Solar connector brand compatability?

[adejesus]

Hello! Does anyone out there know a good resource or have their own list of compatible solar connector brands? (as in brands and models that are compatible with each other?) thanks!

 

[jaggedben]

As far as I know, there isn't any cross-brand compatability except with MC4, which is effectively the standard, at least in the United States. Many connectors may be physically compatible with each other but not 'listed' as such. Unless the datasheet says 'MC4 compatible' the manufacturer will probably tell you it's only compatible with its own brand.

The ones that are most NOT physically compatible are Tyco. Also SMK somewhat. I don't think anyone is using those anymore.

In practice, it probably doesn't matter much on residential systems, but it is higher stakes on large multi-string and higher voltage systems.

 

[Carultch]

Unless the datasheet says 'MC4 compatible' the manufacturer will probably tell you it's only compatible with its own brand.

Module datasheets say "MC4 compatible" all the time, even when you see a different manufacturer's connector on the cables when the material shows up. What exactly does this phrase mean, in the context of a module datasheet, in terms of what the installer has to do? Is it compatible enough, that the field-installed connectors can be MC4's?

 

[BBEE]

The connectors are not tested for compatibly between manufactures. Such as between Multi-contact and Amphenol. So technically they are not cross compatible, even though it is done all the time.

If there was an issue of a burned connector or a fire, the manufacturer would not be liable if two different manufactures of connectors are used.

This makes it hard for the installer since the data sheets usually only say MC4 compatible and don't list the specific connector manufacturer.

This has become an issue with one large national PV installer and they are currently going back and replacing all their field installed connectors, on all their systems throughout the US, due to fear of poor connectors and fire.

Attached is a PDF from Multi-contact regarding this. View attachment SZ_Compatibility_(en).pdf

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[pv_n00b]

There are no UL Listed compatible connectors made by different manufacturers. The UL standard allows for it but only at the request of both manufacturers and Stäubli, who makes the MC4, does not want to be compatible with any other manufacturers' connector. Of course, most of the other manufacturers want to be compatible with MC4 so people will buy their connector. So they reverse engineer MC4s and make theirs close enough so they click together, this leads to the "if it clicks it fits" mentality. It can also lead to fires and melted connectors. Some manufacturers will just put MC4 Compatible on their datasheets and hope no one asks. Some have gone to the trouble of having independent labs test the compatibility and issue a letter saying they were tested and are compatible. But there are no UL Listed compatible connectors. Mate connectors between different manufacturers, even if they click, at your own risk and I recommend against it.