Previous in Forum: Is this Passive Solar Free Piston Stirling Cycle Possible?   Next in Forum: To Save the Globe with Floating Energy Barges (FEB)
Close
Close
Close
5 comments
Rate Comments: Nested
Commentator

Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newtown Square, PA
Posts: 55

Cable Type to Connect PV Panels Together

02/09/2011 2:23 PM

Hi

I connected my PV Panels with the following cable:

16 AWG (1.31 mm2) SOOW E54864-L (UL) 600Volt - 40 to 90C CSA LL 39753 (L) FT2 Water resistant 07-KA070018-1 MSHA

Apparently, although the temp range is -40 to 90 Celsius, this is still the wrong cable as it seems to deteriorate over time when exposed to the sun.

So my question is which cable type can I use for this purpose.

As always much appreciated.


Fuif

Register to Reply
Pathfinder Tags: Connecting PV panels
Interested in this topic? By joining CR4 you can "subscribe" to
this discussion and receive notification when new comments are added.

Good Answers:

These comments received enough positive votes to make them "good answers".

"Almost" Good Answers:

Check out these comments that don't yet have enough votes to be "official" good answers and, if you agree with them, vote them!
Power-User

Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 476
Good Answers: 32
#1

Re: Cable Type to Connect PV Panels Together

02/09/2011 10:27 PM

The professionals put their cables in conduit or under the roof cladding so they are not exposed to sunlight.

__________________
johny451
Register to Reply Score 1 for Good Answer
2
Guru

Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: USA, Florida
Posts: 1595
Good Answers: 125
#2

Re: Cable Type to Connect PV Panels Together

02/10/2011 1:32 PM

If you must have your cable exposed, use a Tray Cable rated for exterior use. This will hold up for years.

__________________
An obstacle is something you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
Register to Reply Good Answer (Score 2)
Commentator

Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newtown Square, PA
Posts: 55
#3

Re: Cable Type to Connect PV Panels Together

02/17/2011 1:42 PM

Thanks guys.

However I need the cable to be approved by the inspector. So I was hoping that someone would know what cable is to code in PA.


Fuif

Register to Reply
Guru

Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: USA, Florida
Posts: 1595
Good Answers: 125
#4
In reply to #3

Re: Cable Type to Connect PV Panels Together

02/17/2011 4:07 PM

This tray cable (http://www.usawire-cable.com/pdfs/TC%20EPR_CPE%203%20CONDUCTOR%20W_G.pdf) is exactly what you need. It is outdoor rated and will meet your local code anywhere in the USA due to it's flame rating. You only need to select the proper gauge for your application. Oh BTW, the data sheet shows 3 conductor with a ground, you probably only need 2C with ground. Call the manufacturer and ask them for the correct part #.

__________________
An obstacle is something you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
Register to Reply
Commentator

Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newtown Square, PA
Posts: 55
#5
In reply to #4

Re: Cable Type to Connect PV Panels Together

02/23/2011 6:40 PM

Great I haven't been able to contact them yet but I will try again. More to come.

Thanks

Register to Reply
Register to Reply 5 comments

Good Answers:

These comments received enough positive votes to make them "good answers".

"Almost" Good Answers:

Check out these comments that don't yet have enough votes to be "official" good answers and, if you agree with them, vote them!
Copy to Clipboard

Users who posted comments:

fuifnummer (2); Johny451 (1); WJMFIRE (2)

Previous in Forum: Is this Passive Solar Free Piston Stirling Cycle Possible?   Next in Forum: To Save the Globe with Floating Energy Barges (FEB)

Advertisement