MC4 Connector – Types, Specifications, Features With Complete Details
MC4 connectors are the electrical devices used to connect solar panels through a single contact. They tie up the connections of a solar system by joining several solar panels or several groups of solar panels together.
Here MC refers to Multi-Contact and 4 indicates the dimension of diameter pin in mm. The high-quality tool with a sealed tip and metal pin is a great way to establish electrical contact between the modules.
The designation of the connector consists of a plug and a socket that are plastic shells from inside. The plug is a male connector with a cylindrical shape while the socket is electrically female having a square body. The plastic fingers of the female socket are pressed to insert into the plug. Popping outwards, the two components get locked together to serve the purpose.
Solar MC4 connectors and branch connectors are available in several types. So it’s worth spending 10 minutes reading the complete information about all these solar MC4 connectors for choosing the best that meets all your needs.
Types of MC4 Connectors
You can make your solar system wiring much easier and quicker using the different kinds of solar MC4 connectors. Perfect for outdoor installations, the connectors have become the most preferred choice of electrical inspectors.
Based on the functionalities, there are two basic types of solar MC4 connectors. These are namely,
- MC4 Connectors
- Branch Connectors
Why use MC4 Connectors?
MC4 connector allows you to construct the strings of the solar panels quite easily and productively. Just pushing the connectors of the adjoining modules can get your work done.
The connection is hard to detach on its own hence the chances of accidental disconnection are near to none. Moreover, the gadget is weatherproof, UV resistant and a great alternative to the traditional junction box.
Finally, an MC4 connector is a compatible device that has now become one of the most common and necessarily equipped products for solar installation.
Solar MC4 Wire Connector
The solar MC4 connectors are designed with PPO + PA, a high-grade reliable material. As a result of the great foundation, the device offers long term durability along with a remarkable power to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
The parts of an MC4 connector include the following.
- Base Caps
- Strain Relief
- Compression Sleeve
- Female Connector Body
- Waterproofing Ring
- Female Pin
- Male Pin
- Base Cap
- Male Connector Body
10Sq. MM MC4 Connector
Ideal to crimp with 10 sq mm wires, these connectors are for 1500V/60 A current. They are manufactured with a great degree of protection using high-grade raw material.
The components include a pair of male and female connectors made of copper with the tin-coated outside. Consequently, the gadget can bear a heavy load. Besides, it is UV resistant, highly durable, waterproof and anti-flaming.
2 in 1 MC4 Branch Connector
A 2 in 1 MC4 branch connector can connect two solar panels with a capacity range of 10 watts to 400 watts parallelly.
It is a suitable tool for cables of dimensions 2.5 sq mm, 4 sq mm and 6 sq mm. The solar connector is a blend of copper and tin and possesses a long life of over 25 to 30 years.
3 in 1 MC4 Branch Connector
The 3 in 1 branch connectors are the advanced tools used to connect three solar panels in a parallel combination.
The core purpose is to configure consistent voltage and AMP while ensuring stable transmission. With great built quality, the connector contributes greatly to increasing the productivity of your solar system.
4 in 1 MC4 Branch Connector
The 4 in 1 MC4 branch connector is for connecting four solar panels in a parallel combination.
With 1500V and 50 AMP as voltage and current ratings, the connector delivers optimum quality service for your solar system. Its best features include high compatibility to get adjusted with any size of panels.
5 in 1 MC4 Branch Connector
Certainly, the 5 in 1 MC4 branch connector is used to make connections between 5 solar panels or modules of any size in parallel.
Capable of carrying a DC power of up to 1500 volt and 50 AMPs, the 5 in 1 solar connector is an excellently designed tool that supports up to 10 sq mm wire.
Specifications Of T5 Branch Connector
The T5 solar connectors are UV resistant, highly durable, waterproof, fireproof, shockproof and heavy-duty connectors. Their remarkable specifications are mentioned in the table below.
Features of MC4 Connectors
The MC4 connectors contribute to being one of the most distinguishing features of solar panels. They are essential for avoiding misconnections.
It offers a huge range of attractive features that are mentioned below.
1. Great Built Quality
These solar connectors are made of PPO+PA material to provide high strength. As a result, the device is capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures from -40°C to +85°C.
2. Highly Compatible
Ideal for connecting the solar modules in a parallel combination, the solar connectors are compatible to suit all brands and types of solar panel. Just plug the connectors and you are done.
3. Self Locking
MC4 connectors are stable and secure solutions in the form of its MC4 connectors. The self-locking mechanism is used to ensure a tight connection that can be unlocked easily just by the simple press and pull.
4. Waterproof IP67
The MC4 solar connectors are IP67 rated. It means they are waterproof and dust-free. Equipped with each of them is a waterproofing ring to make the device corrosion resistant, shock resistant and highly durable.
5. UV Resistant
Besides the waterproofing features, the MC4 solar connectors from Kenbrook solar come with excellent ageing resistance. The UV endurance makes the device highly durable and extends its life expectancy to more than 25 years.
Tools Required With MC4 Connectors
Using the MC4 solar connectors in a solar system is a very simple process. All you’ll need are a few tools to crimp the connectors.
The two main gadgets required to connect the MC4 connectors to the solar panels are-
- MC4 Crimping Tool
- MC4 Spanner
MC4 Crimping Tool
An MC4 crimping tool, also known as, a crimper and crimping pliers, is used to deform and join the ends of the wire and the connector.
The grip obtained creates a solid contact between the two ends. With strain relief, the tool makes a superior connection mechanically while avoiding solder wicking.
Solar Crimping Tool
Solar MC4 Tool Spanner
The MC4 spanner or MC4 wrench is a tool used to screw and unscrew the connector. The lightweight gadget can save your time and power for installing the connectors.
An MC4 spanner is an efficiently working device you’ll need to assemble and disassemble the MC4 connectors.
How to Use MC4 Connectors
MC4 connector can be used to connect multiple solar modules in series as well as in parallel. Both the combinations require different input and hence provide distinctive outcomes.
In simple words, you can use an MC4 connector to wire the solar modules in either of the two combinations according to your need.
MC4 Connectors Wiring in Series:
Connecting solar panels in a series combination is the easiest of all wirings. To use this arrangement, you’ll need to connect the positive lead of the panel to the negative lead.
In simple words. Snapping the male connector into the female one can do your work.
Outcome-When you connect two or more solar panels in series, the resulting voltage is the sum of the individual voltages while the current remains constant.
MC4 Connectors Wiring in Parallel:
The parallel combination is the most preferred wiring of solar panels used to generate optimum benefits. Here, the positive leads are connected, the same is the case with the negative leads.
Since the arrangement is not possible naturally, you’ll need an MC4 multi-branch connector to achieve the purpose.
Outcome-When connected parallelly, the solar panels generate an optimum current that is the sum of the individual current quantity. Whereas, the voltage of the solar system remains the same.