Gang...
Perhaps I should have placed this into another location, but here goes...
Last year I purchased a MNPV12 combiner via the garage sale. I'm getting it ready to install.
The box has been punched with 1/2" holes. I can't for the life of me track down bulkhead MC4 connectors. I've googled the snot out of them and all i came up with is some places in china that have a mim of 50 pcs @$2.09 a pop
There are 16 holes in the bottom. If you use two per branch, that's 8 branches. How does one put in 12 branches? Do you double up on the wires coming in? However doing that would kinda put the screws to using bulk mounted MC4 connectors.
There's a good chance I'm going to break out the Unibit and open the holes so I can use cable grips. But before I do that, I'm open for suggestions.
I'm mike, wb8vge
I have used these before - think they are the same size holes for the wires I used. Put something slippery on the wires so they slide through easier. You don't need MC4 connectors at the combiner box.
https://www.solar-electric.com/midnite-solar-mnsr-1000-strain-relief.html
Larry
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 30, 2020, 10:02:13 PM
I have used these before - think they are the same size holes for the wires I used. Put something slippery on the wires so they slide through easier. You don't need MC4 connectors at the combiner box.
https://www.solar-electric.com/midnite-solar-mnsr-1000-strain-relief.html
Larry
I ordered some in. without seeing them, I wonder if they'll fit in the MNPV12 chassis without opening the knockout a bit
mike
If they are 1/2 inch knockouts and those are 1/2 inch then they should it.
Though in my experience with other things sometimes it doesn't hurt to touch up a hole with a stepper bit drill just to smooth it out and adjust if needed.
Larry
I'm not sure without popping out the hole, but those don't look like .5" holes to me. I'll have to see.
mike
Yeah the mc4 bulkhead connectors that were originally used for that box were smaller than 1/2 I think.
You could contact Midnite and see if they have any left. But to me doesnt' seem worth the trouble when you can just use a stepper bit and drill out the hole to fit that other type that you said you ordered. Saves a lot of messing around with crimping on connectors for the wire stub inside the box.
Larry
I agree. The amount of hassle it would acquired to find those particular connectors it's more bother than it's worth. A step bit and drill press would certainly take care of the problem.
Mike