Stäubli Electrical Connectors has introduced a new product family of large-format PV cable connectors. The new BosCon connectors are fully cULus listed to UL 6703 and CSA C22.2 182.5, “Connectors for use in Photovoltaic Systems.” They are designed for carrying high current in harsh and outdoor environments in the PV energy and EV industries. BosCon connectors are specifically designed for electrical balance of systems (eBOS) trunk cables, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and EV charging systems.
“We designed the BosCon line to help address a need within the North American PV market to make large format cable connections as both pre-made leads by harness suppliers and by installers in the field,” said Brian Mills, Head of Renewable Energy with Stäubli. “In doing so, the new, connectors ensure safety and reliability while simplifying installation and maintenance.”
The full BosCon line is designed to confidently seal, strain-relieve and terminate with both low (Class B) and high strand count, low and high flexible copper PV cable. It features a unique coding system that allows for seven different mechanically-keyed and color-coded rings on both the socket and plug ends that can be determined at the time of assembly. This helps prevent the risks inherent in cross-mating of poles and/or phases. The company notes that it is also potentially catastrophic to mate connectors from different manufacturers, including those that claim to be “Stäubli compatible.”
The new connectors are fully cULus listed for both factory and field installation with 3/0 AWG through 500 MCM copper cables with a maximum ampacity rating of 620 A at 1,500 V AC/DC. The BosCon OPC16 can also be used in the effective design and installation of EV storage/charging systems thanks to being both AC and DC rated at 1,500 V.
Stäubli will showcase the BosCon at the RE+ tradeshow this year.
News item from Stäubli