Avoid Cross-Connection of Solar Cable Connectors

Situation

The generation of safe and clean electrical power relies on high safety standards and high-quality components that guarantee a reliable performance. Stäubli Electrical Connectors over 25 years of experience in producing highly efficient and safe PV Connectors that play a key role in a long-term durable and reliable protection against hazards. For quality and safety reasons, Stäubli dissociates itself from cross-connecting components of 3rd party suppliers, being advertised as “MC4 compatible”. Cross-connection endangers the safety, performance and efficiency of a PV installation and puts at risk operators and installations as well as the return on investment (ROI) and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Even renowned test laboratories (e.g., TÜV and UL) cannot confirm the long-term stability of cross-connections.

Assessment

Stäubli Electrical Connectors assesses the cross-connection of components from different manufacturers as a risk/hazard for safe use. Currently valid PV standards (IEC 60364-7-712:2017; E343181) state that “male and female connectors […] shall be of the same type from the same manufacturer” and that UL certification for connectors only applies if products from the same product family have been mated. Hence, Stäubli products of the MC4 family mated with third-party connectors lose all relevant IEC and UL certification in their end-use application. Furthermore, the law does not regulate liability in the event of damage; expensive court proceedings may be at stake.

Solar Avoid Cross Connection Product Hero

Conclusion

Cross-connection severely endangers the safe operation of a PV plant: mating components of incongruous quality and/or equipped with different core technologies entails various risks and leads to performance losses. Stäubli further disclaims any participation in tests from independent test institutes that are misleading and wrongly indicate compatibility. Stäubli Electrical Connectors considers the efforts from third-party suppliers to verify their connector product by an independent third-party (e. g. TÜV) as Stäubli/MC4 compatible as inappropriate and not beneficial to the PV industry. Stäubli has not recognized any products from third-party suppliers as being compatible with the original MC4 family and does not intend to do so in the future.

Choose Your MC4 Solar Cable Connectors From ECS

ECS stock a wide range of genuine Stäubli Multi Contact (MC4) connecters to suit your PV installation. Available online 24/7 through our Express store, you can purchase on account or cash sale and enjoy real-time pricing and stock checking. And don’t forget about our fast freight-free delivery on orders over $100 (some T’s & C’s apply).

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The Original, Multi Contact (MC4) Solar Cable Connector by Stäubli

MC4 Plugs & Sockets

Snap-in lock
In accordance with NEC 2014, requires a tool to open
Tried and tested plug connectors, over 15 years of experience in the field
Proven MULTILAM technology with high long-term stability, which ensures consistently low performance loss through

Save time and money by purchasing MC4’s as a complete set. Each set contains 50 MC4 Males and 50 MC4 Females. Original part numbers used are 50 x MC-320015 (male with contact) + 50 x MC-320014 (female with contact).

Please note is it not allowed to plug different brands of connectors together (even if they seem to fit OK). These are original MC4 (Multi Contact 4 connectors). If you do not know what the other connector is, you will need to cut it off, and attach a new MC4 connector.

PRICING

MC4 Panel Receptacles

Suitable for 4mm² and 6mm² cable
Pin and locknut included
IP67
1000V
30A
Original MC4 (Multi Contact)

Rapid, precise plugging. Protection class IP68 (1 m, 1 h) guarantees the highest connection safety.

Mounting directly by means of screw thread or in perforated plate with plastic nut (included in delivery).

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MC4 Tools & Accessories

Each are a set of two pcs
Includes locator and insert
Terminations are unique to prove you used a genuine Multi-Contact tool
An Original Multi-Contact product by Staubli
Suitable for 4mm² and 6mm² cable

There have been reported cases of fires overseas caused by bad connector terminations. For your “peace of mind” so you never have doubt on any of your installs, you should use an original Multi-Contact MC4 crimp tool.

Tool to crimp metal contact of MC4 and MC4-Evo 2. Verfied by TÜV and UL for certified field assembly of original MC4 and MC4-Evo 2 connector.

PRICING

MC4 Y Branch Plugs & Sockets

2 x Male MC4
1 x Female MC4
30A
Original MC4 (Multi Contact)

Branch connectors are used to combine two strings into a single cable. Please note it is not recommended to combine more than two strings without the use of fuse protection. For more than two strings you should be using string fuse protection.

For a safe and simple parallel or serial parallel connection of PV-modules. Pluggable with single-pole Stäubli PV-cable coupler MC4 and MC4-Evo 2.

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MC4 Solar Leads

1 x Male MC4
1 x Female MC4
30A
Original MC4 (Multi Contact)

Pre-harnessed male to female MC4 extension leads. These are ideal if you do not have an MC4 crimp tool, or if you are wanting to save time on your installation.

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MC3 To MC4 Adaptors

1 x Female MC4
1 x Male MC3
Standard Length 200mm
Only 19A Rated

The Original MC4 is proven in use in the Photovoltaic industry, however it can also be applied in low-voltage DC applications.

MC3 to MC4 adapter leads are prefect if you have a product with an old MC3 lead on, and you want to quickly change it to a MC4 type.

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How to assemble Stäubli MC4 solar power connectors | Assembly Instructions

Stäubli Electrical Connectors, the Solution Provider for the Photovoltaic Industry. Founder of the most widely used and trusted photovoltaic connector worldwide the MC4 and MC3. Since 1996, the MC renewable connector portfolio meets the market needs. The products are globally certified, have Plug and Play System in order to reduce the installation time, they are as well reliable in all environments and efficient due to the MULTILAM technology inside.