The Easy Way To Install New Solar MC4 Connectors

[@everydaysolar]

Calculate Solar Cost For Your Home - geni.us/solar_reviews iCRIMP MC4 Crimping Kit - geni.us/gBJM27 Power Analyzer - geni.us/s86J Extra MC4 Connectors - geni.us/TKIBuK Whether you are setting up your own DIY solar setup or just want to repair a damaged connector having a few tools and a little knowledge will make this job a quick fix. The PV Solar default connector is the MC4 and the design is robust and easy to assemble in just a few minutes. DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@davemckewan4450]

I've been watching a good amount of your videos recently. And now I've just bought this setup so I can see just how much energy is being put into my Ego unit from my pair of Solperk 100w panels.

[@jessys9868]

This is the best and clearest video on attaching solar connectors. Thank you!

[@dalexfilms]

The sharp close-up of the orientation in the crimping tool is very helpful, thank you. The other videos I've seen do not show this.

[@myparadiseonbantayanisland9030]

Is one end of the extension cable male and the other end female??

[@alvalonline]

I've made a ton of these wires and had very few issues. A few times the connectors will get brittle and the tabs may break if you place any stress on the wires, but for the most part, they do a great job. I bought that same kit and it works great. Getting ready to do it AGAIN as I've added a couple of Disconnects to my strings so I can shut off current from both ends (panel and inverter side, since my array is about 500' from my solar shed).

[@onebylandtwoifbysearunifby5475]

Really good video. I've done MANY MC4 fittings, but watched this as a reminder of orientation. (In contrast, the "professional" Renogy video didn't tell how much wire to strip back OR the orientation of the fitting to be crimped. What a difference yours was to theirs. (But this speaks to their entire company in general, being only Marketers and Re-sellers of a Chinese manufacturing company- they really don't know anything about solar past their maketing material.) Nuce to have some actual high-qualiity professional videos for folks. 👍

[@trapspamalot]

The piece you're referring to as a "grommet" is actually a "strain relief" with an "O ring". 👍

[@jdacfoster33]

I appreciate the detailed explanation and great video of how the crimper works. Just getting my set up ready for the new panels!

[@truthserum8326]

Thanks for mentioning the 2 different barrel sizes. Smaller barrels get connected to the female and larger to the male.

[@everydaysolar]

Yeah, easy to start crimping and make a mistake for sure.

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

Just got my connectors in to make my 100ft run of 10AWG. Thanks for the quick and concise video!

[@maryalferez4204]

.....that's helpful ( understanding this Mc4) esp for Seniors like me who technical knowledge on this solar panel connections.....do more like this please....about making connectors, extentions, what parts to but, etc.

[@masterpieceless]

It’s a clear introduction of the assembling procedure. Thank you.

[@peterkn2]

I wanted to add, very important, do the pull test on the connector and cable after you've crimped and inserted the crimped contact into the connector. I make my own cables, and if I'm using any cable smaller than 10 awg or if I'm using silicone cables, it's very hard to get it to click in. So, I use a small screw driver to push it in the rest of the way until it clicks. If the crimped contact doesn't click into the housing, it can get pushed back when in use, and I think this is what often causes MC4 to heat up and melt.

[@MercifulMariner]

You are a great teacher with very goo preparations and video illustrations and your narratives are excellent!

[@tomallen6073]

Always use wire strippers and never twist them, you will nick the individual strands causing a stress point and the can break. From an electrician with 35yrs experience.

[@trapspamalot]

you also leave oils from your skin in the wire. Over time this can lead to corrosion. Personally, I would crimp then solder. Especially as these would be out in all sorts of weather.

[@tjmooney4181]

Definitely do not need to disconnect the parts just keep the cap loose and push the wire through until click then tighten with the 2 wrenches

[@harism5589]

Very useful video for some one like me- first time making these connections. Thank you.

[@rgraz4929]

Hi Scott. Great instructional videos. I bought 50ft of Red & Blk Bateria brand 10awg PV cable from Amazon advertised as EN H1Z2Z2-K at DC:1.5KV. But I instead received pntech brand TUV 2PfG 1169 PV1-F at DC:1.0KV. (I plan on adding the MC4 connectors as per your video.) I think the EN H1Z2Z2-K standard is better than PV1-F. Is there a big enough reason to return this? Just want to run some PV cable from my 800w array to my portable power station- 30ft. Thx.

[@ragheadand420roll]

I like to use dielectric grease too you never know if you need to take it apart Thx

[@DYI]

You are so right! Look at my post today. I need to take them apart to remove for a re-roof and it is impossible!! I even got a metal tool as well as cutting off the tabs.

[@philipoakley5498]

For the DIYer, do keep those ends apart, and insulated to avoid the panels accidentally short circuiting. While it looks nice in the video to have both stripped ends in the same hand, the chance of accident, especially with multiple panels in circuit is quite high. DC arcs can be nastier than AC arcs. The ability to show the connection/disconnection at the end did rely on the pieces being part of a separated extension cable.

[@DennisMathias]

Do it at night..or disconnect.

[@tigre8124]

Thank you.. good tutorial to retrofit my ancient suitcase solar panel which only came for hookups to a battery 👍🏻

[@everydaysolar]

Happy to help 👍

[@kieranpalmer9045]

absolute legend cobba!! just the video i was looking for!!!!

[@FrancisKoczur]

Best practice is to put the end cap pieces on the wire first. MC4 connectors should fit through but other types won't, so don't start a bad habit.

[@brentfrank7012]

Scott, consider a short video on how many panels can be connected with MC4, how much current, how many amps,what size wires, how many branches are safe before combiner box.

[@ragheadand420roll]

Thats more in depth. Thats a diy solar with will prowse

[@scotiepairish6730]

I'm running the ecoflow units and would like to get some rigid solar panels. Do you recommend any manufactures ?

[@ancelmosena9800]

Muy buen video, sobre todo para saber cual es la terminal Positiva y Cual es la negativa. 👍

[@antonshekhovtsov8851]

This video solves part of the questions. Still unclear what is "positive side", since one positive side goes to the panel and the other also positive side to the inverter, but the connectors are opposite.

[@edwedwdsdsddsds]

How did you work it out?? I faced the same issue

[@antonshekhovtsov8851]

@@edwedwdsdsddsds I figured out positive/negative actually refers to energy source (the panel in this case). So given the cable which connects +on panel to +on inverter and break it in the middle, the end which goes to panel is positive connector (with + sign) and the end which goes to invertor is negative connector (with - sign). Basically once I got the panel it turned obvious because it has pre-installed connectors and I just needed to follow them. I had confusion because I wanted to make xt60 adapter cable before getting the panel.

[@CYBRLFT]

I’m trying to figure out if I can use adapters or something to run some generac gs100 panels with my ecoflow panels. They use different connectors (xt90/xt60 or mc4)

[@dac7046]

Good education- thanks. Pretty surprised that NEC wire size requirements not mentioned.

[@TK-123]

He said they were 10 gage..

[@anaauletnatal39]

Can you do one video if you want to extend the cables that comes with your foldable panels.

[@mikew8622]

Just what I thought and checked here to make sure. Great video, thanks!

[@everydaysolar]

Happy to help 👍

[@petesantana7302]

After that how to make the two cables be connected to the power bank that has only one input ? Ip67 MC4

[@azycray4801]

I been looking at the crimpers on Amazon but it doesn't look like any of them will crimp 8AWG. So If you want to run 8, how do you connect it to the crimp fittings? And, if you run say 4 panels in series for less line loss, can you split the leads with 2 Y adapters to go into two charge controllers?

[@trevorbelmont4633]

What is the best wire stripper for 6awg wires tho? And I saw when you stripped that 10awg that you broke of some strands, ive read that its a no-no to cut some of the strands and you need to redo it but cutting it back and re-stripping it is that true? Also I have seen those T-branch connectors for parallel connection and the Female side(socket type on original mc4) looks like a Solid copper Pin which i think is scary right? any loose contact will create spark and possible to cause fires what is your take on this?

[@rockygrindstaff7312]

Excellent video! Just what I needed

[@everydaysolar]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback.

[@johncurtis8797]

When fitting to the Power Annalyzer, do you strip the wire further back or crimp onto the plastic coating?

[@zitakasiliauskiene4186]

can i use thoas cables underground around 50 cm, and 40 meters long ?

[@Electronzap]

Nice demonstration.

[@everydaysolar]

Thank you!

[@exkinky]

you didnt say what to do on the other end.

[@seeking70]

It depends on what you are using it for: xt60, ring terminals, mc4, etc.

[@DennisMathias]

Is red the opposite gender of the far end?

[@mr.monitor.]

​@@DennisMathiasMale and female of each color

[@JAIMEGARCIARCP]

I recently purchased an EcoFlow Delta Pro with an extra battery. I also bought 4 solar panels locally with a (Voc) of 48.48 and an (Isc) of 10.14. Can I hook up all 4 in series and over-panel, or will I fry my unit. I have seen on KZbin how many people over-panel this system. However, the purchase was expensive, and I don't want to be out $4,500. I would truly appreciate your insight and guidance on this issue. Thank you

[@roninrusso872]

Good day to you. I have a little bit more of an in depth. Question. I have a solar panel with burnt wire ends. Can I just replace those? And can I just use that panel to say charge my phone directly

[@bobrub]

Hi Scott, I want to DIY my system totally and would appreciate your knowledge. Are there any free resources to evaluate my back yard for proper direction to place my array's. I am guessing I'll buy 3 fold up 400w strings (1200w total) to only use for extended outages. I have 2 EcoFlow Delta Pro's + 2 extra EFDFlow batteries (14400wh I think) and plan to only deploy the 1200W panel array when needed because of extended outage's. Is 1200w of panels an OK amount for my 4 battery system? How should they all be inter-connected and then to my EcoFlow system? Thanks for any help on this, Bob R.

[@everydaysolar]

Nice setup! Would you just switch the XT60 connector between each of your 4 batteries? Each of the Delta Pro and Extra batteries units could take up to 1600 Watts of power from solar. With the proposed setup you would have a nice flow on a sunny day of around 900-1,100 Watts coming through 1 string, into a MC4 to XT60 cable and then plugged into only one unit.

[@readyme]

Are these MC4 connectors compatible with the Ecoflow MC4 connectors? I have an Ecoflow solar panel and a Bluetti solar generator… and both have MC4 connectors. Unfortunately they are not compatible as the pin/socket sizes appear to be different. Any help is appreciated.

[@AXIAM79]

thanks, I got some secondhand panels but the previous owner just simply cut off the cables. Just the info I needed to install new connectors

[@DYI]

I can see why he had to cut them off. Dielectric grease is really a good idea to use.

[@returner323617]

Thanks, it's a good tutorial. I'm wondering if there's any value in also soldering the termination after crimping..? I ask because I recently had cause to do an investigation on my Solar PV Inverter and a very intermittent circuit breaking tripping issue. Upon checking the DC Isolator - located between the array string cable and the Inverter - I discovered some significant corrosion and evidence of arching. This was possibly due to insufficient torquing of the wires, and being multi-strand, this is always a potential issue. So, just thinking that anything we can do to ensure a solid, permanent connection of the (relatively high voltage) DC cable and any/all connectors and terminations has to be good.

[@everydaysolar]

A proper crimp would be good enough but solder could be a little more insurance.

[@GlennGodshall]

Thanks for the informative videos. I'm looking to add a solar cutoff switch in my toy hauler trailer. The solar charge controller is inside the bathroom wall and I'm looking for a solar cutoff switch that I can mount inside the wall, with the wires inside and the actual switch being the only part coming through the wall. I can't find what I think I need. Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to do this? Also, do I need to cutoff both + & - or just + since I do have a normal 12v battery cutoff switch at the battery.

[@philc.9280]

I'm a little old school but after crimping the wire I'll often solder the joint too.

[@DYI]

Hi! I just need to remove my 15 year old system for a re-roof and I am having a very hard time disconnecting the MC4 Connectors. I tried 3 different tools from Amazon and I can't get any to work. Seems like a very bad design. Maybe the plastic or metal fused?

[@RDM-346]

Always enjoy your videos. I just purchased the oupes mega 3. I am trying to find information on extension cables. The power station and the portable panels come with 14 gauge wire. I would like to make 50' extensions with 10 gauge wire. Do you think overheating would be an issue at the 14 gauge ends?

[@madanmety]

Gud video and effort in explaining, Suggest and think that this video is only half of what is required, i mean to the solar side of it for positive/red, should have included a negative/black separate which will be going into the other end, meaning multiple/two panels connected in parallel or series extended to UPS side. Thanks for such a video and gud content

[@jamesrolwing4810]

Thank you!

[@everydaysolar]

You bet!

[@johnzach2057]

Should we be measuring the resistance of the cables to make sure that the crimping has been done properly?

[@everydaysolar]

That is a good call 👍

[@RobtTa]

Really GOOD Video!

[@popatop75]

whats the longest distance you can be from the panel to the solar generator thanks (wire lenght)

[@everydaysolar]

I don't think there is a set limit but you will get some voltage drop if you extend 50 ft or more. If you need to run 100 ft or more consider 10 gauge wire to minimize voltage drop as compared to 12 gaguge.

[@macmcleod1188]

@Eric-ii9ce And if that lets you get your batteries in a cool area, you'll probably make up for it. I currently have short cables and the batteries fans are running from the heat. Hopefully will have some longer ones next week!

[@junkerzn7312]

In addition to the other replies, if running very long cable you always want to maximize the voltage and minimize the current, meaning that the solar panels should be put in series whenever possible. As high a voltage as the charge controller (etc) will allow. This will massively reduce the power loss over the cable. For long runs you want at least three 12/24V panels in series or two residential panels in series for 60VDC or higher if you can swing it, DIY, for example. Cabling is still limited by current depending on the AWG, pay attention to ampicity. But beyond this current limitation there is no real distance limitation other than what kind of power losses you are willing to tolerate.

[@thomasbeveridge8144]

You said the positive wire is usually connected to a female pin. Is that true at both ends of the cable or is the other end of your positive cable a male pin?

[@ChrisParent-sp6xq]

Excellent video thanks so much

[@chasmarischen4459]

Good video.

[@piteriyabu9217]

Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍♥️

[@garydsouza2335]

hi can i get the cable out of the plug so i can thread it through a hole..

[@TK-123]

Nope. They are one time use connectors

[@markpaulin884]

Is there such a thing as an in-line off/on switch with MC4 connectors?

[@TK-123]

Yes. Google that..

[@CharlieBehrens]

Hi Scott, just watched 2 of your solar videos and both have an audio buzz when you stop talking. Sounds like your camera's automatic gain is trying too hard to turn up the volume and only turning up the buzz. You can fix this one of two ways (1) by increasing the audio gain on your mic [receiver] so that your camera gets a higher input level, or (2) by turning off the automatic gain on the camera audio. Good luck. Nice videos.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey @CharlieBehrens thanks so much for the help. That buzz is annoying and my DJI Bluetooth setup is actually running right into my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Your comment kicked my butt into gear to dive in a bit more and I am testing out some adjustments to hopefully eliminate that buzz on the next video. Cheers 👍

[@sreekumarUSA]

That’s a grounding issue, proper grounding on both sides is necessary. The hum is stray frequency being picked up and by proper grounding will eliminate the hum. I’ve watched most of your mains wiring and appreciate your endeavor. Best wishes and 73s…

[@Dr.jp113]

Thanks man

[@everydaysolar]

You bet!

[@callmebigpapa]

Great tutorial

[@jaccourt9531]

I try but the ines I made didn't work. No power went though.

[@MiddayEnglishman]

I got a power bank and bought its recommended solar panel but the input is DC and the panels output is MC4 so what do I do?

[@awo1fman]

I couldn't figure out how to disconnect the MC4 connector. I tried every way I could see to make the tool fit. (It didn't come with instructions.) Thanks to this video, I now know the secret. 😅 Edit: Nope. I wasn't overlooking anything. My connectors apparently are not standard MC4 connectors. Not only does the tool definitely not fit, there is no way for ANY 1-piece tool to do the trick. There is no gap to allow the release fingers to contact abd sqeeze the locking tabs. Looks like it's time to source some genuine connectors.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

The connectors on my China solar panels are not thee standard MC4 connectors either and are difficult to disconnect and cannot disconnect with the tool. I have to use a tiny pocket flat blade screwdriver to release the locking tabs then pull them apart.

[@kevtop351]

Thank You.

[@tomvarley4344]

well done

[@everydaysolar]

Thanks!

[@rhysmeyrick615]

Handy.

[@junkerzn7312]

I use MC4's as convenient cable extenders too. I think it works quite well and it is amazingly convenient. I also use them sometimes when cabling into equipment by having a short cable coming out of the equipment that the main cable connects to. Instead of cabling directly into the equipment. I do a few extra steps, though, to make absolutely sure that nothing will ever go wrong. #1 - I don't just crimp the cable. I also solder it after crimping (making sure the solder doesn't accidentally impede the tabs that click into the housing). MC4 cable ends are insanely easy to solder after you've done the crimp. The junction just sucks it up. #2 - I always hand-test the junctions at full load after connecting two cables together to make sure there is no excessive heat. #3 - And I always use 10-gauge or 6mm^2 (which is slightly thicker than 10 gauge) cable. In the past I used a mix of 12-gauge and 10-gauge, but over the years because of cable re-use and cable lengths I ultimately decided to consolidate to just using 10-gauge for all solar cabling, even if I was only putting 10A through the cable. I like the MC4s in this regard because they are moisture-sealed and have integrated strain-relief. You get neither with XT-style connectors or anderson connectors.

[@sportykev]

If making an extension MC4 cable, each end needs to be the opposite connector

[@gregpochet4812]

I have a portable solar panel, 140 kw total power and a 300wh battery. Brand name is All Power, I think. What gauge wire should I use for an extension? I am thinking 12 gauge is big enough. Off the top of my head, I am not sure what gauge the wires are that came with panels.. Probably 12...

[@gr7485]

If you haven’t found an answer yet 10 gauge would be the wisest choice to use.

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

I have just received a Renogy 100 watt suitcase panel and the male connector has a red wire and the female has a black wire. The pigtail that Amazon sold has the opposite .The pigtail female has a black wire and male has red. If I connected them together they would of course be opposite. Black to red , red to black. Renogy says the panel wires are not important and they can be cnnected black to red and red to black. Of course all my other connections to my controller are red to red, black to black. Is Renogy correct and at the panel it does not matter

[@edwedwdsdsddsds]

I am having the same issues. Did you use the connection without any issues??

[@edwedwdsdsddsds]

Was it safe connecting black to red and red to black??

[@EngineerK]

Also note you should NOT mix and match the male and female ends of MC4 connectors from different manufacturers as the barrel diameters can vary slightly.

[@wallychambe1587]

Found 8 gauge MC4 but couldn't find crimpers for the 8 gauge MC4!😲😲😲

[@projet2907]

Thank You !!

[@ellis_1046]

thank you!

[@fauxque5057]

Wish they made the wrenches out of metal. I love breaking off those release fingers.

[@glenmartin2437]

Thanks.

[@couerleroi1]

Good info

[@everydaysolar]

Thanks!

[@onlywenilaugh6589]

I always solder my connectors for worry free connections.

[@jb76489]

Surely one end of any cable would be male and the other female, right?

[@everydaysolar]

Correct 👍

[@edwedwdsdsddsds]

@@everydaysolar does it matter if I connect black to red and red to black??

[@Bren39]

He didn't make it very clear. Hrs connecting the positive cable to the positive from the panel.. Which has the positive pin... So he needs to connect the negative pin. Other end of the cable he's working on would have the positive pin that goes into the inverter.

[@JFK666666]

Isn't that "stripper" just a tool for clipping dogs' nails? At least, that's exactly what mine looked like, when I bought the exact similar tool at the zoo-shop :)

[@JamesBond-zd5jx]

Anyone see bald Bradley cooper?

[@everydaysolar]

😂

[@arlendavis]

I would solder the end after I crimped it to make sure I got the optimum electrical connection.

[@DennisMathias]

So the male goes in the female connector and vice versa. That's confusing.

[@clayhughes3263]

How dare you assume the gender of those connectors!!

[@everydaysolar]

🙂

[@DennisMathias]

Look at it this way..when you put the male pin in the female plastic part and the other way around it evens out. Gender inspecific

[@cmolenski141]

Wrong

[@normrodriguez9306]

Why are you demonstrating connecting a red positive wire to a black negative wire? .... that should never happen!

[@kaelenknopp5515]

When you connect solar panels together in series, you connect the positive of one panel to the negative of another panel.... So it happens all the time!

[@ragheadand420roll]

You dont know what ur talking abt