Best Practice Guide

Note: These Guidelines to Best Practice are intended to help ensure a safe

connection between solar panels and between other balance of system

components. REC accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by improper

or incorrect use of connectors. The Warranty on the product is only valid if the

instructions in the REC Installation Manual are observed at all times.

Fig. : Best practice installation of a connector with it placed away from the

mounting rail allowing air circulation and water to drain away.

Likewise, aer rainfall, connectors should be given the

opportunity to dry completely. Although the connectors

used by REC are rated to at least IP, moisture can still

build up between the mounting structure and connector.

Fig.  shows a connector secured tight to the mounting

structure. While the panel above protects the connection

from rain; humid air, mist or condensation can cause

moisture to accumulate between the connector and the

mounting rail. This layer of moisture is caught between

the connector and rail and can slowly work into the

connector through capillary action. Here it can erode the

metallic connection.

Placement of the connector away from the surface helps

ensure suﬃcient air circulation around the connector, and

means any water can drain away and allow the connector to

dry eﬀectively and avoid the risk of damage as in Fig. .

Use of extra isolation and lubricants

If connectors ever require replacement, and the use of

lubricants is desired, follow the instructions supplied by

the connector manufacturer.

As the panels are rated to IP, there is no requirement to

add extra protection to the connection, for example heat

shrink, grease or tape.

Application of chemicals

REC does not permit the use of chemicals on the

connectors or contacts. Use of such can lead to

degradation of the plastic or rubber casing. Treating

connectors in this way will invalidate the warranty.

Summary

With cables and connectors forming a source of weakness

in the system, it is imperative that these are protected as

far as possible. To avoid any drops in performance or at

worst any risk to life, following the best practice guidelines

above will ensure a safe and durable bond between panels

and other components.

Ref: PM-QIS-05-Rev.D - 11.2019