How to Assemble MC4 Solar PV Cables
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- In this video, I will show you how EASY it is to make your own Solar PV cables with MC4 crimped connections. You'll save money and give your Solar installation a professional look. I used to buy pre-assembled cables. Now I make my own. Here's how.
MATERIALS and TOOLS FEATURED IN THE VIDEO
www.rvwithtito.com/parts/mc4-c...
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Read full article: rvwithtito.com/articles/how-ma...
When installing solar panels for the first time, I purchased pre-assembled Solar PV cable with MC4 connectors. It is difficult to plan exactly how much length you need and, as a result, I frequently ended up with cables that were either too short or too long. Eventually, I started assembling my own MC4 cables cut to exactly the lengths I needed. I wish I had been assembling my own cable from the beginning. I realized how easy it was to create my own MC4 solar cables and now I want to tell you how.
First you will need to the following items (Amazon links to these are provided here: kit.com/rvwithtito/make-solar...)
Solar cable
MC4 Connectors
MC4 Crimping Tool
MC4 Assembly Tool (not required, but handy to have)
Assembly instructions
(1) Measure and cut the cable to the necessary length
(2) Strip roughly ½ inch of shielding from the ends of the cable
(3) Place the open end of the metallic conductor of the MC4 connector in the crimper
(4) Insert one end of the cable into the connector and squeeze the crimper all the way
(5) Disassemble the MC4 connector and slide the weather sealed end over the crimped end
(6) Slide the remaining piece of the connector over the conductor until it snaps into place
(7) Slide the weather sealed end up and screw it to the other end using an MC4 assembly tool if needed
(8) Repeat the same process for the other end of the cable
This video also address these topics:
Make Solar PV Cables
mc4 solar panel extension cable
Assemble MC4 Connectors
How to install MC4 Connectors
How to crimp MC4 Connectors
MC4 Crimping Tool
How to Make Solar Cables
Custom Solar Cables
How to connect solar panels
#diy #rvlife #vanlife #solar #offgrid #tinyhouse #doityourself #howto
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affilliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. - Наука та технологія
My husband and I just made several of these connectors thanks to your great video. Thanks.
Just saw this in 2023. You're knowledge time and helpfulness lives on!
Great. Thanks! Glad it's still helpful. Just made a bunch the other day :)
LOVE the Simplicity of your teaching videos! Not too fast, not too slow. Keep up the good work!
What a great tip, Brian. The most elegant DIY projects aren't always the most involved, but those that provide a professional result for less money. And this is one of the best of all, where the end result actually exceeds the quality of a factory-built part by customizing the cable length for each application. Clean, easy and better than the more expensive option. Perfect!
Thank you Tito for taking the time to make this video and burning through some mc4 materials in the process. I've just purchased my first set of panels and plan to make my own cable runs just as you've demonstrated. Thanks!
Note that the weather proofing insert between connector body and connector nut has a preferred orientation i.e. the soft rubber goes toward the body side of the connector not the nut. Also it needs to be rotated on the cable while applying light pressure against the body until the correct alignment occurs and seal drops into correct position. The connector nut can now be tightened knowing the seal will expand correctly against cable and body completing the weather proof seal. Best video on this I've seen.
Thanks for the additional info!
@@RVwithTito HOW WELL IS YOUR SOLAR PANELS HOLDING UP?
I just found some flat roll of these solar panels on CL and they seem easy to put on... just glue??? ??? ???
This is exactly what I did. Way cheaper to make your own and it looks better as well. Great Job!
-Thomas
Yup. Once you have the parts and tools on hand, then it's easy to just make what you need.
Thanks from the UK, very helpful.... it's appreciated.
Glad it helped.
We're definitely thinking of doing solar on our new old RV. Your videos are a great help!
I'd never have tried without this great video. Thanks! AND, what a great campsite!
Thanks Bob. It's pretty simple as you've seen.
You are a natural teacher! I look forward to your videos
I watched this video at the perfect time. I was just about to order solar cables to install panels on the roof of my van. I will just order the wire and connectors and make my own so they are custom sized. Thanks for making this look so easy.
Another great, no nonsense, very useful how to video from you Tito. Thanks
Very clean job. Thanks for the demonstration. Keep Having Fun.
Put the cap part on before you crimp it makes a "slightly" easier job.
Thanks for the great video.
I always learn something from your channel. Keep sharing. Thank you.
Thanks Joe. Glad to share.
THANK YOU! I followed your instructions and every cable came out perfect. I had been nervous about making my own MC4 cables after reading the learning curve in making good crimps. A $15 MC4 crimp tool (looks similar to the one you used in the video), plus your instructions made even the very first crimp come out nice and tight. Was cheaper to make my own cables, even after buying a cheapo crimp tool, than buying pre-made cables that would be too long anyways. Really nice to be able to cut the cables the exact length, making for a much tidier and cleaner-looking install.
That's great! Nice job. Now you'll always just buy bulk cable. I just made a few the other day too.
Hi Brian. You make the most useful and technically competent RV videos on UA-cam. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Joe. You are too kind.
I just stumbled across your videos while looking into solar vids and you're so easy to understand, i feel like i've struck gold
Glad you found the channel. Welcome!
Well put together. Have a wonderful day.
I don't often comment....but you are a good presenter! Well done. I am presently hooking up a new solar panels at our cottage and had not worked with MC4 connectors before. NOW I KNOW!
Very helpful video. I'm just getting started with a modest solar set and your video's have been great!
That's great to hear. Good luck with your projects.
hey, thanks for this video. it was good, you talked very well into the camera, and had very informative info. i had bought most of this stuff to do my own rooftop solar stuff ( and havn't got to the install yet) but needed a little more info. like you said , i need to do my own stuff to keep it all clean and overall save money. again the way you narrated into the camera was good compared to many other videos where everyone stalls a lot, no important info and says um a lot. good job thanks
Thanks for the great feedback. I'm glad you found the info helpful. Good luck with your project!
What a great backdrop for your videos! It's hard to ignore all that beautiful scenery behind you and pay attention to what you are demonstrating :-) I always enjoy your videos and learn a lot. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry for the distraction :)
I think this is the first time I have ever seen a video with more than 20 thumbs up without a single thumbs down. Thank you! This was informative and also a very well made video.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍👍
Another great video and great timing as I am about to do the same with our RV but on a smaller scale.
Wow 😮 Thank you Tito that’s what I’m going to do when I Upgrade my system next month. Super helpful...
Terrific info Brian and that looks like an amazing campground!
Thanks! Yeah we really enjoyed it there. It seemed like a cool spot to shoot a video. The rest of the park was just so so, but we really enjoyed that campsite and climbing around on the rocks.
Great job explaining that... very Professional. Thank you.
You're welcome!
great tip (i think): for my portable solar setup, mc4's were the bane of my existence, needing the tool to get them apart every time i tore down. i considered andersons and sae's, but then lightbulb idea: i took a utility knife and chopped off the locking prongs on the mc4's, so now i can easily push together and pull apart, while maintaining the waterproof and tight connection.
That's one solution :)
@Nunya- Do you leave cables affixed to your battery? I'm getting a portable setup (suitcase) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this so I'm not constantly pulling my battery tray out. Also what length of cable run is reasonable without losing much power through the cable.
Was looking for this explanation ahead of purchasing the bits n bobs just to be sure, great quality and beautiful backdrop for a video.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video for me, as I'm wiring up my rig for solar. I had no idea how to do that! Thanks!
+Steve Knobler Pretty easy with the right crimper.
Thanks for your video. I'm going to change my panels from Series to Parallel and need to make some jumpers. Your way is the most efficient!!
Pretty easy to make these. Good luck.
Crisp clear video and very instructive steps!
Glad it helped. Thanks for the feedback.
Fantastic. You answered all my questions. I have old panels with c3s, so putting on mc4s today.
Great. Glad it helped
Thanks so much Tito - I'm actually sitting in my Sprinter on Goodyear Lake in upper NY state following your directions - its working!!!!! Warmest regards Jennie
Awesome! Good luck.
thank you sir, for sharing this very informative video. now I know how to make one...Thanks be to God.
Thanks for another great how to video!
Glad you liked it. Hope you give it a try.
Tito, this was very helpful. I am a neophyte with solar panels but plan to help install them on my MH. Thank you.
Glad it helped you out.
Best location for a cable assembly video ever :)
Hi Brian, This video is great advice. Although you may need to buy a tool or two I have found you will save money in the long run. Thumbs up and happy travels, Lou
+RV Habit Thanks Lou!
Superb and simple presentation.
I learned things I didn't know!
Thanks!
Excellent short presentation
Looks good. Two things (I have seen others do this): Soldering the crimped connection point and using adhesive heat shrink over the connector and wire when done. May have to use two different sizes of adhesive heat shrink tubing since the size difference of the MC4 connector and 10 AWG solar wire is wide. I did that with my 12-2 landscaping wire solar cables and they have weathered fine. Hope all is well guys. Nice looking video and backdrop! 🏜
Thanks for the suggestions Chris.
Agreed Chris. I usually solder all crimp connections if feasible to protect against corrosion, and always choose heat shrink over electrical tape.
You shouldn't solder crimps as this can cause failure in the connection.
@Wick Disaster How did you get "never solder anything" from "shouldn't solder crimps"? haha. If you solder crimps then the solder flows up the wire and reduces the flexibility. It will then be more likely to fail at that strand/solder junction. My understanding is that it is very bad practice.
@Wick Disaster Are you even replying to my comment? Because what you're literally saying makes no sense..
Great video! Thanks!
Thanks for the concise explanation!
You're welcome.
Very helpful. Thank you.
Great instructional video. Thanks!
You're welcome. Pretty simple isn't it?
Merry Christmas to You and Yours.
+Hoss Thank you so much for the wishes. Merry Christmas to you too!
Nice and simple. I am gonna make my own cables. Keep it up
Thanks, will do!
Great video. Very good explained. I like more information about the box you use to test panels. Thanks.
Nice, effective demo...thanks !
Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks!
You bet!
Very valuable demo! Thank you!
You're welcome!
Merci pour cette vidéo très instructive. Merci pour le partage.
Great and informative as always - thanks :)
Great vid! thanks for sharing. I'm currently working on a solar set up. I need about 100cm outside cable, then 500cm inside to the controller, I was thinking to use 2.5 speaker cable for inside . What connectors would you recommend , they dont have to be waterproof as that part would be inside.
Thanks for the great info. Jack
Thanks , I finally re-made my connecting cables from alligator clips to MC-4 for my two 100 Watt Solar Panels on the patio . Your video helped ! And my one remaining operational Goal Zero 1000 Watt Yeti (out of three) was happy getting the increased input ! If you know someone that can help me ' wake-up ' the other two Goal Zero 1000 watt Yeti's . . . . (non-op / won't wake-up) would be so happy ! ! !
Thanks , take care , RH
Great job 👍👍
Thank you. Very easy to install
thanks mate, great advice for a solar charger newbie, cheers
Those people who were crimping against the cable sleeve and not the inner (which causes the coupling to sit too far down in the housing), are very thankful for this video. Not me of course, I always know exactly what I'm doing without reading any instructions...
Nice clear instructions, thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Thanks for the help.
Thanks for this video. If you are using a protective cover over the MC4 cables, please let us know what that is?
Hahaha! I love it when you say that this is great “if you want to create your own Solar System”. Really great video. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent tip! I make my own Ethernet cables for the same reason.
Thanks! I do the same with my CAT5.
Great video man 👍
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Great video!
Great video! Lots of close up camera shots... thanks.
thanks man ! it was a good and informative video
very helpful, thanks.
Thank you for this video, and for showing closeups of the crimping tool in use. They have two videos on the Renogy site that are pretty awful and unclear!
You're welcome. Glad to hear it helped.
Very helpful, thank you.
You're welcome.
Great video. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Added to my RV folder for future reference. Awesome video.
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks.
Great Video
That was a good video, thanks. I am going to be wiring in my solar to the charge controller in the next week or so and I now realize how much easier this is going to be then I thought. What about showing us your solar panel tester? I nicked the back of one of my panels with a drill bit the other day and I would like to be able to test and compare the out put.
Can you make a comment, or a video, about using this kit to make solar panel extensions? I've got a couple folding panels and portable power supply on the way and I want to make a 20-30' extension to go from the panels to the power supply. If I have a branch connector, I still need two cables to go to the panels right?
Thanks Brian.
Thanks man, great video and way helpful
Glad it helped
Thanks for the info!
You bet!
Great Vid, thanks for that!
Thanks, have the mc4 tool and had no idea that it was also an opener; thx.
At first glance I thought you meant bottle opener. Haha.
Excellent video on making a MC4 connection. Thanks Brian :-) Is there a way to take out the pin again from the MC4 connector housing after it has been inserted? I crimped the wire too long inside and now it doesn't snug fit with a click!
Hi Brian,
I have one of these kits. My question is have you ever used Weather Pack connectors? If so, do you think you could use these crimpers for them? I don't want to buy another tool if I don't need to. Thanks,
Phil
Hi, is there a video of what to do with cables and connectors on top of an RV? I'm new to this and I'm gonna add another 100W panel.
Thank you! Bill
Thank you a lot, very useful.
I recently stumbled across this video and thought it was very informative thank you. My question to you is about the exposed cables and connectors on the roof, it appears in your video that you have painted them with something. I am assuming it's some kind of UV protection? What is your assessment on how long cables on the roof on the roof of an RV last?
Hi, nice video. So I have a Bluetti AC200 max, 2000 watt. I want to build longer mc4 cable to reach out on the lawn. Should I use 10 or 12awg? What determines that?
For a longer run I'd go with #10.
Boom. That was a quick $100 to Amazon on the recommended wiring and tools. (I hope you get a commission off those links!) I'm happy to know that the job will be done right. And when it's time to relax and have some fun, there will be no worries about the solar infrastructure and wiring. This is my second install on a recently purchased RV with the components from the original installation and a few major upgrades to Battleborn and Victron. Buh bye Interstate and Morningstar. Yeah Baby!! Retirement is on the horizon......
Haha Boom! Yes I do make a small commission on those. Thanks! I've gone through the same transition and always have solar cable and the parts to make cables. 👍👍
Perfect! Clear and thorough. Thanks. 👍
I would love for you to show how you made the tester box. Getting ready to install my Solar Panels in the next couple months.
I would love to see that as well.
Also me 🙏🙏♥️
Same with me.
I'd would like to see it as well
Great Video, may I suggest explaining that the Female metal connector goes into the plastic Male housing when assembled. And vise versa for the other side
Thanks
Thanks for clearing my confusion.
Excellent video, clearly explained. It does, however, assume you understand what MC4 connectors are and how to distinguish M from F (somewhat counter-intuitive). It has motivated me to redo my RV solar connections and use MC4 connectors instead of my present inappropriate and non-waterproof powerpole connectors (done from ignorance!)
I thought some discussion of M and F was in order also.
hey nice tip love your ideas
Tito, Thank You very much!
Welcome!
Good Info.
Glad it was helpful!