr 1 to 4 Solar Branch connetors

[aragonx]

I never though about these connectors ever being an issue. Not sure why, but please be careful.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GQ141XT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

50 amp max rating and I think got as high as 55 amps. Not sure if it was the amps or the sun. These were in direct sunlight and it was over 100 degrees.

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[42OhmsPA]

I never though about these connectors ever being an issue. Not sure why, but please be careful.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GQ141XT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

50 amp max rating and I think got as high as 55 amps. Not sure if it was the amps or the sun. These were in direct sunlight and it was over 100 degrees.

View attachment 2325990

I'm pretty sure quality MC4 connectors aren't rated for that much current...

I'm glad it didn't turn out wore.

Ideally you should run each string to a proper combiner box at the array then run back to your MPPT / AIO with the proper wire gauge and proper disconnect at the end. Don't forget grounding. SPDs are optional but never a bad idea if proper grounding is in place.

Edit to add - I'm sure the direct sunlight didn't help either.

 

[robbob2112]

It takes one of the 8awg MC4 connectors to handle that amount of current. So far as I have seen none of those Y or more connectors has been 10awg much less 8. So, 10awg PV wire is good to 40amps.

You for sure need a combiner box with fuses on each of the parallel strings.

 

[AlarmProGuy]

You get what you pay for, most MC4s are only rated at 30 amps, there are 50 Amp MC4s but they use solid pins inside and need a different crimper to install so the likelihood of using the wrong MC4 is pretty high considering the need for 8 GA wire.

Second thing is that when you parallel strings in the US you are required by the NEC to provide fusing at the array and is a primary reason you see combiner boxes with fuses or breakers in them.

Lastly i don't see any protective ground wires in the picture, maybe there is somewhere but i would bet there isn't, there needs to be a protective ground run from the array to the homes protective grounding system, a ground rod at the array does not remove the requirement for a protective ground to be run,

Cheers ...

 

[Mattb4]

One thing I spot is at least 2 of your MC4's are not fully inserted You can see the O-ring exposed. This would allow for moisture to get in.

I would not want to run 50a through any of the multi branch Y connectors. As others mentioned that would be better at a combiner box.

 

[aragonx]

I did upgrade to a combiner box. I was just surprised it melted like that given that it was supposed to be rated for 50 amps...

 

[robbob2112]

I did upgrade to a combiner box. I was just surprised it melted like that given that it was supposed to be rated for 50 amps...

Yeah, they will sell anything and without much testing or instructions. The only way I can see something like that working OK is a RV install or boat where you want to wire 4 x low wattage panels in parallel verse any strings.