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MC4 Barb Removal

AnOldUR
AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,725
edited August 2021 in Battery/Electrical & Solar
The MC4 connectors on Renogy solar suitcases are a better solution compared to the SAE connectors that will always have a hot exposed post at either the panel connection side or the battery connection side. The worst thing I've found with the MC4's is that they can be a pain to disconnect. Would removing the barbs be a practical solution? There's no such locking mechanism on the SAE connectors. Do we really need them on the MC4's?
Stockton, New Jersey
2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

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Comments

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,527
    I've shaved them down.  Much easier to pull apart.  Not one of those little plastic tools they provide ever worked even once for me.
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    They become easier to separate over time.  I think the barbs prevents inadvertent separation.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    I use Renogy MC4 connectors for a variety of temporary connections and had never encountered difficulty getting them apart. I give the barbs a little squeeze with my fingertips and a little tug pops 'em apart. YMMV. Maybe I have diminutive fingers. If I was having a problem I think shaving down the barbs would be an excellent solution. 
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
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  • AnOldUR
    AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,725
    edited August 2021
    Went ahead and cut off the barbs at the base of the stem of the MC4 connectors coming from my Renogy Solar Suitcase. It's working fine and feels like a much snugger fit than the SAE port connection at the trailer.
    It may also be the solution for a problem that hadn't been considered. If someone were to trip on the wire leading to my panel, I'd rather it disconnect than knocking over and possibly damaging the panel. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. =)

    Stockton, New Jersey
    2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
    60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

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