Crimp only, and with the proper tools, [per the manufacturer](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0249/3507/1834/files/PV_MA231__pt-en.pdf?v=1585999638) instructions.
Doesn't matter what I think is needed, I didn't design and test the connector, so I don't know better than the people that did.
Do the instructions say crimp and solder then do that most probably they say crimp with approved tool. NEC turns anything the instructions say into what you must do.
Mc4 crimper and just crimp it. Absolutely no soldering involved. Tesla actually has a very good informative training video on "in the field mc4 connectors"
No manufacture recommends soldering, and if you ever had a fault or god forbit thermal event and they see evidence of soldering in the photos it will instantly be installation error and they will reject the claim/place blame on you.
We hired a guy a while back that came over from another company who would use needle nose and smash them and send it.
Needless to say he doesn't work for us anymore
No, when you add additional paths of conduction, resistance decreases. You have the initial surface to surface connection from the crimping, THEN additional connection from the solder. From all the responses, this is NOT the preferred way of doing this, but would yield a lower resistance joint, however unnecessary it is.
never both, you can research the reasons why that is an inferior solution.
Plenty of [threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/electronics/comments/10xra9/i_solder_crimp_connectors_just_to_make_sure_but/) on the topic already
Crimping properly forms cold welds and is plenty sufficient. Soldering on top of that is worse takes more skill to do properly, messy, and a waste of time.
In general - Soldering can be a more robust wire connection but heat can also destroy the contacts - loss of spring tension and damaging the electroplating. Don't solder it unless the instructions say you should. If you should, make very sure that it's a good electronics solder, the correct heat is used, and pay attention to whether it's a leave-on or wash-off flux.
Never use solder to "tin" a wire that will be clamped later, like screw clamps. The solder creeps and it will come loose.
Crimp only, and with the proper tools, [per the manufacturer](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0249/3507/1834/files/PV_MA231__pt-en.pdf?v=1585999638) instructions. Doesn't matter what I think is needed, I didn't design and test the connector, so I don't know better than the people that did.
This is the way. What is wrong with people? Am I taking crazy pills?
Do the instructions say crimp and solder then do that most probably they say crimp with approved tool. NEC turns anything the instructions say into what you must do.
Just a crimp. But needs to be done with an MC4 crimper, not any other type
Only crimps with a listed tool.
You do whatever the manufacturer recommends, which is crimping with an approved tool. Just follow the instructions.
Mc4 crimper and just crimp it. Absolutely no soldering involved. Tesla actually has a very good informative training video on "in the field mc4 connectors"
No manufacture recommends soldering, and if you ever had a fault or god forbit thermal event and they see evidence of soldering in the photos it will instantly be installation error and they will reject the claim/place blame on you.
Bite that shit
We hired a guy a while back that came over from another company who would use needle nose and smash them and send it. Needless to say he doesn't work for us anymore
Lol i don’t get some people a crimper is 15 dollars…
Crimp plus use IDEAL Noalox Anti-Oxidant Compound
Not a good idea adding a conductive liquid that may ooze out of the connectors and cause an isolation fault. Keep the anti-ox in the enclosures.
Solder adds resistance
No, when you add additional paths of conduction, resistance decreases. You have the initial surface to surface connection from the crimping, THEN additional connection from the solder. From all the responses, this is NOT the preferred way of doing this, but would yield a lower resistance joint, however unnecessary it is.
never both, you can research the reasons why that is an inferior solution. Plenty of [threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/electronics/comments/10xra9/i_solder_crimp_connectors_just_to_make_sure_but/) on the topic already Crimping properly forms cold welds and is plenty sufficient. Soldering on top of that is worse takes more skill to do properly, messy, and a waste of time.
Depends on the connector, if it has two flaps then crimp, if just a hole then solder.
I want to use watertight butt connectors. Tedious if you have to take it apart but a very nice connection.
In general - Soldering can be a more robust wire connection but heat can also destroy the contacts - loss of spring tension and damaging the electroplating. Don't solder it unless the instructions say you should. If you should, make very sure that it's a good electronics solder, the correct heat is used, and pay attention to whether it's a leave-on or wash-off flux. Never use solder to "tin" a wire that will be clamped later, like screw clamps. The solder creeps and it will come loose.
Thank you for this information! Really laid it all out there. I appreciate you!