dark commission?

[infinity]

HI, Ive got an install next week, i was wondering how are you all getting on with commissioning the array if its gone 4pm and the suns disappeared?

I wont really have time to go back in the day as they are in different areas. Any advice much appreciated.


Also do you all clip direct your dc cables to the joists all the way to the inverter or put in containment? All very new to me and i really want to get it all right.

 

[JulianC]

You can't commission if there's nothing coming out of the array. Further visit necessary I'm afraid.

Used to clip DC cables to rafters and joist but nowadays I tend to run it in pvc flexi-conduit - much much quicker!

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Basically working smarter.Start early and make sure I have light at the point of commissioning. As for cabling I will contain in conduit or copex over most of its length. Its just tidier and more professional

 

[infinity]

Very true, infact ive ordered the copex, i avoid clipping where possible!

Well its my first of 5 installs next week so not sure how quick i can be to ensure commissioning in day light :/ but il try!

Do you guys use mini trunking to get upto the loft with the AC? I cant see how it can be done any other way with all the other stuff to get done in the same day!?


Thanks for the replies it does ease the nerves a little!

 

[moggy1968]

outside run in conduit is our fave, colored to match existing drainpipes etc

 

[infinity]

Outside in plastic conduit?

 

[dansk]

Outside with 6mm SWA normally. run up near a drainpipe if poss.

 

[powervan]

Outside in 4mm swa!!!! inside only if board is in centre of house! commision/sun wots that had bloke commision at 7.pm the other day (say no more)

 

[jupestar]

I hate domestic jobs my pride always insists we hide the wire, so carpets come up, plaster come down and i spend a week re-decorating their entire house.

The amount of times we've finished at night, then had to go back and commission the next day.... such a waste of time, it's not rocket science and it is always just a paper trail, complete waste of time, petrol, and patience...... happened today happened, yesterday..

 

[dansk]

ahhh - not always my friend, as i found the other day, im using some MC4's that have short pins in the middle, i terminated the string wires in a hurry and didnt push the male pin far enough in, it felt ok, it tested ok when pushing test prongs into it, but once pushed together it wouldnt make contact, by that time it was dark and i found it the next day.

 

[infinity]

i dont have a big enough ladder to get high enough to pop it into the loft! :s

Im the same, hidden cables always, but i dont see its feasible with all the other jobs that need doing!

 

[moggy1968]

Now, you would have thought an Mc4 was an MC4 wouldn't you? nah!!
been caught the same way, borrowed some femaile MC4s to go with the males I already had and guess what? yep, on a rainly roof cocking around trying to find why there was no connection!! Industry standard, what industry standard!!?

 

[moggy1968]

i dont have a big enough ladder to get high enough to pop it into the loft! :s

Im the same, hidden cables always, but i dont see its feasible with all the other jobs that need doing!

presumably not the DC though?

 

[jupestar]

DC no, outside wall or into the loft only.

Never had a problem with the MC4's i get them from the manufacturer with the panels, and they are the same. Once you hear the click with the contact pin your never getting it back out, and never gonna miss a connection. gotta get that click though..

 

[moggy1968]

yeh, I usually but them in pairs but got caught out

I beleieve some do run DC inside, don't fancy that much I have to say. Loft only and outside for me too