HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Aug. 21, 2009 -- A new grounding connector from Tyco Electronics shortens the installation time of a ground wire to a solar panel frame. The threaded connector inserts through a hole in the frame and uses two hex nuts to help provide a reliable connection. The connector handles 6 and 8 AWG (13.3 and 8.4 mm2) solid, uninsulated copper wire.
During installation, the connector body and the one-piece lock washer nut penetrates the surface of the aluminum frame helping to create a reliable ground path.
"As photovoltaic applications become more widespread, the industry is looking for ways to reduce both component costs and installation costs while increasing reliability," says Greg Paukert, product manager. "Our new grounding connector is an outstanding example of an easy-to-use, fast-to-install solution that helps lower costs."
The connectors meet the requirements of UL 1703 for safety in flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels, UL 467 for grounding and bonding equipment, and UL 486A/B for wire connectors.
In the six-second short-term current test, the connector handles 1530 amps with 6 AWG ground wire. With 8 AWG ground wire, a four-second test concludes that the connector handles 1180 amps.
The connection is mechanically robust. In UL 486A/B pull-out testing, the connector provides 100 pounds (45.3 kg) with 6 AWG wire and 90 pounds (40.8 kg) with 8 AWG wire.
