bulkhead MC4 connectors

Started by qrper, June 30, 2020, 04:55:08 PM

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qrper

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
System one: 7kWp w/ Trina 250 W panels @90 Vdc. Classic 150 to 16-6 V U.S batteries. Trace 5548 sine wave inverter.
System two: 6kWp grid tie with solaredge inverter.
System three: Midnite Brat, two 120 W Astropower modules, 100 Ah battery. Runs the LED streetlight in the back yard.

ClassicCrazy

#1
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
system 1
Classic 150 , 5s3p  Kyocera 135watt , 12s Soneil 2v 540amp lead crystal for 24v pack , Outback 3524 inverter
system 2
 5s 135w Kyocero , 3s3p 270w Kyocera  to Classic 150 ,   8s Kyocera 225w to Hawkes Bay Jakiper 48v 15kwh LiFePO4 , Outback VFX 3648 inverter
system 3
KID / Brat portable

qrper

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
System one: 7kWp w/ Trina 250 W panels @90 Vdc. Classic 150 to 16-6 V U.S batteries. Trace 5548 sine wave inverter.
System two: 6kWp grid tie with solaredge inverter.
System three: Midnite Brat, two 120 W Astropower modules, 100 Ah battery. Runs the LED streetlight in the back yard.

ClassicCrazy

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
system 1
Classic 150 , 5s3p  Kyocera 135watt , 12s Soneil 2v 540amp lead crystal for 24v pack , Outback 3524 inverter
system 2
 5s 135w Kyocero , 3s3p 270w Kyocera  to Classic 150 ,   8s Kyocera 225w to Hawkes Bay Jakiper 48v 15kwh LiFePO4 , Outback VFX 3648 inverter
system 3
KID / Brat portable

qrper

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
System one: 7kWp w/ Trina 250 W panels @90 Vdc. Classic 150 to 16-6 V U.S batteries. Trace 5548 sine wave inverter.
System two: 6kWp grid tie with solaredge inverter.
System three: Midnite Brat, two 120 W Astropower modules, 100 Ah battery. Runs the LED streetlight in the back yard.

ClassicCrazy

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
system 1
Classic 150 , 5s3p  Kyocera 135watt , 12s Soneil 2v 540amp lead crystal for 24v pack , Outback 3524 inverter
system 2
 5s 135w Kyocero , 3s3p 270w Kyocera  to Classic 150 ,   8s Kyocera 225w to Hawkes Bay Jakiper 48v 15kwh LiFePO4 , Outback VFX 3648 inverter
system 3
KID / Brat portable

qrper

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
System one: 7kWp w/ Trina 250 W panels @90 Vdc. Classic 150 to 16-6 V U.S batteries. Trace 5548 sine wave inverter.
System two: 6kWp grid tie with solaredge inverter.
System three: Midnite Brat, two 120 W Astropower modules, 100 Ah battery. Runs the LED streetlight in the back yard.