STAUBLI Branch Connector MC4-Evo 2 Instruction Manual

October 30, 2023
STAUBLI

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STAUBLI Branch Connector MC4-Evo 2

STAUBLI Branch Connector MC4-Evo 2-product

Product Information

The MA292 (fr_en) assembly instructions provide information on the branch connector MC4-Evo 2, which has two types: PV-AZS4-EVO 2-UR (order no. 32.0197) and PV-AZB4-EVO 2-UR (order no. 32.0196). The branch connectors are used to connect two MC4/MC4-Evo 2 plugs or sockets in parallel, with each connector having three terminals. The connector is intended for use in the DC circuits of a photovoltaic array and can also be used as a LVDC component. The safety of the connector is of utmost importance, and failure to follow the assembly and safety instructions may result in electrical hazards, fire, or system failure.

Product Usage Instructions

Only an electrician or electrically instructed person should assemble, install and commission the system. The assembly tools required are PV-MS-PLS/2 (order no. 326058) or PV-MS-MC4-EVO (order no. 326066). Before plugging the connectors together, ensure that they are fully engaged by clicking them in place and pulling to confirm. Do not use connectors that are not fully engaged as they may result in permanent deflection of clips and loss of the locking function. To unplug, use the tool to unlock the locking clip and pull the connector apart.
Unplugged connectors must be protected from contamination with a sealing cap: PV-BVK4 (order no. 320716) for sockets and PV-SVK4 (order no. 320717) for plugs.

When installing modules connected in parallel, ensure that the strings are connected correctly to avoid electrical hazards. For more information on installation, technical data and notes, please refer to the assembly instructions.

Sealing caps

PV-BVK4 32.0716
PV-SVK4 32.0717

Intended use
Branch connectors MC4-Evo 2 are used to connect two MC4/MC4-Evo 2 plugs or two MC4/MC4-Evo 2 sockets in parallel. For this purpose, each branch connector has a total of three terminals.

Safety instructions

Importance of the assembly instructions
NOT following the assembly and safety instructions could result in life- threatening injuries due to electric shock, electric arcs, fi re, or failure of the system.

  • Follow the entire assembly instructions.
  • Use and install the product only according to this assembly instruction and the technical data.
  • Safely store the assembly instructions and pass them on to subsequent users.

Intended use

The connector electrically connects components within the DC circuits of a photovoltaic array. The connector can be used for purposes other than those in a photovoltaic array, e.g., as an LVDC component. If the com-ponent is used for other purposes, then the requirements and specifications may be different from the ones described in this document.

Requirements for personnel

Only an electrician or electrically instructed person may assemble, install, and commission the system.

  • An electrician is a person with appropriate professional training, knowledge, and experience to identify and avoid the dangers that may originate from electricity. An electrician is able to choose and use suitable personal protective equipment.
  • An electrically instructed person is a person who is instructed or supervised by an electrician and can identify and avoid the dangers that may originate from electricity.

Prerequisites for installation and assembly

  • NEVER use an obviously damaged product.
  • ONLY tools and procedures approved by Stäubli shall be used.

Safe assembly and mounting
Live parts can remain energized after isolation or disconnection

  • ONLY Install the product when the photovoltaic-array or -string is de-energized.

Mating and disconnecting

  • ALWAYS de-energize the photovoltaic system before mating and disconnecting the connectors.
  • NEVER disconnect the connectors under load.
  • NEVER connect male or female part of Stäubli connector with connectors of other manufacturers.

Do NOT modify NOR repair component

  • Mount connector only once.
  • Do NOT modify connectors after assembly.
  • Replace defective connectors.

Tools required

PV-MS-PLS/2, Order No. 32.6058 or
PV-MS-MC4-EVO, Order No. 32.6066STAUBLI Branch Connector MC4-Evo
2-fig-2

Note:
Operating instructions MA270, www.staubli.com/electrical

Plugging and unplugging

Plugging

Plug the parts of the connector together until they click in place. Check that they have engaged properly by pulling on the connector.STAUBLI Branch
Connector MC4-Evo 2-fig-3

Attention
Assembly of not fully engaged connectors is not permitted as this could lead to a permanent deflection of clips and thus to a potential loss of the locking function. The correct assembly has to be verified at all times.

Unplugging

To disconnect the plug connection, unlock the locking clip with the tool PV- MS-PLS/2 or PV-MS-MC4-Evo and pull the connector apart.STAUBLI Branch
Connector MC4-Evo 2-fig-4

Options/Accessories

Unplugged connectors must be protect-ed from contamination with a sealing cap.

For socket:
PV-BVK4, order No. 32.0716
For plug:
PV-SVK4, order No. 32.0717STAUBLI Branch Connector MC4-Evo
2-fig-5

Example of parallel connections with branch connectorsSTAUBLI Branch
Connector MC4-Evo 2-fig-6

Attention:
When installing modules connected in parallel, make sure that the strings are connected correctly!

Attention:
When connecting the connectors, it must be ensured that the rated data (current carrying capacity and rated voltage) of the branch connectors are dependent on the connectors used in Tab. 1 or Tab. 2, page 5. Also observe the assembly instructions of the connectors connected to the MC4-Evo 2 branch connector.

Product Specification in relation to certified mating correlation
The current and voltage ratings, as well as the upper limiting temperature, is limited to the corresponding mating connector from For detailed specification refer to Tab. 1 and 2 below.

Rheinland

Tab. 1  TÜV Rheinland MC4 MC4-Evo 2

Type

| PV-KST4/xy-UR; PV-KST4/10y| PV-KST4-EVO 2/xy-UR; PV-KST4-EVO 2A/xy
PV-KBT4/xy-UR; PV-KBT4/10y| PV-KBT4-EVO 2/xy-UR; PV-KBT4-EVO 2A/xy
Rated Voltage IEC| DC 1000 V| DC 1500 V

Rated current IEC

| 22 A (2.5 mm²)| 39 A (2.5 mm²)
39 A (4 mm²)| 45 A (4 mm²)
39 A (6 mm²)| 53 A (6 mm²)
45 A (10.0 mm²)| 60 A (10.0 mm²)
Upper limit temperature (ULT)| 105 °C| 115 °C

UL

Tab. 2  UL MC4 MC4-Evo 2

Type

| PV-KST4/xy-UR| PV-KST4-EVO 2/-UR; PV-KST4-EVO 2A/
PV-KBT4/xy-UR| PV-KBT4-EVO 2/-UR; PV-KBT4-EVO 2A/
Rated Voltage UL| DC 1500 V| DC 1500 V

Rated current UL

| 30 A (AWG14)| 30 A (AWG14)
35 A (AWG12)| 35 A (AWG12)
50 A (AWG10)| 50 A (AWG10)
50 A (AWG8)| 50 A (AWG8)
Max. operating temperature (MOT)| 85 °C| 85 °C

(Tab. 2)
The ampacity rating of these products is limited based on the smallest used wire diameter per the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for outdoor applications considering the correction factor.

Notes on installation

Note:
The MC4-Evo 2 branch connectors feature a hole in the middle of each component. This hole could be used to fix the connector using cable ties.

Note:
If the connector is to be used in low-voltage DC applications other than those in a photovoltaic array, please consult the information as provided in the Stäubli Technical Description Report. Link

General notes on installation:

  • Unmated connectors must be protected from environmental impact (moisture, dirt, dust, etc.) with sealing caps (socket order no. 32.0716; plug order no. 32.0717).
  • Do not mate contaminated connectors.
  • Connectors must not come into contact with any chemicals.

Contaminated/damaged connectors:

  • Do not allow connectors to be contaminated by the environment (e.g. soil, water, insects, dust).
  • Do not allow the connector to be contaminated on its surface (e.g. stickers, paint, heat shrink tubing).
  • Do not allow the connector to be directly on the roofing surface.
  • Do not allow the connector to be at the lowest point of the cabling where water can collect.
  • Do not allow the connector to be in standing water.
  • Do not allow that cable ties to be mounted directly on the connector body.

Mechanical stress:

  • Check that the connectors are not subjected to a permanent mechanical tensile load or vibration.
  • Connectors shall not be under strain from cable management.
  • Ensure that the locking clips are not subjected to excessive mechanical force.

Note for transportation and repacking:
Ensure that the locking clips are not subjected to excessive mechanical force.

Technical Data

  Type designation PV-AZB4-EVO 2-UR PV-AZS4-EVO 2-UR
  Rated voltage DC 1500 V
  Test voltage 8 kV 3)
  Rated current (IEC) 60 A 1)
  Rated current (UL) 50 A 2)
  Rated impulse voltage 16 kV
  Ambient temperature range (IEC) -40 °C … +85 °C
  Ambient temperature range (UL) -40 °C … +85 °C
  Transportation/storage temperature range -40 °C … +60 °C
  MOT max. operating temperature (UL) +85 °C
  Transportation/storage relative humidity < 70 %
  Upper limiting temperature 115 °C 1)
  Degree of protection, mated IP65/IP68 (1 m,1 h)
  Degree of protection, unmated IP2X
  Overvoltage category/Pollution degree CAT III/3
  Contact resistance of plug connectors < 0.5 mΩ
  Locking system Locking type
  Safety class II
  Contact system MULTILAM
  Contact material Cuivre, étamé/Copper, tin plated
  Insulation material PA
  Flame class UL94-V0
  TÜV Rheinland certified according to IEC 62852:2014/AMD1:2020 **R

60149724
 | UL certified according to UL6703|
E343181
 | Compatible with connector type|
Original MC4 cable connectors Original MC4-Evo 2 cable connectors
| Max. operating altitude above sea level|
5000 m; AK 60159400
 | Temperature Level according to IEC TS 63126|
Level 2; AK 60158914
|  |
CE declaration of conformity**

  1. The current and voltage ratings, as well as the upper limiting temperature, are limited to the corresponding mating connector from Stäubli. For detailed specifications refer to see Tab. 1, page 5.

  2. The current and voltage ratings, as well as the upper limiting temperature, are limited to the corresponding mating connector from Stäubli. For detailed specifications refer to see Tab. 2, page 5.
    Engineering considerations: Application-associated current ratings have to be verified in the product end-use and shall not exceed the maximum operating temperature.

  3. Rated voltage 1000 V and test voltage 6 kV with mated MC4 connector; 1500 V and test voltage 8 kV with mated MC4-Evo 2 connector.

© by Stäubli Electrical Connectors AG, Switzerland – MA292 – 03.2022, Index b Marketing Communications –/Subject to alterations

Fabricant/Manufacturer: Stäubli Electrical Connectors AG Stockbrunnenrain 8
4123 Allschwil/Switzerland
Tel. +41 61 306 55 55
Fax +41 61 306 55 56
mail ec.ch@staubli.com
www.staubli.com/electrical

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