Solar IPC Assemblies IEC

Question: What skillset is required to install the Solar IPCs (SIPCs)?

Answer: TE Connectivity (TE) provides clear, step-by-step instructions to facilitate simple installation and help provide a secure, reliable setup - even for less experienced electricians.

Question: Do the Solar IPC Assemblies require any maintenance after installation?

Answer: No, maintenance is required after installation. The sealed insulation piercing design prevents oxidation, helping eliminate the need for regular inspections. Watertight, UV-stable materials ensure reliable performance in humid, desert, and coastal environments. No re-tightening or recalibration is needed over the product's lifespan. 

Question: What is the Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) process recommended during installation?

Answer: TE recommends that customers first install the SIPC assemblies without connecting the tap cables to the harnesses, then have the QA/QC team inspect the shear nut before installing the top cover.

Question: Once the SIPC is installed, can it be removed and placed in a different location?

Answer: TE recommends leaving the existing SIPC in place. Check that the protection caps are correctly installed on the ends of the tap cables, and install a new SIPC in the correct location.

Our SIPC assemblies, when fitted with PV connector protection caps on the tap cable ends, are electrically invisible to the circuit. As a result, installing them in an incorrect location has minimal impact on system performance.

Question: What are the recommended field conditions for installation?  

Answer: TE SIPC assemblies are easy to install and do not require a perfectly clean environment. Installers simply need to wipe down the cable to remove debris and follow the Product Installation Instructions (PII).

Question: How reliable are SIPC connections in wet conditions?

Answer: SIPCs are IP68-rated for enhanced water and dust resistance. The sealing system prevents water and oxygen ingress, helping protect against corrosion and connection failures. They’ve been tested for 24 hours, exceeding the industry standard of 1 hour. Each tap cable passes a dielectric withstand test before assembly.

Question: What solar industry standards do TE Solar IPCs comply with?

Answer: Key certifications and tests include:

• Certifications: UL/cUL 486A/B, UL/cUL 9703, EN 62852, IEC 62852
• Water and dust resistance: IP68
• Thermal Cycle Testing: 2000+ cycles for extreme durability
• Fire Resistance: UL94 V-0 and IEC 60695-11-10/-20
• UV Resistance: F1
• Electrical Testing: 100% of cable assemblies tested before shipping
• Corrosion Resistance: Up to 1300-hour salt spray test
• Environmental Stress: Up to 1000-hour UV and temperature cycling
• Mechanical Stress Testing: Simulates real-world conditions (vibration, pressure, and physical stress)

Question: How suitable are TE SIPC assemblies for projects with different panel types?

Answer: TE SIPCs offer high flexibility, making them highly suitable for projects with varied panel types. Their real-time configurability enables the same connector to be used across the site, streamlining construction, helping reduce errors, and minimizing labor.