![]() The multibranch connectors are only suitable for paralleling two modules together. You no longer need the multibranch connectors because the combiner box will be performing the same function. If you are paralleling more than two modules or you're paralleling strings of modules, that requires a device called a PV combiner box. Here's a diagram so that you can see what it's doing. Essentially, you've stepped down the number of wires from two positive and two negatives to one positive and one negative. The other type accepts two female MC4 connectors and has a female MC4 connector for its output. One type accepts two male MC4 connectors on the input side and has a male MC4 connector for its output. There are two different multibranch connectors. You obviously can't connect two male connectors or two female connectors together, so we use the multibranch connectors to accomplish that. If you're only using two modules, or two strings of modules, the easiest method is to use MC4 multibranch connectors. When wiring two or more modules in parallel, you will need some additional equipment. Make sure to always size your conductors properly. When we increase current without increasing voltage there is a very good chance we will need a larger wire to avoid voltage drop from the parallel connection to the destination. If you connect two of them in parallel, your total amps would be 16 amps Imp and the voltage would remain at 18 volts Vmp. ![]() For example, let's say your modules are rated for 8 amps Imp, and 18 volts Vmp. This method will increase the current at max power (Imp) while keeping the voltage constant. Wiring MC4 Equipped Modules in Parallel: Parallel wiring requires the positive leads to be connected together and the negative leads to be connected together. The current at max power (Imp) will be constant when wiring a series circuit. If you connected three modules in series, the total Vmp would be 54 volts. For example, if your modules are rated for 18 volts at maximum power (Vmp), then two of them connected in series will measure 36 Vmp. This increases the voltage of the circuit. Here's a simple diagram illustrating this.Īs you can see, the two modules are now connected together by the two leads. The male connector will snap directly into the female connector. A digital voltmeter will show a negative value if the polarity is reversed.Ī series connection is when you wire the modules together by connecting the positive lead on one module to the negative lead on another module. This may not always be the case, so it's always a good idea to look at the markings on the junction box or test the polarity with a digital voltmeter. Generally, the female MC4 connector is associated with the positive lead and the male connector is associated with the negative lead. One wire is the DC positive (+) and the other is the DC negative (-). ![]() Take a look at the first module and you'll notice that it has two wires extending from the junction box. If you have two or more solar modules to wire in series, the MC4 connectors make it very simple. Panels connected in series are defined as Strings, Panels connected in parallel are defined as Branches. The below image is the female contact with its corresponding housing. The contact will determine the gender of the connector, NOT the plastic housing. The MC4 connector consists of the contact and the plastic housing. The connectors can be separated but it requires a special MC4 unlocking tool. Due to the locking mechanism of the MC4 connectors, they will not come unplugged and are well suited for outdoor environments. They meet the requirements of the National Electric Code, they're UL certified and the preferred connection method of electrical inspectors. The connectors come in both male and female types which are designed to snap together. Modern solar modules tend to use the MC4 connectors because they make wiring your solar array much simpler and faster. This method is still used on smaller solar panels, but it's slowly becoming a thing of the past. Years ago, solar modules were built with a junction box on the back that required the installer to manually attach wires to the positive and negative terminal posts. These are usually referred to as MC4 connectors. ![]() What is an MC4 connector ( male connector & female connector) and an MC4 extension cable ( 8ft, 15ft, 30ft, 50ft, 100ft)? If you're asking this question, you've probably noticed that most modern high power solar modules are manufactured with wire leads that have latching connectors on the ends. This article addresses MC4 connectors, but the same principles apply to other connectors such as Amphenol H4, Tyco, and SMK. NOTE: There are multiple types of interlocking PV connectors. How to Use MC4 Connectors and MC4 Extension Cables Pump Installation Equipment & Accessories.Solar Pump Installation Equipment & Accessories.Solar Pump Controllers & Current Boosters.
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