samlex MC4-2 Solar Panel Multi-Contact Connectors Owner’s Manual
- June 6, 2024
- SAMLEX
Table of Contents
samlex MC4-2 Solar Panel Multi-Contact Connectors Owner’s
INTRODUCTION
MC4 Multi-Contact Connectors (Fig. 1)
Samlex’s MC4-2 Kit contains 1 male and 1 female MC4 solar panel connector.
This type of connector system is easy to install and uses “snap-in” safety
locking tabs to lock two mating connectors, thereby avoiding unintentional
disconnection. Also when locked, the mating contacts are sealed against
ingress of dust and water. Specifications are as follows:
- Connectors supplied with this kit are for use with wire size AWG #10 or AWG #12 with outer insulation diameter of 3 – 6 mm
- Contact diameter Ø 4 mm
- Maximum rated current – 30 A
- Maximum system voltage – 1000 V
- Degree of ingress protection when connected and properly locked – IP67
- Temperature range -40°C to +90°C
- TÜV Rheinland – type approved, UL listed
Construction of MC4 Connectors (See Fig. 1)
The connectors can be crimped / soldered to wire size AWG #10 or AWG # 12 with
an outer insulation diameter of 3 to 6 mm.
The Male and Female MC4 Connectors consist of the following components (See Fig. 1).
- Outer insulated housing with locking arrangement (1 of Fig. 1)
- Tin-plated Copper metallic male & female mating contacts (2A and 2B of Fig. 1). The wire is placed in the crimping area (4 of Fig 1) and crimped with a special crimping tool
- Nut & internal rubber bush (3 of Fig. 1). When the nut is tightened, the internal rubber bush is compressed around the outer jacket of the cable, providing water-tight sealing.
MC4 Connector – Locking Arrangement (Fig. 2)
Two locking tabs (1 of Fig. 2) are provided on the MC4 Female Connector. Two
corresponding locking slots (2 of Fig. 2) are provided on the MC4 Male
Connector. 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 as shown (3
of Fig. 3) to release the locking mechanism.
- Locking tabs on the MC4 Female Connector
- Locking slots on the MC4 Male Connector
- Press here to release the locking tabs. Make sure that no current is flowing when uncoupling is attempted.
Wire Connections on Solar Panels (See Fig. 3)
Most solar panels come with approximately 3 ft of Positive (‘+’) and Negative
(‘-‘) wire. One end of each wire is connected to the junction box of the
panel. In most solar panels (for example, solar panels manufactured by Samlex
Solar), the other end of each wire is terminated with an MC4 connector. The
Positive (‘+’) wire has a Female MC4 Connector and the Negative (‘-‘) wire has
a Male MC4 Connector. To extend the length of the wires of these solar panels
for connection to a charge controller, combiner box or grid-connected
inverter, an extension wire is required with corresponding Male and Female MC4
Connectors.
Warning!
When the surface of the solar panel / array is exposed to sunlight, a DC
voltage appears at the output terminals turning it into a live voltage source.
For example, a 24 V nominal solar panel may put out an open circuit voltage of
around 45 VDC that may produce electrical shock. Multiple solar panels
connected in series (to increase the output voltage) will putout higher lethal
voltages. To avoid any electrical shock hazard during installation, make sure
that the solar panel / array is covered with an opaque (dark) material to
block solar irradiation. block solar irradlation
INSTALLATION
Installation procedure (See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2)
The MC4 connectors provided are compatible for use with AWG #10 or AWG #12
wire with outer insulation diameter 3 – 6 mm. Wires may be single conductor,
Type UF (Underground Feeder – marked as sunlight resistant), Type SE (Service
Entrance) or Type USE/USE-2 (Underground Service Entrance).
- Strip 1/4” of the wire insulation using a wire stripper. Take care not to cut individual strands.
- Insert the bare conductor into the crimping area (4 of Fig. 1) of the metallic mating contact and crimp using a special purpose crimping tool. The end may be soldered if the crimping tool is not available. Take care that the solder does not flow beyond the crimp area.
- Insert the metallic mating contact with the crimped wire through the cable gland and into the insulated housing, until the metallic pin fits snuggly into the housing.
- Tighten nut (3 of Fig.1) so that the rubber bush is compressed around the wire entry to ensure proper sealing.
2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
MC4-2 manufactured by Samlex America Inc. (the “Warrantor“) is warranted to be
free from defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and service.
The warranty period is 2 years for the United States and Canada, and is in
effect from the date of purchase by the user (the “Purchaser“). Warranty
outside of the United States and Canada is limited to 6 months. For a warranty
claim, the Purchaser should contact the place of purchase to obtain a Return
Authorization Number. The defective part or unit should be returned at the
Purchaser’s expense to the authorized location. A written statement describing
the nature of the defect, the date of purchase, the place of purchase, and the
Purchaser’s name, address and telephone number should also be included.
If upon the Warrantor’s examination, the defect proves to be the result of
defective material or workmanship, the equipment will be repaired or replaced
at the Warrantor’s option without charge, and returned to the Purchaser at the
Warrantor’s expense. (Contiguous US and Canada only)
No refund of the purchase price will be granted to the Purchaser, unless the
Warrantor is unable to remedy the defect after having a reasonable number of
opportunities to do so. Warranty service shall be performed only by the
Warrantor. Any attempt to remedy the defect by anyone other than the Warrantor
shall render this warranty void. There shall be no warranty for defects or
damages caused by faulty installation or hook-up, abuse or misuse of the
equipment including exposure to excessive heat, salt or fresh water spray, or
water immersion.
No other express warranty is hereby given and there are no warranties which
extend beyond those described herein. This warranty is expressly in lieu of
any other expressed or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of
merchantability, fitness for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are
used, or fitness for a particular purpose, or any other obligations on the
part of the Warrantor or its employees and representatives.
There shall be no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the part of the
Warrantor or its employees and representatives for injury to any persons, or
damage to person or persons, or damage to property, or loss of income or
profit, or any other consequential or resulting damage which may be claimed to
have been incurred through the use or sale of the equipment, including any
possible failure of malfunction of the equipment, or part thereof. The
Warrantor assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages of any
kind.
Samlex America Inc. (the “Warrantor”)
www.samlexamerica.com
Documents / Resources
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samlex MC4-2 Solar Panel Multi-Contact
Connectors
[pdf] Owner's Manual
MC4-2, Solar Panel Multi-Contact Connectors
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