Why the rubber tips on MC3 connectors?

softdown
softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,925 ✭✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Is this for weatherproofing? Fighting corrosion?

For example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MC3-connector-pair-female-male-solar-cells-panels-4mm-/220952870533?hash=item3371d13e85:g:liYAAOxyY3ZRsLfN

First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,006 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    softdown said:
    Is this for weatherproofing? Fighting corrosion?

    For example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MC3-connector-pair-female-male-solar-cells-panels-4mm-/220952870533?hash=item3371d13e85:g:liYAAOxyY3ZRsLfN


    Yes, basically to prevent water intrusion. MC4 use an 'O' ring.
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,925 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2016 #3
    Photowhit said:
    softdown said:
    Is this for weatherproofing? Fighting corrosion?

    For example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MC3-connector-pair-female-male-solar-cells-panels-4mm-/220952870533?hash=item3371d13e85:g:liYAAOxyY3ZRsLfN


    Yes, basically to prevent water intrusion. MC4 use an 'O' ring.
    Thanks...and thanks for the MC3 clam shells. Found some more cheap enough....shipping was $17 for 50 pairs. 50 pairs may weigh about 1/2 pound...or so. People wonder why so many just jump to Amazon or Ebay? Canadian stores wanted $75 to ship FedEx. Said that Canada Post would not work....which is BS. Our host doesn't carry them.

    MC3 connections are fine when the clam shell is used. Though I do have to augment with tape on 1/2 the connections. That is due to slightly different specs between the MC3 connectors and the clam shells.
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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