Windy Nation Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit - Manual (Page 9)

Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual
Revision 2.0
4.2.1 Layout - Placement
For systems using more than one panel that will connect together, the 36” connection cable may limit the
possible orientation of the inter-connected panels. Proposed orientations are located in
Section 5 but user
applications may not have the necessary space available to achieve this layout. In these cases, the use of MC4
extension cables may be required to connect panels together. These are available through Windy Nation in
multiple lengths to accommodate your installation.
4.3 MC4 C ONNECTORS
The output wires from the junction box of the solar panel are terminated with MC4 connectors. The Positive (+)
wire is terminated with a MC4 Female Connector (marked "+") and the Negative wire is terminated with a MC4
Male Connector (marked "-").
Windy Nation’s MC4 connectors are compatible for use with AWG #10, AWG #12, or AWG #14 wire/cable with
an outer insulation diameter between 2.5 and 6.0 mm. The MC4 connectors provide a reliable and water
resistant way for conveniently making electrical connections between solar panels and the extension cable.
3
Male Connector
6
2
5 8
Female Connector
7
6
4
1
3
ITEM # DESCRIPTION
1 Female Insulated Connector Housing
2 Male Insulated Connector Housing
3 Housing Nut with internal rubber bushing/cable gland (seals wire entry)
4 Female Mating Contact
5 Male Mating Contact
6 Wire Crimp Area
7 Locking Tab
8 Locking Slot - Unlock Area (press to release)
4.3.1 MC4 Connector Assembly Instructions
1) Strip 1/4” of the insulation from the cable end to be terminated with the MC4 connector using a wire stripper.
Be careful not to nick or cut the conductor.
2) Insert the bare conductor into the crimping area (Item 6) of the metallic mating contact and crimp using a
special purpose crimping tool. If a crimping tool is not available the wire may be soldered into the contact.
3) Insert the metallic mating contact with the crimped wire through the Housing Nut and rubber bushing (Item
3) and into the insulated housing, till the metallic pin fits snug into the housing.
4) Tighten the Housing Nut (Item 3) onto the connector housing. When the nut is tightened, the internal rubber
bush is compressed around the outer jacket of the cable and thus, provides water-tight sealing.
4.3.2 MC4 Connector Installation Instructions
Push the Two Connector pairs together such that the two locking tabs on the MC4 Female Connector (Item 7)
align with the two corresponding locking slots on the MC4 Male Connector (Item 8). When the two connectors
are coupled, the locking tabs slide into the locking slots and secure.
To uncouple the two connectors, press the ends of the locking tabs (Item 7) as they appear in the open locking
slot (Item 8) to release the locking mechanism and pull the connectors apart.
CAUTION: Make sure that no current is flowing when uncoupling is attempted.
4.3.3 MC4 Branch Connectors
MC4 Branch Connectors are used to interconnect solar panels together. There are two different branch
connectors, one type accepts two male MC4 connectors on the input side and has a male MC4 connector for its
output. The other type accepts two female MC4 connectors and has a female MC4 connector for its output.
Page 9 of 21 windy nation 03/31/2014