mc4 solar system electronic connector
MC4 Multi-Contact Connectors (Fig. 1)
Samlex's MC4-2 Kit contains 1 male and 1 female MC4 solar panel connector. This type of connector system
is easy to install and uses "snap-in" safety locking tabs to lock two mating connectors, thereby avoiding
unintentional disconnection. Also when locked, the mating contacts are sealed against ingress of dust and
water. Specifi cations are as follows:
Connectors supplied with this kit are for use with wire size AWG # 10 or AWG # 12 with outer insulation
diameter of 3 - 6 mm
Contact diameter ?4 mm
Maximum rated current - 30 A
Maximum system voltage - 1000 V
Degree of ingress protection when connected and properly locked - IP67
Temperature range 40°C to +90°C
TüV Rheinland - type approved, UL listed.
Construction of MC4 Connectors (See Fig. 1)
The connectors can be crimped / soldered to wire size AWG #10 or AWG # 12 with an outer insulation
diameter of 3 to 6 mm.
The Male and Female MC4 Connectors consist of the following components (See Fig. 1).
Outer insulated housing with locking arrangement (1 of Fig. 1)
Tin-plated Copper metallic male & female mating contacts (2A and 2B of Fig. 1). The wire is placed in
the crimping area (4 of Fig 1) and crimped with a special crimping tool
Nut & internal rubber bush (3 of Fig. 1). When the nut is tightened, the internal rubber bush is
compressed around the outer jacket of the cable and thus, provides water-tight sealing.
MC4 Connector - Locking Arrangement (Fig. 2)
Two locking tabs (1 of Fig. 2) are provided on the MC4 Female Connector. Two corresponding locking slots (2
of Fig. 2) are provided on the MC4 Male Connector. When the two connectors are coupled, the locking tabs
slide into the locking slots and secure.
To uncouple the two connectors, press the ends of the locking tabs as shown (3 of Fig. 3) to release the
locking mechanism.
Wire Connections on Solar Panels (See Fig. 3)
Most solar panels come with approximately 3 ft of Positive ('+') and Negative ('-') wire. One end of each wire
is connected to the junction box of the panel. In most solar panels (for example, solar panels manufactured
by Samlex Solar), the other end of each wire is terminated with an MC4 connector. The Positive ('+') wire has
a Female MC4 Connector and the Negative ('-') wire has a Male MC4 Connector. To extend the length of the
wires of these solar panels for connection to a charge controller, combiner box or grid-connected inverter, an
extension wire is required with corresponding Male and Female MC4 Connectors.
MC4 Solar PV Connector |
Rated Current | 25A(2.5/4mm2),30A(4/6mm2) |
Withstanding Voltage | 1000V DC(TUV),600V(UL) |
Contact Resistance | ≤0.3mΩ |
Protection Class | Class II |
Mechanical Features: |
Temperature Range | -40 oC~+90oC |
Protection Degree | IP2X,unmated;IP67,mated |
Wire Size Range | 2.5/4/6mm2(14AWG,12AWG,10AWG) |
Unmating Force | 200 Newton |
Material Features: |
Insulation Material | PC/PA |
Contact Material | Copper,silver plated |
Flame Class | UL94-V0 or UL94-5VA |
Advantages of Solar Connector:
Simple,quick,safe and effective filed assembly
Develop independently,innovative design,have independent intellectual property rights,adaptive to MC4 connector directly
High mechanical endurance
High current and voltage carrying:30A,1000DC
Low transition resistance
Innovative sealed,waterproof,dust resistance design:IP67
Excellent plastic material ,UL 94-V0,wide temperature range:-40°c to 90°c,weather and UV resistant for long-time outdoor application
Approved by TUV
Advantages of Solar Connector:
Simple,quick,safe and effective filed assembly
Develop independently,innovative design,have independent intellectual property rights,adaptive to MC4 connector directly
High mechanical endurance
High current and voltage carrying:30A,1000DC
Low transition resistance
Innovative sealed,waterproof,dust resistance design:IP67
Excellent plastic material ,UL 94-V0,wide temperature range:-40°c to 90°c,weather and UV resistant for long-time outdoor application
Approved by TUV
During self assembly ,parts and tools other those stated by R&X are used or if the preparation and assembly instructions described here are disregarded then neither safety nor compliance with the technical data can be guaranteed.
For protection against electric shock ,PV Connectors must be isolated from the power supply while being assembled or disassembled
The end product must provided protection from electric shock
Unplugging under load:PV plug connections must not be unplugged while under load.They can be placed in a no load state by switching off the DC/AC converter or breaking the AC circuit interrupter.Plugging and unplugging while under voltage is permitted
Disconnected connectors should be protected from dirt and water with sealing caps.
Plugged parts are watertight IP67
Touch Protection,mated/unmated IP67/IP2X | Rated current 25A(2.5/4mm2) 30A(4/6mm2) |
Amblient temperature -40°c ~85°c
| Roted voltage 1000V |
Safety class ll |
Type | Crimping ranges |
| mm2 | AWG |
PV-SMC4-CM-T14 | 2.5/4 | 14/12 |
PV- SMC4-CM-T12 | 2.5/4 | 14/12 |
|
PV- SMC4-CM-T12 | 4/6 | 12/10 |
PV- SMC4-CM-T10 | 4/6 | 12/10 |