Field-Made MC4 Quick Guide

Overview

This section outlines best practices for creating MC4 connections in the field when needed. Click here to access the full training module for this procedure.

Tools & Equipment
  • MC4 connector tool
  • Crimping tool
  • Torque tool
  • Cut-resistant gloves

Pictured:

Work Instruction

Cut wires at a perpendicular angle (1). Strip wires within the manufacturer's provided tolerance (2).
Use the MC4 connector tool to check a wire's strip length (3).
Crimp the correct pin or socket in accordance with the crimping tool manufacturer's instructions (4).
Pictured: Female Housing (4a), Male Housing (4b), Female Socket Terminal (4c), Male Pin Terminal (4d).
Pictured: Example of a correct crimp. Dimensions are in accordance with example manufacturer guidelines:
  • Brush: 5-1.5-millimeters
  • Gap: 1-2.0 millimeters
  • Strip length: 6.9-7.1-millimeters
Insert the correct pin or socket into the housing (5).
Tighten the backing nut with a torque tool (6).
  • If the ambient temperature is below 75° F, set the torque tool to 3.5-Nm.
  • If the ambient temperature is above 75° F, set the torque tool to 3.25-Nm.
  • Twist using the torque tool, not the MC4 tool (6a).
  • Always verify that the backing nut is not cross-threaded or bottomed out (6b).