HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Aug. 31, 2009 -- An accessory for the proven SOLARLOK brand of solar cable connectors, the new connector latch locking collar can be applied to mated connectors to prevent inadvertent or accidental unmating. The collar locks over the mated connection to prevent access to the release mechanism of the mated connectors. The collar allows tooled extraction, requiring only a screwdriver to be inserted into a slot in the collar for release.
The locking collar will be required in any accessible photovoltaic locations in the U.S. where mated cable connectors are exposed, including wire-to-wire applications and wire-to-junction box applications where connectorized boxes are used.
The connector latch locking collars meet the recommendations of the 2008 National Electrical Code, section 609, for positive-locking protection with tooled extraction. The use of a screwdriver eliminates the need for special tools and training. The collar also meets UL 1741 photovoltaic requirements as a solar connector accessory to the approved SOLARLOK product line.
SOLARLOK connectors are one of the leading solar connector systems used today in solar panel arrays and other photovoltaic applications. The new latch locking collar enhances safety and reliability by allowing connectors to be disconnected only after the collar has been released.
