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RV Electrical Fire Hazard - Melted Solar Connection Fire Risk Fix 

Fate Unbound
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A melted solar electrical connection on the roof of our RV resulted in a serious fire hazard. See how to catch and prevent this risk of fire!
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I monitor our RV solar output like a hawk. I can't help but check multiple times per day how many amps we're bringing in, what our battery state of charge is, etc. I'm so thankful for this because it led to me catching a serious electrical fire hazard!
I noticed our solar system was acting funny by not generating as much electricity as it should. So I began checking connections and was horrified to find melted connections on our roof under the solar panels that could have caught fire at any second. Check out the video to see how you can avoid this same risk of fire!
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4 июл 2019

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Комментарии : 216   
@FirstSuiGeneris
@FirstSuiGeneris 5 лет назад
_This is an excellent reason to put a small service loop at each connection point, that way you'll always have extra wire to work with._
@gd2329j
@gd2329j 5 лет назад
FYI you can get MC4 connectors & Y connectors in different ratings 25 , 30 , 80 amp . Looks like the old Y connectors had a 25 or 30 amp rating . 80 amp should be stronger & so tolerate the rv life better .
@michaeljohn7467
@michaeljohn7467 3 года назад
So the reason for them melting n the fire hazzard is he had the wrong ones n should use the 80 amp ones
@nighthawk8764
@nighthawk8764 Год назад
That's good info to know. Thank you.
@aaron50801
@aaron50801 5 лет назад
You appeared to release the crimper on the first wire. That crimper is designed to unlock when the crimp is complete. A loose crimp could cause this problem also.
@whitetailhollowacres6917
@whitetailhollowacres6917 5 лет назад
Thank you for pointing out the cost of running a generator. We have an off grid cabin that I have procrastinating putting in the solar. This video has helped reinforce the fact that I need to get my butt in gear and get this up before fall. Not only the cost but the noise as well. Who likes to sit out in the woods listening the the generator instead of the birds. :)
@davidh5009
@davidh5009 5 лет назад
I was engrossed in your troubleshooting explanation until 5:14 when I heard your voice echo off the treeline. Then I heard a bird singing in the distance. Then I was lost in the trees. My attention was dragged back from the trees when you mentioned how hot the connectors were and I noticed you had a jacket on. It's melting hot here in Texas and all I can hear are the cycadas. Really good information on both electrical issues and where to be to not hear cycadas in the blazing Texas heat. :-)
@loganx1067
@loganx1067 5 лет назад
Reading Rambo hahahaha
@Xathros
@Xathros 5 лет назад
Glad you found the problem in time. I'll be on my roof tomorrow inspecting all of my connections. Everything on ground level got inspected this evening. Keep up the great work and stay safe!
@3979mtellis
@3979mtellis 5 лет назад
You could zip tie to the wire holder and use the same one.
@n1spirit
@n1spirit 5 лет назад
Excellent idea. (Thinking outside the box, are we? LOL. You and my dad would'a got along wonderfully.) #ThumbsUp
@karenenglish4900
@karenenglish4900 5 лет назад
Wow! Glad you are safe and nothing caught on fire.
@garethmiles3823
@garethmiles3823 Год назад
I'm about to do my own home hybrid install. Thanks for the detailed and informative lesson. 3 yrs later and still very valuable.
@yayaglass
@yayaglass 5 лет назад
I'm so glad you caught this! I've been preparing for months leading to getting on the road, watching vids and seeing people constantly check their power mods. I was thinking that if this is necessary, how annoying that will be, maybe people are just paranoid...and now I get it! I now can see how important it is to be aware, and as you said, it just takes a moment to prevent something catastrophic from happening. Excellent Vid, excellent advice!
@ricardoscreations8639
@ricardoscreations8639 5 лет назад
Thanks for sharing the bad with the good, David! This is a good reminder for everyone to remember to monitor, maintain and inspect as you go in order to find and fix small issues before they become Big Costly Problems. Plus, you made another very important point "it doesn't matter if you have solar or not, or if you are in an RV, Van, Tiny House, Toe Vehicle or Class A/B/C - they all need to be maintained and inspected regularly", and Yes, they will all have problems needing to be fixed from time to time.
@markfowler6200
@markfowler6200 5 лет назад
I like your analysis of the root problem. Excellent thought process!
@kevincarlin604
@kevincarlin604 5 лет назад
Wonderful job David and Jenni!
@robbinbeach6452
@robbinbeach6452 5 лет назад
Thanks so much. We just had solar installed a week ago and now I know what to watch for!
@CosmickGold
@CosmickGold 5 лет назад
This video has done a fantastic job of correcting my path about setting up and maintaining my solar power. You guys are awesomely helpful! (...and you are always so joyful about it; even better.)
@jebutah9705
@jebutah9705 5 лет назад
David, fantastic video with outstanding how too shots and great explanations! Well done
@havenonwheels5158
@havenonwheels5158 5 лет назад
Thank you for sharing this! We are getting ready to install our solar, and I now I am rethinking the branch connectors. I think you are correct to get all the same brand. Very helpful video.
@raymondschneider5217
@raymondschneider5217 5 лет назад
I'm so happy the teaser (last week?) wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Good reminder for us to be AWARE and investigate if "something" doesn't look right. Is an interview/tour with the folks at Go Power in the plans? I hope so. Y'all Be Safe!
@kenperry3376
@kenperry3376 5 лет назад
The real problem you're having here is the MC4 is UL rated at 20 amps and your asking for more than that from them. You should really consider wiring your panels in series and reducing the current (amps) flowing through them. Your charge controller is an MPPT (maximum power point tracking) it is very capable of converting the higher voltage from a series panel set up into current at the output of the controller. Hope this helps you. Your most likely to have the same issue again if you don't correct this issue.
@FateUnbound
@FateUnbound 5 лет назад
The MC4 connectors we use are rated for 30 amps so that is not the problem.
@MaxMiniTV
@MaxMiniTV Год назад
Thanks for this very helpful video!
@garybeaudin9738
@garybeaudin9738 5 лет назад
Of all the full timers on youtube, I enjoy your videos the most. You have some of the best how to videos of anyone.
@brian_abroad
@brian_abroad 5 лет назад
Excellent explanation showing each step from troubleshooting to repair. I was thinking about a solution to securing those main power leads using the original cable clamps already screwed to the roof. Loop another clamp around the negative and positive main leads. Next, using a zip-tie feed the end through the screw holes of each clamps and snug up the zip-tie allowing some strain-release. This solution prevents you from having to remove the existing clamps and sealing a wholes.
@claudiucorneliu8375
@claudiucorneliu8375 5 лет назад
Thank you
@RICHARDMOORE1959
@RICHARDMOORE1959 5 лет назад
They should have given you the new connectors free...Glad you caught the problem in time.Ty for the vids bro.Well done.
@anthonymarino4260
@anthonymarino4260 5 лет назад
THAMKS FOR SHARING REAL NICE CRIMPER JUST GOT 2 RELOIN BATTERYS RB 75 WORKS GREAT
@dougtexas
@dougtexas 5 лет назад
Great video, with good advice. Your how-to steps are really helpful.
@BTenn183
@BTenn183 5 лет назад
Thank you for sharing.
@bonita3710
@bonita3710 5 лет назад
David, I love your how to videos. Great job!
@janicevoss864
@janicevoss864 5 лет назад
Great video! Really good information for anyone with or without solar. You made it look like an easy fix. Glad you stay on top of your numbers to realize you had a problem. Safe travels 😊💕🇺🇸
@tglass0000
@tglass0000 3 года назад
Awesome post! We've started with a generator but hope to add solar soon. As a lighting tech working network shows, I've witnessed the regularity of electrical connection failures as a reality. Periodic inspection of the entire system is wise and will help prevent worst case scenarios from happening. On another note, I've made a few equipment purchases for my rig based upon your recommendations and they have all proven to be quite robust and as useful as you have described!
@keppypaul
@keppypaul 5 лет назад
You should up the voltage as your charge controller is a MPT (multi point tracking) controller. You could do one string or a set of two. Higher voltage allows you to charge even in low sunlight conditions I have mine setup for 110vdc and the charge controller checks the volts and amps then does the charge algorithm to maximize the amp output to the batteries.
@atticus4u
@atticus4u 5 лет назад
Yeah, that was my understanding as well. MPPT controllers work better with higher voltages.
@davidbuchanan9812
@davidbuchanan9812 5 лет назад
Great hardware troubleshooting techniques.
@DBSARlight
@DBSARlight 3 года назад
With over 480+ watts of panels, in high-sun they are capable of producing up to almost 30 amps current, it looked like your main feed connectors (and wire) was the 25 amp MC4 and number #10 wire lead, far to light to be safe to handle that level of current. My own 24' Gulfstream RV trailer is off grid, and have 700 watts of solar panels, and i used #6 cables capable of sustaining 50+ amps load continuous, making the system safer, and reducing heat-resistance loss from the panels to the 50-Amp MPPT controller, to charge 480 Amp-hours of battery bank. ( I plan to begin adding more off-grid videos to my channel, and Solar power informational videos is a top topic i plan.
@nancymertens9739
@nancymertens9739 4 года назад
Thanks for the tip about the 🔥
@madie72451
@madie72451 5 лет назад
Good info!!! Thanks!
@onemanwilltravel6039
@onemanwilltravel6039 Год назад
I don't know how this video never showed up when I was following your journey earlier on, but I'm definitely going to be checking my panel connections because it was blowing fuses and I couldn't find anything wrong with my other connections.
@susanboggs1612
@susanboggs1612 5 лет назад
Glad it's fixed! Tell Jenny I said hi!
@deserthorizons
@deserthorizons 5 лет назад
Good reminder for all of us solar users.. check then double check.. 🌴👍
@raymondschneider5217
@raymondschneider5217 5 лет назад
Sorry about the bad connectors, but, sooo very happy it wasn't worse that the problem was! It would be great if you could tour (and film?) Go Power facilities and some of their lead engineers/staff. Again, so happy the problem was solved fairly quickly; good reminder to be AWARE and follow-up, if "things" don't look right. Y'all Be Safe!
@FateUnbound
@FateUnbound 5 лет назад
That is actually a really great idea and we may do that some day! Thanks for the video idea Ray! 👍
@garonleffler36
@garonleffler36 4 года назад
Thank you very much. You've been a big help. I'll get one ordered. We are building a skoolie. Very close to done. Just doing the solar now hope to move in by the first of the year. Thanks again. I'm sure I'll have more questions.
@jameshodgins1937
@jameshodgins1937 5 лет назад
Hello from Alabama. Good video. You make a good case for continued inspections (of all systems), and to always monitor your systems.
@FateUnbound
@FateUnbound 5 лет назад
Exactly, keep an eye on your various systems and you'll catch problems before they become catastrophic.
@avocado3748
@avocado3748 5 лет назад
Great info, no idea that could happen
@davemichaud4616
@davemichaud4616 5 лет назад
Good video, this was helpful. Great explanation along the way.
@stana2z
@stana2z 5 лет назад
Best practice to try to match manufacturers on each end of a connection.
@martymapson
@martymapson 5 лет назад
Good video.
@DSki-mr9mh
@DSki-mr9mh 4 года назад
You will be doing that again, keep an eye on it. 20 amps is pushing the limit of push together connections. If I ever install solar, I will use a combination of series/paralell and increase the voltage to decrease the current.
@jabnola
@jabnola 5 лет назад
Like any homeowner I'm glad your staying on top of things. Hate to read anything bad happening. Hay hello to Sweety & the bunnys for me.
@3minuterv578
@3minuterv578 3 года назад
If you’re not using fuses up there, you need too. Mc4 fuses coming off of each panel. Match amps according to how many each panel has for each fuse, or you can do 1 high amp fuse at the end of the branch connectors before the pv cables run to your charge controller.
@karl_weir
@karl_weir 5 лет назад
Yet another excellent video! Cannot wait to full time soon and have these issues to deal with too. 😉
@roncameron9541
@roncameron9541 4 года назад
From what little I know, which is very little, rewire your panels to be in series and reduce the amps and up the voltage. It is what your MPT is set up for to start with. Just from my very limited observations.
@RogerSayers
@RogerSayers 5 лет назад
Thanks for sharing this with us. I have a 400watt solar array but it's not mounted to the roof of my RV. Mine is pole mount and I manually track the sun throughout the day. My panels are mounted side by side and connected in series so I didn't have to use those Y connectors. I do have some and now after reading what gd2329 said, "FYI you can get MC4 connectors & Y connectors in different ratings 25, 30, 80 amp " I learned something new. I didn't know the connectors had amp ratings. Now that I do I'll be checking the connectors that I have to see if they have an amp rating number on them just in case I should ever have a need to use them. So, Thanks for the video, great job and thumbs up, yo have a new subscriber here.
@KU9L
@KU9L 5 лет назад
I can surely attest to the positive effects of living on solar. We had just 250 watts of solar and two group 24 AGM's for our remote camp-hosting venture in 2013 that allowed us to watch two hours of satellite TV every night for the 5 months we were there. If we could have upgraded to LiFePO4 and a bit more solar we would have put even fewer hours on the generator that summer, which was already only 50 hours as it was. Glad to see it was a simple issue to fix and I commend your methodology of troubleshooting as it will do you well throughout your RVing years. -Dave
@fishhuntadventure
@fishhuntadventure 2 года назад
Another reason to not have AGM batteries! That must have been awful to have to be subjected to tv for two hours every day. Not just the suffering, but that’s 14 hours s week you’ll never get back!
@robsycko
@robsycko 5 лет назад
If you have to hit the release on that crimper you did not squeeze hard enough.
@annieandalfie
@annieandalfie 5 лет назад
Exactly why I use SAE connections.
@yoslick4079
@yoslick4079 5 лет назад
Why did you go from the charge controller to the ac-dc panel with the controller output? Shouldn’t it go directly to the batteries?
@roncameron9541
@roncameron9541 4 года назад
PS. I love your videos and instructions.
@toddsoulliard2258
@toddsoulliard2258 4 года назад
I am an electronics guy myself. I would recommend soldering the crimps. It maybe over kill but with the wires being blown around a little and vibrating it makes for a totally solid connection. Put, a drop of flux on the stranded wires after stripping them. Then crimp, lastly lay a drop of solder on to the connection. You will see the solder get sucked into the wires and connection and know that it will never separate from vibrations. It's a nice piece of mind and only adds a few minutes of time to the job.
@anthonygasparini1734
@anthonygasparini1734 5 лет назад
Nice video don't forget to use some dielectric grease at all the pin connections this will prevent oxidation on the metallic components! Happy trails!!!
@ashesofthephoenix4605
@ashesofthephoenix4605 5 лет назад
Nice Crimping. 👌
@softdorothy
@softdorothy 5 лет назад
Guessing: corrosion/oxidation where the leads of the connector meet, oxidation turns the connector into a resistor, as a resistor the connector gets hot, hot connector oxidizes even faster… Nice little self-sustaining out of control chain reaction. Perhaps a dielectric grease on the electrodes and then vinyl tape around the connector to keep the moisture out.
@stevehericks5764
@stevehericks5764 5 лет назад
Sounds like you are not familiar with MC4 connectors. Both the cable entry and connectors are environmentally sealed with silicone orings. There is very little opportunity for environmental contaminants to precipitate corrosion. Grease in a connection is more likely to create resistance (creating voltage drop and heating) than it is to prevent corrosion. There are very few cases where dielectric grease is an asset. If it truly was the 'go to' solution for good contact, you'd see it a lot more. The place where dielectric grease got it's start was in radio frequency connectors (higher voltages and low amperages) and that is realy most often where it is a benefit for reasons I won't go into. Low voltage (high amperage) power applications are the worst.
@softdorothy
@softdorothy 5 лет назад
@@stevehericks5764 You're right, I am not familiar with them. Thanks.
@ryancavender7700
@ryancavender7700 4 года назад
if you have a lifetime/PVC folding table you can put it on its side next to the generator to deflect the sound
@joeking5215
@joeking5215 Год назад
11:40 "Now it's really tight, now it feels really good. I like that!" 😂
@zhaya_gallery
@zhaya_gallery 4 года назад
I had near similar problem and in my case I though it had to do with the different sizing of the mc4 wire and the feeder wire. That of the Mc4 is slightly smaller and in my opinion the current is clogged at the exit and generating heat as a result. I matched the wire sizing and never had similar problem again. And yes, its always the positive wire that heats up the most.
@JustinCaseSolarPower
@JustinCaseSolarPower 5 лет назад
Why do you have them wired all in parallel ?? With a mppt charge controller that can handle over 100volts input just connect them all in series. You will never have a problem. This is what happens when you put to many amps through a wire connector. Your fault and if you wired it the same way then you still have a fire hazard. Wire them all series mate. You will end up with 63v dc input and the outback controller can handle 150vdc input.
@dogbones4838
@dogbones4838 5 лет назад
Justin Case Solar Power and Bush Camping more amps are created that way
@JustinCaseSolarPower
@JustinCaseSolarPower 5 лет назад
@@dogbones4838 Yes more amps that make heat in the wire and cause hot spots in the wiring. If you put them in series, You get more volts and then the mppt controller turns them into amps. I do know a little about what I am talking about. I am not a salesman. My house is fully solar powered and so is my camper.
@felixthefoxMEXICO
@felixthefoxMEXICO 4 года назад
They don't know what they're doing... Even the mppt is lying down flat
@trevortrevortsr2
@trevortrevortsr2 5 лет назад
MC4 solar leads come in 2.5, 4 and 6 square mm flex - there are really cheap ones and really good ones - the good ones can be are twice the weight and solid copper - cheap ones are nasty plated steel
@RVingwiththeMoracas
@RVingwiththeMoracas 5 лет назад
Scary stuff - I am in the process of installing solar this month.
@k-sell4065
@k-sell4065 6 месяцев назад
You got me where you only had sink rags to damn near not cover the panels from full sunlight and continue to produce electricity 😂😂😂😂😂 still funny to see till this day 🎉😂😂😂😂😂
@waynert69
@waynert69 5 лет назад
Had my solar professionally installed and he cut off the MC4 connectors and used adhesive lined butt connectors. So far so good.
@anthonymarino4260
@anthonymarino4260 5 лет назад
DID THE SAME THING 2 YEARS STRONG
@DanielMeis
@DanielMeis 4 года назад
I've heard that a lot of solar panel manufacturers nowadays will void the warranty if you cut off the MC4 connectors. It would be good to check first before cutting.
@michaeljohn7467
@michaeljohn7467 3 года назад
How many amps can the adhesive lined butt connectors do, can they do 80 amps or more?
@waynert69
@waynert69 3 года назад
@@michaeljohn7467 10 gauge wire is only rated for 30A which is the biggest I have used. You would need something like 4 gauge for 80A. One would hope the butt connector could handle the same or more than the wire size it is designed for. Check with manufacturer for specs and make sure you have the proper crimper.
@talentscout5135
@talentscout5135 2 года назад
If you have the same issue again maybe try panels in series.
@michaelbrown2443
@michaelbrown2443 4 года назад
You're right: different brands of so-called-MC4 connectors don't always fit with each other. It's a crazy situation. Also, when you stripped the first red wire, it appeared to be oxidized and discolored. We need shiny bright copper for a good crimp connection, cutting the wire as far back as necessary until that happens. IMHO, a combiner box is a much better alternative than using MC4 branch connectors, with all the many connection points that entails.
@markfowler6200
@markfowler6200 5 лет назад
Did GoPower recommend, or have you considered using electrical silicon grease at the connection points? It'll keep any moisture from getting into the connections. Microcorrosion is a constant worry, especially since your solar connections are outdoors and always in the weather. I started using it on my Harley (motorcycles are notorious for flaky electrical connections as they age) and my problems are at least 90% reduced. Doesn't help where wires get rubbed through by friction, however!
@nascar427
@nascar427 Год назад
Another thing I would do is zip tie before and after any connection, to keep the joints from moving around and causing some slight disconnection. Everything has to be secure and not move around, especially near any joints.
@dreamingcode
@dreamingcode 2 года назад
do you have another juice for power tools. Need this set up for a work shop
@n1spirit
@n1spirit 5 лет назад
Why do people vote down these RU-vidr's videos? smh. Good job, guys; nice clearly explanations and examples. Yes, always monitor your electricity (regardless of whether you're using solar or not). Know if you have a problem wending its way into your life and address it as soon as you see signs of it. Good video. Travel safely! (And to those who're giving videos a thumbs down just for petty reasons, y'all are pathetic losers.)
@meltdownman1
@meltdownman1 4 года назад
Could you explain how by putting the rags on tops of a panel cell it cut off the power to rest of the panel and thus no current being generated by the panel? I thought solar panels would be reduced in power output if a cell were damaged or covered and the other cells would continue to produce power. Thank you for the great safety training. Very much appreciated.
@dbbaker8
@dbbaker8 4 года назад
time perfect LUCKY
@MitchOfCanada
@MitchOfCanada 3 года назад
always shade your generator to prevent vapourlock and gas evaporation/overheating
@jaygonzales7198
@jaygonzales7198 5 лет назад
hey david and jenny great video will do this some day.im looking at getting a keystone cougar 2019 22rbs theater seating in the slide out 25 ft. do you have any thoughts? thx for any ideas jay Oregon
@clintstinytrailerconversio5560
Personally I will not rely on a crimped connection only. Hot and cold / Expansion and contraction not to mention bouncing down the road could work the thin metal to wire connections loose. Using solder paste I pre-solder connectors and wire, then crimp, then solder. I also add dielectric grease on the pins before plugging in. It is possible for MC4s to leak. I would have loved to see the melted and bulged connectors cut apart to see what went wrong, if it could be determined.
@nancymertens9739
@nancymertens9739 4 года назад
U may need to get 3 more for this winter 2019-2020- check msgs in the video about friendly Cheryl: A MUST, thanks, Nancy
@guyejumz6936
@guyejumz6936 Год назад
Don't partially shade panels that are in direct sunlight! It does not stop solar production - the cells are still producing, it's just the energy output is going to go to heat (damage) the shaded cells. The panels do have some capability to bypass shaded cells but has a finite capacity to do so, and frequently shading cells in full sunlight will result in a reduced lifetime of those cells
@Steve_Farwalker
@Steve_Farwalker 5 лет назад
I actually felt a little bad for your generator at the end of the video. It's a good generator. It filled the gap for you for three days. Please, go back and give it a hug.
@MsLaurN
@MsLaurN 5 лет назад
Give it an oil change, and get some ethanol-free fuel.
@Steve_Farwalker
@Steve_Farwalker 5 лет назад
@@MsLaurN Dude, you're beautiful. Thanks for really thinking about that lonely generator. I have a feeling, that SOMEDAY, all those machines YOU fixed...will creep and crawl and ultimately...fix you.
@An_Appeal_To_Heaven
@An_Appeal_To_Heaven 2 года назад
What the hell is the definition of "fire hazard" if not that it can start a fire? That opening statement, WTF? _"Not only is driving with your eyes closed deadly, it could actually cause you to die."_ - OP probably
@greglanduyt1317
@greglanduyt1317 5 лет назад
What gauge wire are you running from the roof to the charge controller and how long is that run?
@sithigh42
@sithigh42 5 лет назад
I have been a licensed electrician for 40 years. You can expect to melt these connectors if you join more power through them than they can handle. Since there is nothing anywhere to say they can handle more than 30 amps, I would not join more than two panels through these things to derate for continuous duty. SO for more than two panels I'd use something better or run another set of wires down to the controller.
@softdorothy
@softdorothy 5 лет назад
Sounds legit. Wiring the panels in parallel causes the current to add. Too much current and the wires/connectors need to be beefier.
@drinkinslim
@drinkinslim 5 лет назад
The 3 panels have a combined max output of 28 Amps or so, which would be in spec for a 30 Amps connector. But he could go for beefier connectors if he wants a bigger buffer. :)
@hedge8888
@hedge8888 5 лет назад
IMO throw those branch connectors in the garbage an build a combiner box. After looking at the ones that came with my kit I couldn't trust them. I made my combiner box with mc4 connectors so the panels plug directly into the box. This is the 4th year and never had a problem.
@uwekedv
@uwekedv 5 лет назад
By switching the solar panel in parallel, the total current can become higher than the connectors can tolerate. if that happens, it can happen again and again. Maybe a fixed screw connection or crimp connection is better here, or Use a Connector for 50 or 80 Amp. Also the Mainwire i would use AWG 5 ( 16,8 mm²)
@sourkraut5907
@sourkraut5907 5 лет назад
You might want to consider putting inline fuses on those solar panels as an extra safety measure. I'd also dump the branch connectors and get a combiner box. You're doubling the amperage on each branch connector by running the panels parallel, I don't think the branch connector or the 10 Gauge wire are up to handling that much amperage. I'd hate to see you have the same problem again. either that or wire the panels in series.
@fishhuntadventure
@fishhuntadventure 2 года назад
They are 30A rated generally, as is 10ga
@lizcortez3564
@lizcortez3564 3 года назад
So you just started disconnecting the mc4 connectors? Do you need to turn anything off or cover the panels first?
@2brentm
@2brentm 3 года назад
Not sure from your video, but it appears that you are using aluminum wire. Aluminum is prone to corrosion, (especially at connectors with dissimilar metals) it carries less current for its size (relative to copper, has greater resistance which leads to more voltage drop). Aluminum also expands about 35% more than copper when heated, so each heat / cool cycle can also mechanically weaken your crimp connection. I would highly recommend using copper, and if you really want to make it fool proof, solder the crimp to the wire.
@terrymoseley168
@terrymoseley168 5 лет назад
Is there anyway to put solar on the sides of the trailer? Due to my handicap, there is no way I could ever get on the roof. Any suggestions?
@garonleffler36
@garonleffler36 4 года назад
Okay I've been following trying to copy your solar installation. When did you install the FM 60 solar controller why? I missed it some how and didn't see it until this video .
@FateUnbound
@FateUnbound 4 года назад
The FM60 is an MPPT charge controller whereas our old one was PWM. MPPT charge controllers are much better than PWM and can result in a 20% increase in solar power output. Ours is also programmable which is a big deal when using lithium batteries. We unfortunately dont have a video of us making the switch to the MPPT but we've had it for 2 years now and still love it.
@keppypaul
@keppypaul 5 лет назад
I believe most MC4 connectors are only rated for 20 amps. However I know of one brand "Multi Contact" brand of MC4 connector that claims to be rated for 30 amps. You might want to verify the rating of the connectors your using. I would also use a thin film of dielectric grease to help to disperse heat better.
@steves3688
@steves3688 5 лет назад
Totally agree on the dielectric grease also for corrosion and water resistance benefit too...I use it on almost all electrical connections I deal with...I bet you are spot on on the amp ratings on the mc4 connectors...the melting appearances point right towards that scenario...
@MsLaurN
@MsLaurN 5 лет назад
I use and can recommend Harger HCAJC8 antioxidant joint compound.
@billw6903
@billw6903 Год назад
Its best to cover connectors from the sun too
@robsycko
@robsycko 5 лет назад
You are not supposed to spin the wire end when tightening the nut on those connectors you will damage the wire if you twist the ends. The ends are crimped to the wire you can not twist the end only the nut . You need to redo the connectors again.
@johngault2439
@johngault2439 5 лет назад
This is most likely why he had the issue in the first place broke wire strands??
@j.vincento7152
@j.vincento7152 2 месяца назад
NOTE: before using ANY auto store battery switch on car or RV use a home house wall switch instead.
@thosetruselboys165
@thosetruselboys165 2 года назад
Question we had a solar control charger melt, then disconnected it while waiting for a new one. Someone was living in our camper for a week. It burnt down 2 days later. This man lived there a week and we found out domestic violence problems with his gf. We don't know if they did this because they called American red cross next day while he still has a Apartment with her. So could this have caught fire while disconnected? The end with the solar stuff was still left but opposite end completely burnt.
@brucematthews3512
@brucematthews3512 5 лет назад
Do you feel you and Jen have reccouped your initial monetary output by being able to stay off the grid as long as you have now?
@heroesandzeros7802
@heroesandzeros7802 2 месяца назад
I found an in-line fuse that was melted into an "L" shape. The fuse inside was still good. The current from my 30A system rarely goes to 20A. Rapidly losing confidence in MC4 connectors.
@surenbono6063
@surenbono6063 3 года назад
..I have problem with hot banana plug melting those positive plastic terminal on my 600w grid tied inverter with 400 watts panel in 4 month of use..can't open those red terminal plug anymore (melted).. replaced banana plug with rounded terminal plug from scavenged eu plug..don't you think that some inverter place both terminal to close..
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