Crimp tool for Staubli MC4 connectors.

[jimseng]

Hello.

Solfit recommend Staubli MC4 connectors for their in roof system. I'm going to need to only a small amount of connectors just to install the system and then hopefully not touch it for a long time. Midummer Wholesale have an MC4 crimp tool for £83.00 + vat This is what they say on the web site:

"This tool is the official Staubli tool so is designed to make reliable, long-lasting connections. This crimping tool can be used to crimp wires of size 2.5, 4 & 6mm."

£83.00 seems reasonable for something that will hopefully end up in a draw after a few days, the £350.00+ price tag I have seen elsewhere seems a lot. Does anybody have an opinion as to whether the Midsummer ones could make 10 or so good connections for a DIY install or should I definitely go for a pricier set and perhaps sell on ebay afterwards? Any recommendations? I don't think pre made cables will work because of glands etc.

[Bramco]

I bought a generic one from eBay. 30 connectors and worked fine. Would almost certainly work for many many more.

 

MC4 connectors are all standard. A £350 tool has to be something a professional would buy to install fields full of panels. Imho all you need is a cheap one from eBay, or Amazon.

[Dillsue]

1 hour ago, Bramco said:

I bought a generic one from eBay. 30 connectors and worked fine. Would almost certainly work for many many more.

 

MC4 connectors are all standard. A £350 tool has to be something a professional would buy to install fields full of panels. Imho all you need is a cheap one from eBay, or Amazon.

Agreed.

 

The one I got off ebay works fine. You can see the crimp before you insert the pin into the plastic housing so easy to check it's all secure

[jimseng]

Great. Thanks. I really wasn't expecting that. 

[-rick-]

8 hours ago, Bramco said:

MC4 connectors are all standard.

 

Saw an eFixx thing on this recently. The person they were talking to was talking about how important it is to match the connector manufacturer and crimp tool as while it should be a standard there are tolerance errors that have caused fires. I don't know how much to trust this as eFixx can be a bit of a sales thing for manufacturers pushing their product but definitely worth paying close attention to. MC4 connectors are a common cause of issues.