Best Practice Guide

ManualsBrandsREC Solar ManualsSolar & Wind PowerN-PEAK 2 Black Series 370 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Module

Guide to Best Practice - Connections and Connectors

Ensuring the best performance of REC solar panels

REC panels have been designed for easy installation and minimal maintenance, however the

connections between panels can oen be the weakest link in an installation. Here the electrical circuit

is le exposed until the connectors are aached and over time, any weakness can be exposed by the

elements. Therefore the correct handling of connectors can help prolong the lifetime and eﬃciency

of the installation.

Safety when working with connectors

Safety is paramount when working with electrical

connectors. Ensure these rules are followed at all times:

Do not work on live or load-carrying parts

Connections must not be disconnected under load

Protection from electric shock must be assured by

the end product and its user

If connectors remain open or modules are stored

outside, modules must be protected against foreign

materials and the elements e.g., water, snow, dirt or

other contamination

Connector types for (V)

As part of continued product improvement, the

connectors used by REC have changed over time. When

connected properly, all connector types will provide long

lasting and secure connections. The four diﬀerent types of

connector used by REC since  are:

Connector types for (V)

As part of continued product improvement, the

connectors used by REC have changed over time. When

connected properly, all connector types will provide long

lasting and secure connections. The types of connector

used by REC since  are:

Connecting and disconnecting (V)

All connectors must be securely joined to each other

according to the following instructions:

Connecting Hosiden, MC and Tonglin connectors:

• Align latches of the male plug with receptacles of the

female socket

• Insert the plug into the socket until a ﬁrm click is heard

• Check the connectors have engaged correctly by gently

pulling them apart

Table. 

The connector types found on REC Solar panels (V)

Table. 

The connector types found on REC Solar panels (V)

Connector Type Usage

Radox

• REC production until

/

• Used with H&S junction

box

Hosiden

• MC connectable type

• REC production until

/

Tonglin

• MC connectable type

/ to present

Stäubli MC

• REC production from

/ to present

Connector Type Usage

Tonglin

• MC connectable type

/ to present

Stäubli MC EVO

• REC production from

/ to present

Fig. : Connection of MC type connector (Multi-Contact MC, Hosiden or Tonglin)

Fig. : MC type connector fully closed (Multi-Contact MC or Hosiden)

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
Guide to Best Practice - Connections and Connectors Ensuring the best performance of REC solar panels REC panels have been designed for easy installation and minimal maintenance, however the connections between panels can often be the weakest link in an installation. Here the electrical circuit is left exposed until the connectors are attached and over time, any weakness can be exposed by the elements.
PAGE 2
Disconnecting Hosiden, MC4 and Tonglin connectors: • Press the latches together either by hand (Fig. 3) or with the correct tool (available from the manufacturer or other good suppplier) (Fig. 4) • Pull the connectors apart These connectors can be further secured by a specific locking system available from the manufacturer. This prevents the connector being opened except with a specially designed tool. Fig. 6: Radox connector fully closed Fig.
PAGE 3
Cutting of cables and re-crimping connectors Some regions have specific regulations regarding the compatibility of connectors. Installers are responsible for ensuring the compliancy of the system with local regulations. Additionally, these connectors must fulfill all technical specifications of the factory-mounted connector and have to be certified according to the required standards for each region or country. REC panels are supplied with MC4 -type design connectors as standard.
PAGE 4
Likewise, after rainfall, connectors should be given the opportunity to dry completely. Although the connectors used by REC are rated to at least IP67, moisture can still build up between the mounting structure and connector. Fig. 11: Best practice installation of a connector with it placed away from the mounting rail allowing air circulation and water to drain away. Fig. 10 shows a connector secured tight to the mounting structure.