Cable too short!!

[sbwelsh8]

Hi all, we have just completed our 1st install ready for our MCS. The DC cable is a little to short, do you know if it is ok do add a connector to extend the cable? Would this be acceptable to pass the MCS accreditation?

Many Thanks

 

[WRDEnergy]

Hey,

I am at the same point as yourself and I have extended cable by simply crimping and using MC4 connectors I can not see why they would have a problem with that method.

 

[Yanman]

A proper MC3 or MC4 connection to extend the cable should not be an issue.

 

[edexlab]

I would make sure the correct label is displayed also to warn of the risk of disconnection/arcing and if the connector is close to the inverter I would suggest using an adaptable box either as a jb or to enclose the connector itself
belt and braces i know but I've seen a video of the arcing when a Dc connector is pulled and its not nice

 

[sbwelsh8]

Do you have a date ready for your accreditation? What body are you with? Have you raised this with them? As when I asked NICEIC they said it 'should' be fine. I don't really want to take a risk of failing the accreditation!

 

[sbwelsh8]

Hey,

I am at the same point as yourself and I have extended cable by simply crimping and using MC4 connectors I can not see why they would have a problem with that method.

Do you have a date ready for your accreditation? What body are you with? Have you raised this with them? As when I asked NICEIC they said it 'should' be fine. I don't really want to take a risk of failing the accreditation!

 

[WRDEnergy]

Hey.

I am doing my mcs with the NIC and they are coming round next week.
I am 99% certain that it won't be a problem, keep in mind that the actual solar installation makes up a very small part of the inspection you don't need to still have scaffolding up or anything. crimping is a perfectly acceptable form of extending the cables according to bs7671 if you think about it its already been done twice per panel anyway I would not worry about it at all.
I also took the chance to call a friend of mine who already has his mcs he said he does it all this time and also had it on his own house when they did the inspection but said they didn't even check it.
I am not saying don't worry because they probably wont check it obviously you want to do a good job but I can't think of a problem.
hope this helps in some way

 

[sbwelsh8]

Hey.

I am doing my mcs with the NIC and they are coming round next week.
I am 99% certain that it won't be a problem, keep in mind that the actual solar installation makes up a very small part of the inspection you don't need to still have scaffolding up or anything. crimping is a perfectly acceptable form of extending the cables according to bs7671 if you think about it its already been done twice per panel anyway I would not worry about it at all.
I also took the chance to call a friend of mine who already has his mcs he said he does it all this time and also had it on his own house when they did the inspection but said they didn't even check it.
I am not saying don't worry because they probably wont check it obviously you want to do a good job but I can't think of a problem.
hope this helps in some way

Thanks very much for your reply and effort! If you could let me know how it goes with NICEIC that would be great!! And good luck!