Solar MC4 Connectors - Can I Do Myself ?

[arjand]

Very specific question: If I buy the crimping tool, can I connect the MC4 connector to the wire myself? If not: how do people connect their solar panels? Thanks! Arjan

[Sailmonkey]

Buy the ones that require no special crimping tool.....and connect them to the wire yourself

[djmarchand]

Arjan:

A couple of solutions:

1. Cut the MC4 cable and butt splice marine wire to it. But this voids the warranty on some panels. (But I doubt if anyone has ever collected on a solar panel warranty).

2. Buy a single MC4 extension cable. Cut it in half and plug each end into the existing cable and splice marine wire to the cut end. This is the preferred solution as it lets you easily disconnect the panel (for servicing??? or whatever).

David

[arjand]

Do I get from the second answer that it is indeed impossible to crimp the wire to a connector by myself? And Sailmonkey: do you have a website?? Thanks very much!!!

[Sailmonkey]

If these do in fact require a "special" tool instead of some solder.....then I'm guilty.

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[arjand]

lol, yes you do need a crimping tool for those (which is fine by me!). I will just go ahead and by them and see how it works out! Thnx!!

[Cotemar]

arjand,

Yes, absolutely you can I connect the MC4 connector to the wire yourself?
Easy Do it yourself job.
No special crimping tool required. Just use your standard wire connector crimper.

Recommend using 10 gage or larger wire

MC4 Female Connector

[Sailmonkey]

Ok, I've looked at the tools online now.......I can see this if you're going to put together thousands of these connectors, but to do a handfull you're able to do almost exactally the same thing with a normal ratcheting crimper or even solder and pliers.
I know it's not 100% up to spec, but come on, really?

[arjand]

lol, you are probably right but I like the idea of being able to disconnect the panels quick and clean. Thanks!

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by arjand

lol, you are probably right but I like the idea of being able to disconnect the panels quick and clean. Thanks!

I meant to put on the MC4 connectors......I have done this on our panels, it is quick and clean to unplug the panels to remove the bimini to prep the boat for a long stay unattended or for a storm.

[Cotemar]

arjand,

You can disconnect them without an MC4 Assembly Key, but having one makes things easy.

This durable plastic MC4 key is very handy for both the assembly of custom MC4 wires, and also for breaking connections after they have already been locked together. For extension wire assembly purposes, we recommend using one key along with a V Jaw style pliers.

MC4 Assembly Key

[arjand]

super helpfull!! thnx!