SANYO MC3 to MC4

[Eco Deal]

Sanyo are going from MC3 to MC4

just thought I share that:tongue3:

 

[solarcat]

Hooray! About time!

 

[SolarCity]

Excellent stuff. I can't stand MC3s.

 

[Eco Deal]

well if anyone ever buys Sanyo !!! @21p rate

 

[screwdriver]

There has to be a better way of fitting MC3 connectors that doesn't involve losing skin from knuckles! I like a little squirt of lube.......

 

[Gavin A]

There has to be a better way of fitting MC3 connectors that doesn't involve losing skin from knuckles! I like a little squirt of lube.......

have you got one of the proper MC3 guns?

piece of **** with one of them. I probably even prefer them to MC4s as the MC4s are a git to get properly tightened up so the cable end's fully water proof.

 

[screwdriver]

to be honest we have only ever done a few sanyo jobs, everything else has been suntech or samsung and so never thought it worth buying the gun, probably even less likely now!

 

[edexlab]

I'm sure Sanyo's used to have Mc4 on the HIT240's as when we started our first job with sanyo we only had Mc3's in stock

Have to agree with the post above about the Mc4's being difficult to tighten properly ,they always look as though they're undone

 

[screwdriver]

I have had two different batches of mc4s and differing sizes of outer sheath on the cables, sometimes they go together really well but we prefer to use the solar cables with the larger outer diameter as they seem to be more durable than some of the wet strings supplied in kits. Now find me a supplier of solar radox connectors which isn't expensive!

 

[LightGEN]

All they need to do now is drop the price by 30% :thinking:

 

[valet]

Hi grate forum....

Question: installers installed 10 Sanyo 250w panels and Fronius Inverter IG30v. On some panels they cut off MC3 Sanyo original connectors and replaced them with MC4. As probably installers did not have MC3 connectors and crimping tool with them. Sanyo panels look like use 6mm strings cable diameter, installers used 4mm cable to connect panels together as 10 panels spread across 3 roof spaces. Now, reading this thread I concerned about Sanyo warranty. Is it voided if you cut off original MC3 and replace them with MC4? Is it ok to connect 6mm cable with 4mm? What connectors they should of used on Fronius IG30V inverter MC3 or MC4? Panels have been shipped to one of Caribbean island and now if warranty voided they have to ship other load!!!!
Can I earth panels trough panels frame or railing panels sitting on? Installed on metal roof, as per reg of the country they installed have to be separate ground spike for panels. Please advice




Thank you​

 

[Gavin A]

4mm cable is fine, sanyo only use 6mm so they can be used for industrial jobs as well.

I can't see how swapping the connectors would invalidate the warrantee unless the fault was with the connector, in which case it'd be the installers warrantee.

If you have any further questions, I could come and answer them in person if you post me a plane ticket to the caribbean

 

[valet]

Thankx for reply Gavin A.......Got email from Sanyo they told me that warranty compromised if connectors cut off :death:will be costly mistake for installer.

Can I earth panels trough panels frame or railing panels sitting on? Installed on metal roof, as per reg of the country they installed have to be separate ground spike for panels. Please advice

 

[pwboston]

I cant see why they would compromise the warranty TBH

 

[Gary K]

:death:will be costly mistake for installer.

If they are still trading, If you know where to find them, you can call the p (A) nel team

 

[valet]

Hi to everyone

Just to confirm, can DC 4mm cables be connected to 6mm Panasonic panels cables? Not sure if cables with different diameters can be connected together. I think Gavin already answer that question above. Confirmation will be appreciated. Regards

 

[Worcester]

@valet, I'd be astonished if panasonic use 6mm2 cables - do they really? ( I could be wrong..)

OR have you measured the outside diameter?

Just do your cables sizing calcs as always, Current Carrying capacity and Voltage Drop.

 

[Eco Deal]

jesus you dug up an old post here .

 

[valet]

Panasonic panels cables definitely 6mm they are the same as Sanyo panels and still have MC3 connectors on them they ment to be updated new Panasonic panels with MC4 / SMK connectors from Sanyo.
It will be ok to connect them in to 4mm DC, Or I have to use 6mm DC cable? Is it much of the difference between 4mm and 6mm DC cable, distance from panels to inverter between 10- 15 meters. Thanx

 

[Worcester]

What is the length of the string run? How many panels in a string?

I's a standard cable sizing excercise, so you can easily calulate the cuurent carrying capacity and the voltage drop. - Sunny Design will even do it for you

 

[SolarCity]

The size of the Sanyo/Panasonic panel cables is irrelevant. No issue connecting 4mm to 6mm panel cables at all as long as the VD calculations have been carried out (which unless your inverter is a long way from the panels, this will not be an issue either)

 

[valet]

Thanx for that boys.
Ten panels all on one string divided in too three roof spaces. Longest string is about 12- 15meters away from inverter.

 

[SolarCity]

Definitely not an issue then. We've only ever used 6mm once for a domestic install.

 

[valet]

Can non-branded Chinise MC4 connectors can be connected to genuine Multi-Contact MC4? Any risk fire/ overheating as Chinese not TUV approved .
Panasonic/Sanyo panels still coming with mc3 connectors ; ( !!!
My dc strings have Chinese non branded MC4 connectors should I ask installer to replace them to multi-contact Swiss made MC4 and use adapters mc3 to MC4.
Or just put new multi-contact mc3 on dc strings to avoid adapters usage?