Using Steel Hardware for Bonding 48 volt nominal battery bus connections for Solar PV

[ACDCBag420]

I am writing this post to get some clarification on what hardware to use for bonding copper bus connections. Photovoltaic systems with energy storage systems require high amp currents to flow through copper bus bars. Configurations for these bus bars can vary depending on the shunts used and inputs associated with the system. What grade hardware should be used for these high amp connections, and where is the best outlet to buy these fasteners? Im running into a problem where I need a bus connection and the hardware supplied is not suitable for the configurations. I have been reading that grade 5 and grade 8 steel can be used along with stainless. I have not been able to find ampacity tables for diffrent grades of hardware, including stainless bronze and so fourth. Any insight is great, thanks!

 

[GeorgeB]

It is unusual to rely on (even to use) the fastener to carry current. Its job is to clamp current carrying components. That said, when we did panel construction (MANY MANY years ago) we used "Belleville" washers and grade 5 fasteners for similar applications.

 

[zbang]

All of the parts George mentions are readily available from McMaster/Fastenal/etc, and yes, the fasterers aren't conductors, they hold conductors together.