Solar Guppy Discussion Forum
http://solar-guppy.com/forum/

Electrical grounding of Unirac SunFrame rails
http://solar-guppy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=693		 Page 2 of 2
Author:  rickeolis [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:51 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Electrical grounding of Unirac SunFrame rails
Hi Scott,
Yes, that's right, drill a hole just below the frame holder and put a S.S. nut and bolt there to hold the lug which will then penetrate the anodizing. Sorry I don't have pic's...

-Rick-
Author:  solartek [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:45 pm GMT EndGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Electrical grounding of Unirac SunFrame rails
Went to Solar Power International 2008 in San Diego and talked to Unirac directly about the issue of grounding the SunFrame rails. They are now selling a "special bolt" to use with the SunFrame rails and the WeebLugs. Got a picture today of their solution that I thought I would share. The only issue is that the WeebLug is installed on the side of the frame that is typically facing the eaves of the roof. So if there are any splices in the lowest rail, then the WeebLugs will be clearly visible. I've uploaded a picture of their solution as a file attachment.

Scott.

Attachments:
SunFrameGounding.jpg
SunFrameGounding.jpg [ 289.65 KiB | Viewed 4898 times ]
Author:  niel [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 1:43 am GMT ErdGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Electrical grounding of Unirac SunFrame rails
thanks for posting that. looks like tight clearance to fit the connector making the point of the drilling critical or you'd get a hole too big and if drilled too low it could weaken the rail.
Author:  mike90045 [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 10:07 am GMT ErdGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Electrical grounding of Unirac SunFrame rails
Dang, that looks like it all mill finish aluminum. but worse, I don't see any fancy lug that digs into the aluminum, or is it hidden between the rail and ground adapter ? All I can see is a split ring lock washer, which can't be a good UL ground.

Mike (coastal kalifornia fog belt where this stuff will be swiss cheese in 7 years) 90045
Author:  solartek [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:31 am GMT ErdGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Electrical grounding of Unirac SunFrame rails
Mike,

The rail is anodized aluminum. The WeebLug is tin-plated. You can just make out the thin sheet of material which has the raised holes to puncture the anodization and give a gas-tight contact between the lug and the rail. This is the standard WeebLug procedure just attached in a different place on the SunFrame rails as opposed to the SolarMount rails.

Scott.
Page 2 of 2 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/