Multi-pin connector for photovoltaic industry

The Solar SPEC pak by Anderson Power Products is a multi-pin connector that is IP68 rated and meets UL 6703A ratings for the photovoltaic industry, making up to 4 power or 16 signal connections in one connection.

January 27, 2012

Anderson Power Products’ (APP) Solar SPEC Pak is the first multi-pin connector to meet the photovoltaic industry requirements specified in UL 6703A, passing the same harsh environmental tests used to qualify solar panels.

Solar SPEC Pak has power handling capabilities up to 1000 volts and features a locking latch that complies with NEC 2008 section 690.33(C) requirements. Designed for wire to wire applications, Solar SPEC Pak is capable of handling up to 4 individual lines, which reduces the number of traditional connectors needed in solar applications, minimizing the amount of space needed while lowering installation costs.

The Solar SPEC Pak, IP68 rated shell has a flammability rating of UL 94 V-0 and a weatherability rating of F1 per UL 746C. The housing is touch-safe per UL 1977 when used with Fingerproof Powerpole housing and has a temperature range of -40 C to 105 C (-40 F to 221 F).

The core Powerpole technology within the Solar SPEC Pak shell is proven, reliable and cost effective. The Solar SPEC Pak will hold up to 4 Powerpole power contacts, 16 signal contacts or a combination of both. Individually, the power contacts are rated to 40 amps and are capable of handling wire sizes of 20 to 10 AWG (0.50 to 4 mm²).

Ground contacts are First Mate/Last Break in accordance with NEC 2008 and can occupy any of the connectors 4 positions. Finger proof and standard contact housings are available in many colors offering color-coding options and design flexibility. The combination of housings, power, ground and signal, that can be installed in a user determined configuration, provide thousands of design options for the most demanding applications.

Anderson Power Products

www.andersonpower.com 

– Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com 

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