PV Cable

[Lt.Dan]

Thank you for taking the time to help me understand

Could you share a link to that crimper (Wills version)

HYCLAT 16 Tons Hydraulic Wire Crimping Tool Battery Cable Lug Terminal Crimper With 13 Pairs of Dies, 9AWG to 600MCM Crimping Tool

https://a.co/d/2x1ifPj

 

[Supervstech]

I too have the BougeRV mc4 crimper. Worked great with 10awg.

Like I said before, you don’t want to use 8AWG with mc4. MC4 is rated only to use up to 10awg. Not only will you not likely be able to get 8AWG to fit the connectors, you’d have to be damn sure you’re not getting more than 30A going through. MC4 is rated for up to 30A , hence the 10awg limitation.

If you must use 8AWG for voltage drop reasons and will have more than 30A going through, just cut off any mc4 connectors and hardwire everything. Less resistance or failure points, too.

Most of the mc4 connectors sold in places like Amazon are cheap knock offs. They may be fine but quality control I’m sure isn’t top notch. The genuine and original MC4 connectors are made by Staubli and those cost about $5 each plus high shipping charges. Still, many if not most people use the cheap Amazon connectors and do just fine, but be sure to check the reviews and avoid the cheapest ones.

... I've got a few hundred pairs...

If anybody needs a set...$5 each is insane...

 

[Tomthumb62]

... I've got a few hundred pairs...

If anybody needs a set...$5 each is insane...

You’ve got a few hundred pairs of the Staubli connectors?

Do they need the über expensive Staubli crimp tool or does the basic $15 Amazon crimper work just fine?

 

[Supervstech]

I use the Amazon set.
Work great.
Gotta bend the tabs in a hair first, but excellent connections.

 

[Supervstech]

I also have a Klein mc4 kit... much longer handles.