Say GOODBYE to Crimping with the NEW MC4 Connector!

[@efixx]

Still crimping MC4 connectors and unsure about cross-mating different manufacturers? Check out the Ultimate Guide to the MC4 connector. 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/amTHmWWDlM2BgNE

[@Cambridgeshire-m1x]

I'd like to see a current test on it compared to a standard crimped

[@goober-ll1wx]

I dont think its the crimp joint that's really at fault, its the human as per-usual. They either don't crimp correctly or maybe a tool is work/out of calibration etc, this will be what causes the failures!

[@retrozmachine1189]

@@goober-ll1wx I doubt most installers get their crimper calibrated or checked, even those with name brand ones.

[@tceng9449]

One of the big advantages of the Sunclix connectors used by Solplanet (Aiswei, formerly Zeversolar) and SMA is they're tool-free and re-useable. Complete pain when you find you've run out of them but they're nice connectors!

[@2QRh6g1I]

"If you regularly overstate the length of things ..." had me rolling @1:34

[@efixx]

😉

[@Electric-First]

I wish one day we all get an easy-to-connect connector for an armored cable😊

[@jacktheripper1750]

the biggest problem by the MC4 Connector is when the connetor is not 100%waterproof. Water comes inside, the connector oxide, the connector is works as 'resistor'heat up and begins any time to burn. second reason for leaking is the plastic, iit get harder and crack and ist not waterproof.

[@Nutzername36]

Always use Connectors from one Supplier. If the Moduls use different ones, change the one you want to connect to the string.

[@Hipyon]

Remember to put the cable gland on first😊

[@efixx]

Don’t need to remove the gland to make the connection.

[@ortalionowywiesaw9455]

3:15 *The Association of Roofing Producers supports such modern solutions.* 🤣

[@slavric]

I use Wago type quick connectors only where the currents are low. The connection is the Achilles heel of the system and usually the best fire starter so I would still prefer the crimp connectors.

[@johnwarwick4105]

Have to say I am amazed if all those thin strands of cable make it into that push fit connector without a few going astray. Not a solar guy but would have thought those are just as likely or more so to have problems when assembled up on a roof in the wind and rain. On an average installation there arn’t very many mc4’s to make off, only two on the roof for and two in the dry for each string, so my money would be on a crimp, but then I served my time in 1980 😂😮

[@efixx]

We thought the same hence getting the Dremel out!

[@jec_ecart]

This is very very interesting. But considering how mc4 design is already bogus, I wouldn't trust these much.

[@DanBurgaud]

One of my MC4 connection was burnt and crispy on the contact side and not the crimp side.

[@nelsondog100]

Any idea what caused it to burn? I’m trying to learn from other’s mistakes, if there were any that is…

[@retrozmachine1189]

@@nelsondog100 my money is on cheapie connectors. It's pretty hard to go wrong with good ones, even if they aren't made by Staubli.

[@freelifeproductions]

my bet is on. the MC4 crimp was not pushed in the connector fully.. or cheap connectors that have a lose connection.. arcing happends when the connection is bad.. electricity jumps from one matterial to the other.. also make sure you strip the wires at the correct size.. of you strip wire to long on the female connection.. the male connector wont fit propperly.. i never hear any youtuber sparky talk about that. but thats prety much the first rule

[@DanBurgaud]

​@@freelifeproductions You presented two points: Poor Quality, Poor Workmanship. The connector in question is from a Panel. Possible poor quality? Upon more checking, I did find the terminal was not crimped using the usual tool, yet the burnt part is on the other end which negates the crimp issue. Only thing I could come up with is that I had connected/disconnected it many times as I frequently check the terminals. Could it have worn/loosen the material a bit? Did I do more harm than good with the inspection? I am definitely sure I inserted it all the way - most definitely.

[@methods-SE]

WAGO is FTW IMHO. Spring Loading is a preferred method for maintaining a low resistance electrical connection over temperature cycles, good thing you have those seals to keep out moisture.

[@ahaveland]

Although the length of exposed conductor is longer, I'm still not really convinced that the contact surface area obtained by using one side is as good as it could or should be.

[@paulf3353]

Interesting that those connectors are available for years, but new to UK market.

[@vertstabs8728]

What is it with you guys and the unstoppable urge to twist the strands

[@tommays56]

A lifetime in wash down pharmaceutical factories IF it gets wet doesn’t matter how many certifications and care was made in the connection it will absolutely deteriorate and get hot at some point in his life

[@Machielvanwijngaarden]

Do you know a way to open them again if you have used them once? I made a mistake with a wire that was too thick and it closed the clamp, without the wire in it. Any help would be welcome.

[@efixx]

We’ve done that by mistake - unfortunately I think the mechanism latches inside and destroys the sprung part when you pull the tab back.

[@Machielvanwijngaarden]

@@efixx Thanks for your quick reply. If I find a solution, I ll post it here. But I guess you are right.

[@Cambridgeshire-m1x]

Excellent I think

[@Nutzername36]

I think this connector will lead to a lot of maintenance in the future... at least in the company i work for.

[@antolin221]

Price ??? 😳

[@ZenInnovations]

I prefer soldering over any of this. Never had a solder fail. Always had problems with mc4.

[@aksolartechnologieskriskan6668]

To do soldering on top of crimping is not a bad idea but if you have 400 pairs of MC4 connectors to do it's not going to be fun

[@LeadingInnovations]

NEW??? This connector is available since YEARS

[@paulf3353]

Yeah, but not in the UK LOL

[@azadsmail8]

Nice vid well done could please make a video to demonstrate how to EV charging according to AM2? Thanks

[@brianwood5220]

Where is the linked video that Gordon tells us is on screen?

[@efixx]

Your ahead of the curve Brian - it’s currently in edit 😉

[@therealdojj]

i notice you did all your horsing around without gaz being there lol i may have missed the bit where you explain how much faster this could be than the previous method...

[@efixx]

We’ll make a test and post it as a video.

[@retrozmachine1189]

@@efixx Do 10 of each in a row and not as a speed run but taking the same level of care as, you'd hope, an installer on the job does.

[@-freespirit-3314]

Forget connectors - go for pure soldering.

[@efixx]

Bit of a mission on a solar farm

[@retrozmachine1189]

@@efixx Imagine the effort to make it all moisture proof too.

[@retrozmachine1189]

Awww man, now what am I going to do if I can't comment about how to crimp MC4 terminals any more.

[@reginaldpotts2037]

Would not use a tool less connector for this application... end of story.

[@tonybarden8563]

a bit surprised to see your horseplay in a wheelie bin, try that on a proper building site to find yourself carded and off site due to h&s

[@DTech101]

Must say not a fan, I dont trust the connection

[@efixx]

Do you use any Wago type connectors?

[@DTech101]

@@efixx very different to wago’s ie voltage amps I can see the connection in the wago too and those wires are really fine so some must get frayed in the connector maybe if I could inspect it might not be as bad

[@retrozmachine1189]

@@DTech101 The typical WAGO lever connectors most people are familiar with, 221 series, are rated to 32A (IEC). These Stabulis are rated to 30A. Not a lot in it, is it. 221s are rated for 450V use but there are much higher voltage lever connectors out there and again, they cope with it nicely. It's not impossible to combine amps and volt ratings to get a connector that does both. Take a look at how the wire is carried into the clamp with a cage. If one did a really sloppy job I have no doubt that strands could go astray but if one is that sloppy already, I think there's going to be other issues in the job far more pressing than 1 or 2 strands out of 50+.

[@DTech101]

@@retrozmachine1189 yeah still don’t feel confident with it not being able to see the connection it’s a lot of trust for people that are use to seeing the physical connection that said I wasn’t an early adopter of wago’s either

[@picobyte]

The 1500V DC Is twice the voltage Dutch subway&streetcars run. Dutch rail runs 1500V mostly. Using these tiny connectors under such voltages and loads gives me serious doubt. I do all my pv with boxed and tention-released wire nuts or very good pull proof twisted wire soldering. Pull any wire here due to storm or anything and it would break before their connections break. Not much more i can do.

[@retrozmachine1189]

As a class of connectors they can be seen all across the world carrying 20A+ daily. Even taking into consideration all the cheapies out there that are usually the source of PV fires in wiring, they are a pretty reliable thing. The voltage isn't really an issue once you have good insulation and they do.

[@honumoorea873]

What a joke...a wago style vs a crimp....you really do not understand anything, crimping is a far better contact and mechanically stronger.

[@efixx]

I think we demonstrated this during the video 🤷