Latest News: Tools & Test Equipment New Solar Power Clamp from Seaward


Pre-assembled Solar Power Connectors from Multi-Contact Save Costs


A range of connectors for joining PV cables has been introduced by Multi-Contact. Fully compatible with the company's popular MC4 range, the new MC4PLUS connectors save costs as they are supplied pre-assembled.


The male and female connectors snap together to form a highly reliable connection which uses Multilam technology for low contact resistance and long product life. For maximum security they can only be opened using a special tool.


The new Solar Power Clamp is a clamp meter capable of measuring AC and DC circuit power, in addition to true RMS voltage and current, resistance & continuity, diode check, capacitance, harmonic distortion and power factor.


The Solar Power Clamp is especially designed for installers and technicians interested in power measurement and analysis on AC & DC systems and carrying out diagnostic checks.


In order to ensure the maximum yield from a PV system it is important to check the efficiency of the conversion of DC power generated by the PV modules to AC power fed into the electrical installation. Efficiency is determined by measurement of both the voltage and current on the DC and AC sides of the inverter and using the measured values to calculate the DC and AC power. Alternatively, the DC or AC power can be measured directly on either side of the inverter in seconds using the Seaward Solar Power Clamp. The Power Clamp simply clips over the cable to measure current and the supplied in-line connectors can be used to measure the DC voltage whilst the PV modules are connected to the inverter, giving an accurate true RMS reading of the power whilst the system is operational.


The Solar Power Clamp can be used when installing a PV system to ensure the inverter is operating correctly or for maintenance and troubleshooting on the PV system after commissioning. If a PV system isn't generating the expected level of power under known irradiance and temperature conditions, this may indicate a fault with one or more components in the system.


Similarly, the presence of harmonics on the AC output of an inverter may indicate a fault within the inverter. In addition to power and efficiency measurements, the harmonic analysis function of the Solar Power Clamp can be used as a means of detecting faults within the inverter.


As PV systems have a lifetime of over 25 years, periodic inspection and testing is necessary to ensure that they are operating efficiently. Most inverters have a lifetime much shorter than that of the entire system and so require particular attention as part of system inspection and testing, to ensure optimal system return on investment and power output.


Seaward Download datasheet


Fitted to cables with cross-sections of 1.5, 2.5, 4 or 6 mm2 and between 40 and 200 cm in length, the rugged connectors are rated for currents up to 30 A and voltages up to 1000 Vdc. An innovative sealing system ensures environmental protection to IP65 and IP67 when mated, and IP2X unmated.


MC4PLUS connectors are certified to TUV and UL standards.


Multi-Contact


Kewtech Solar Kit 1 is the Solution for Final Certificate Completion


Kewtech's latest range of environmental instruments are targeted at the electrical contractors' legal requirements. To successfully complete a Photovoltaic installation the efficiency of the system has to be established. This requires the measurement of the sun's intensity and the panel's voltage and DC current.


The Kewtech Solar Kit 1 is designed to exactly match the electrical installer's requirements.


Included with the Kewtech Solar Kit 1 is the robust KEWPV1 Solar Irradiance Meter and the tried and tested KT203 AC/DC Clamp Meter with a 0.01 A resolution and the Kewtech Solar PV Kit Carry Case


Kewtech KEWPV1 Solar Irradiance Meter Key Features: • Measures up to 1999w/m2 • High accuracy and rapid response sampling • 50mm LCD display • Data hold freezes displayed value • Max/min data hold


Kewtech KT203 AC/DC Clamp Meter Key Features: • Measures current up to 400A AC/DC • 0.01 A resolution • Measures up to 600V AC/DC • Resistance • Continuity buzzer • Data hold


Kewtech For all the most up to date news and products visit www.solardigest.co.uk January 2012 Page 10


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