enphase Q Series - User Manual

FIELD-WIREABLE CONNECTORS
Check that you have Enphase Field Wireable Q Connectors as needed for
your installation. Both female and male connectors are sold in packs of ten:
• Field-Wireable Q connector (female): (Q-CONN-10F)
• Field-Wireable Q connector (male): (Q-CONN-10M)
Make sure you have the following required tools:
• Diagonal cutter
• Wire stripper
• Crimp tool: Multi-Contact PV-CZM-18100, -19100, or -22100
• Channel lock pliers or torque wrench
• Enphase disconnect tool
When to Use Field-Wireable Q Connectors
Use Enphase eld-wireable connectors with Enphase Q-Cable or eld
cable to:
• Easily connect Q cables on the roof without complex wiring
• Use male connectors to make connections from any Q Aggregator
open connector
• Use female connectors to make connections from any Q Cable
open connector
• Make a jumper to connect with a remote part of the array: Use
female to female for cable-to-cable connections, or male to female
for aggregator-to-cable extensions
• Use a mated pair of connectors to splice two cut ends of cable
PREPARATION
Enphase
disconnect
tool
Safety Instructions
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Do not use Enphase
equipment in a manner not specied by the manufacturer.
Doing so may cause death or injury to persons, or damage
to equipment.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Be aware that installation
of this equipment includes risk of electric shock. Do not use
without rst removing AC power from the Enphase System.
Disconnect the power coming from the photovoltaics before
servicing or installing.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Before making
any connections verify that the circuit breakers are in the off
position. Double check all wiring before applying power.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Only use
electrical system components approved for wet locations,
including but not limited to conduit ttings.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Only qualied
personnel should install, troubleshoot, or replace the En-
phase Field Wireable Connector.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Improper use of the Field
Wireable Connector or its components may result in a shock,
re or explosion. To reduce these risks, disconnect all wiring
before attempting any maintenance.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Ensure that all
AC and DC wiring is correct and that none of the AC wires
are pinched, shorted, or damaged.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Do not attempt
to repair or alter the Enphase Field Wireable Connector.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Make sure
the conductors are not damaged. If the exposed wires are
damaged, the system may not function properly.
*
WARNING: Risk of equipment damage. Enphase male and
female connectors must only be mated with the matching
male/female connector.
Safety Symbols
+
DANGER: This indicates a hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
*
WARNING: This indicates a situation where failure to
follow instructions may be a safety hazard or cause
equipment malfunction. Use extreme caution and follow
instructions carefully.
;
WARNING: Risk of burn. Failure to follow instructions may
result in burn injury.
✓
NOTE: This indicates information particularly important for
optimal system operation.
SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
SAVE THIS INFORMATION.
Follow all safety and assembly instructions when installing
Enphase Field Wireable Connectors.
Safety Instructions
*
WARNING: Risk of equipment damage. This product is
intended for operation in an environment having a maximum
ambient temperature of 55ºC (131ºF).
*
WARNING: When installing the cabling, secure any loose
cable to minimize tripping hazard
*
WARNING: Before installing or using the Enphase Field
Wireable Connector, read all instructions and cautionary
markings in the technical description, on the Enphase Sys-
tem, and on the photovoltaic (PV) equipment.
✓
NOTE: Using unapproved attachments or accessories may
result in damage or injury.
✓
NOTE: When looping the Enphase Q Cable, do not form
loops smaller than 4.75 inches (12 cm) in diameter.
✓
NOTE: Perform all electrical installations in accordance with
all applicable local electrical codes: the Canadian Electri-
cal Code, part 1; the National Electrical Code (NEC); ANSI
requirements; and NFPA 70.
✓
NOTE: To ensure optimal reliability and to meet warranty
requirements, install the Enphase Field Wireable Connectors
according to the instructions in this guide.
✓
NOTE: Protection against lightning and resulting voltage
surge must be in accordance with local standards.
✓
NOTE: The connector is considered to be in compliance with
UL 6703 only when assembled in the manner specied by
these assembly instructions.
✓
NOTE: Cable used with Enphase Field Wireable connectors
must meet the following requirements:
• Min/max outer insulation diameter (including the clear 2nd
insulator): 3.45mm / 3.65mm
• Number of conductor strands / size:19 strands of 0.47 mm
• Wire size: 12 AWG
Revision History
Rev 01
Initial release 02/21/2017

Summary

Safety Information

Safety Symbols Explained

Details the meaning of DANGER, WARNING, and NOTE symbols for hazard identification.

Critical Safety Instructions

Provides essential safety warnings and precautions for installation and operation.

Preparation and Usage

When to Use Field-Wireable Q Connectors

Outlines the specific applications and scenarios for using Enphase field-wireable connectors.

Document Revision History

Lists the revision history of the document, including the initial release date.

Component Identification

Female Connector Parts

Lists and illustrates the individual components of the female connector.

Male Connector Parts

Lists and illustrates the individual components of the male connector.

Assembly Procedures

Field-Wireable Connector Assembly

Step-by-step instructions for assembling both female and male field-wireable connectors.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Enphase Field-Wireable Connectors are designed to facilitate electrical connections within an Enphase solar energy system, particularly for Q-Cable or other field cables. These connectors allow for flexible and secure wiring configurations, enabling installers to customize cable lengths and connections on-site. The product includes both female and male connectors, sold in packs of ten, to accommodate various wiring needs.

Function Description:

The primary function of these connectors is to provide a reliable and field-installable method for connecting Enphase Q-Cables or other compatible field cables. They are essential for extending cable runs, creating jumpers, or splicing cut ends of cable, thereby offering versatility in system design and installation. The connectors are designed to ensure electrical continuity and maintain the integrity of the solar array's wiring.

Usage Features:

The Enphase Field-Wireable Connectors are designed for ease of assembly and integration into an Enphase system. Key usage features include:

• Versatile Connectivity: These connectors can be used to easily connect Q-cables on the roof without complex wiring, make connections from any Q Aggregator open connector using male connectors, or from any Q Cable open connector using female connectors. They also facilitate the creation of jumpers for connecting remote parts of the array, using female-to-female connectors for cable-to-cable connections or male-to-female for aggregator-to-cable extensions. A mated pair of connectors can splice two cut ends of cable.
• Field Assembly: The connectors are designed for on-site assembly, allowing installers to cut cables to the desired length and terminate them with the connectors. The assembly process involves several steps:
  1. Nut Installation: The nut is slid over the cable first.
  2. Cover and Gasket Installation: The gasket, which should be pre-installed inside the cover, is then slid over the cable along with the cover.
  3. Terminal Attachment: This is a crucial step where the cable's outer jacket and inner insulation are stripped to specific lengths. The open end of each terminal is loaded into a 12-gauge slot of a crimp tool, flush with the edge of the slot, and then crimped over the stripped copper wires. It is important not to crimp over the insulation.
  4. Terminal Insertion: The crimped terminals are then inserted into the connector body, designed to click into place for a secure fit.
  5. Body and Cover Assembly: The connector body and cover are assembled, with an audible click indicating proper engagement.
  6. Nut Tightening: Finally, the nut is tightened to a specified torque using channel lock pliers or a torque wrench, ensuring a robust and sealed connection.
• Compatibility: The connectors are specifically designed to work with Enphase Q-Cable and other compatible field cables. They are engineered to ensure proper mating with Enphase male/female connectors, preventing damage and ensuring system functionality.
• Environmental Resilience: The product is intended for operation in environments with a maximum ambient temperature of 55°C (131°F). When installed correctly, they contribute to the overall durability and weather resistance of the solar array's wiring.
• Safety Features: The design incorporates safety considerations, such as the requirement for proper stripping and crimping to prevent electrical hazards. The assembly instructions emphasize the importance of correct wiring and avoiding pinched, shorted, or damaged wires.

Maintenance Features:

While the Enphase Field-Wireable Connectors are designed for long-term reliability and generally require minimal maintenance, certain aspects contribute to their overall upkeep and system longevity:

• Durable Construction: The components are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
• Inspection Guidelines: Although not explicitly a "maintenance" feature, the safety instructions implicitly guide maintenance by emphasizing the importance of checking for damaged conductors. If exposed wires are damaged, the system may not function properly, necessitating inspection and potential replacement of the affected connector or cable.
• No User Repair: Users are explicitly warned not to attempt to repair or alter the Enphase Field-Wireable Connector. This ensures that the integrity of the connection is maintained and prevents potential safety hazards or equipment malfunction that could arise from unauthorized modifications. In case of issues, replacement of the connector is the recommended course of action.
• Proper Installation for Longevity: Adhering to the detailed assembly instructions is crucial for the long-term performance and reliability of the connectors. Correct stripping, crimping, and tightening prevent loose connections, water ingress, and other issues that could lead to premature failure. This proactive approach to installation minimizes future maintenance needs.
• System Integration: The connectors are part of a larger Enphase system, and their proper functioning contributes to the overall health of the solar array. Regular system checks, as recommended for the entire Enphase installation, would indirectly verify the integrity of these connections.

In summary, the Enphase Field-Wireable Connectors are robust, field-installable components that provide flexible and secure electrical connections for Enphase solar energy systems. Their design prioritizes ease of use, compatibility, and safety, contributing to the efficient and reliable operation of the solar array with minimal maintenance requirements when installed correctly.

enphase Q Series Specifications