Grounding Connector Installs Easily On Solar Panels

Intended to shorten the time for installation of a ground wire to a solar-panel frame, this grounding connector is a threaded type that inserts through a hole in the frame and uses two hex nuts to help provide a reliable connection. The connector handles 6 and 8 AWG (13.3 and 8.4 mm²) solid, uninsulated copper wire. In connecting to the frame, the connector body and the one-piece lock-washer nut penetrates the surface of the aluminum frame, helping to create a reliable ground path. In the six-second short-term current test, the connector handles 1530 A with 6 AWG ground wire. With 8 AWG ground wire, a four-second test concludes that the connector handles 1180 A. In addition, the connection is mechanically robust. In UL 486A/B pull-out testing, the connector provides 100 pounds (45.3 kg) with 6 AWG wire and 90 pounds (40.8 kg) with 8 AWG wire. TYCO ELECTRONICS, Harrisburg, PA. (800) 522-6752.