PV stringer is short

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elecold

elecold

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Is there any reason why one couldn't extend a pv stringer home run that was not long enough? So instead of a single continuous run from inverter to module a splice point with mc4 connectors would be used to make the run long enough.
 
elecold said:
Is there any reason why one couldn't extend a pv stringer home run that was not long enough? So instead of a single continuous run from inverter to module a splice point with mc4 connectors would be used to make the run long enough.
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I don't understand what you are asking. What do you mean by "stringer"?

MC4 connectors are acceptable for use anywhere within the array, on a compatible size & type of wire.
 
elecold said:
Is there any reason why one couldn't extend a pv stringer home run that was not long enough? So instead of a single continuous run from inverter to module a splice point with mc4 connectors would be used to make the run long enough.
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You can use MC4 connectors to extend any DC wiring you wish, provided that all other conductor considerations (ampacity, temperature, UV exposure, etc.) are observed.
 
elecold said:
Is there any reason why one couldn't extend a pv stringer home run that was not long enough? So instead of a single continuous run from inverter to module a splice point with mc4 connectors would be used to make the run long enough.
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You can but it is not good practice.
 
jaggedben said:
While I agree it's not something to plan on doing, there's nothing wrong with doing it to fix a mistake.
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I concur. I admit I have softened on this recently. The systems I have mostly been working on the last few years are ~400KW. Thats usually about 91 strings, and inevitably there is one or two that end up short. There are already 1428 pairs of MC4 connectors on the system, I think 4 more wont hurt anything :)
 
electrofelon said:
I concur. I admit I have softened on this recently. The systems I have mostly been working on the last few years are ~400KW. Thats usually about 91 strings, and inevitably there is one or two that end up short. There are already 1428 pairs of MC4 connectors on the system, I think 4 more wont hurt anything :)
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True. While it is true that every connection/connector in a system is a potential point of failure, it is also true that when there are a bazillion connectors in a system, having a bazillion and one is not going to increase the chance of a failure by a detectable amount. Not only that, but every time a pair of modules in a string are not laid right next to each other in reach of the integrated cables, you have to add a jumper and therefore two more connectors. It's no big deal; just make sure that whomever is building your jumpers and home runs is proficient in making up MC4 connections and is using the proper tools.
 
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