Molex's SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors and terminals fully certified

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc.'s SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors are now fully certified to applicable IEC standards and endorsed by the TUV and UL approval agencies. The SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors, with an internal locking and touch-proof design for superior safety, feature a retention nut mechanism for simple assembly to the panel and provide a secure and reliable cable connection for internal inverter wiring. Production volumes of the panel mount connector are now available from Molex and its distribution channels.

“The panel-mount DC Connector for solar inverters complements the SolarSpec portfolio, which now includes a junction box for silicon photovoltaic panels, crimp terminal DC connectors for direct attachment to solar junction boxes, field installations and photovoltaic grid wiring and DC cable assemblies,” says Peter Commane, product manager, Molex. “In-house design and manufacture of SolarSpec components ensure high quality levels and reliability—at a competitive price. Customers also benefit from exclusive value-added design features.”

The IEC, NEC 2008 (690.33) and NFPA 70 US code-compliant SolarSpec solution offers an innovative interlocking mechanism that protects against accidental and unauthorized decoupling of the connector during field application and provides for reliable connection and safe handling. Offering exceptional efficiency, the contact resistance of the SolarSpec panel-mount DC Connector remains below 0.5 milliohms.

The connector can handle as much as 30.0A and accommodates 2.50mm2 and 4.00 to 6.00mm2 (14 AWG and 12 to 10 AWG) cable to meet a wide range of customer requirements. Polarized panel cut-outs help prevent rotation of the connectors and ensure no cross-assembly of male and female connectors when applied to the bulkhead panel.

Rugged SolarSpec panel-mount DC Connectors are IP67-sealed to protect against the ingress of dust and water. The housing body is resistant to UV and ozone damage. The touch-proof safety design protects installers and maintenance engineers from electrical current even during mating and decoupling operations. The connectors feature exclusive molded surface ribs to allow secure gripping, especially while wearing work gloves.

For ease of assembly, a simple nut mechanism on the SolarSpec panel-mount DC Connector is tightened using a standard wrench to secure it onto the bulkhead of the inverter panel. For additional security, a Molex field service tool is required to disengage the latch when unplugging. Another attractive feature is that the same Molex application tooling is suitable for both the panel mount and standard DC crimp terminals. This includes the hand crimp tool and the Mini-Mac bench applicator.