MC-4 crimp tool

paulskirocks
paulskirocks Solar Expert Posts: 84 ✭✭✭✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
OK, I have seen the custom MC-4 crimp tools for a few hundred dollars, but is there a cheapy out there that will actually crimp it correctly?
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,642 admin
    #2
    Re: MC-4 crimp tool

    One option if you will only need to make a few crimps--Purchase some male/female MC4 cables and cut them in 1/2. Splice them into the rest of your system.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • paulskirocks
    paulskirocks Solar Expert Posts: 84 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: MC-4 crimp tool

    Well, I already have the separate wire and connectors... There are only four to do, but I still want a good connection... What about soldering them? They are just 8 amp strings...
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,642 admin
    #4
    Re: MC-4 crimp tool

    Here is one thread with a less expensive crimping tool (something like $30-$45 each???):

    What is the fastest way to add MC4 connectors to final return lines on GT solar array?

    I have soldered many connections over the years--If the cables are well supported (so they cannot flex), solder can work OK. If the wire flexes, the solder forms a fulcrum where the flexing is focused and the copper work hardens/fails. Make sure you use rosin core or "no clean" solder made for electrical soldering--not plumber's flux (which is corrosive).

    It has been subject of several threads here with lots of strong opinions... From a UL point of view, soldering is not a "safe" connection if the joint melts and the wire pulls out of the connector.

    And a proper crimp connection is gas tight anyway--so solder does not add anything (IMHO) to the quality of the joint.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • simagic
    simagic Solar Expert Posts: 100 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: MC-4 crimp tool

    I just had the same situation where I had a just few to crimp. I bought some generic crimping tool ( was on the end of a wire cutter). Then what I did was take a (** small **) needle nose pliers ( even that medical needle nose thing is good) and bent the little ends (from the mc4 connector) around the wire. after they were "kind of" around the wire, I squeezed it hard the the generic crimper. Then, just for my piece of mind, I through a little solder in there. Worked just fine and didn't have to spend as much on a crimper that would have to spend on a panel.
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  • paulskirocks
    paulskirocks Solar Expert Posts: 84 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: MC-4 crimp tool

    OK, thanks for that link... I just ordered the Eclipse 300-176 for $45 shipped... I can see where this crimper will com in handy for other connectors, as well...

    http://zackelectronics.com/tools-installation-aids/tools/crimpers/eclipse-300-176-tools-crimpro-crimper-for-mc4-solar-panel-contacts.html
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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: MC-4 crimp tool

    It will also work on Anderson connectors. Hope it is the ratcheting type...
     
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