The solar DC cable twin 4mm, featuring two insulated conductors each with a cross - sectional area of 4 square millimeters, is a widely used and versatile component in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Tailored for the efficient transmission of direct current power generated by solar panels, this cable strikes a balance between power - handling capacity, installation convenience, and cost - effectiveness, making it suitable for a broad range of solar energy applications.
I. Structure and Materials
1.1 Conductors
Constructed from high - purity oxygen - free copper, the conductors of the twin 4mm solar DC cable ensure efficient power transfer. With a purity often exceeding 99.97%, these copper conductors exhibit low electrical resistance, minimizing power loss during transmission. Tin - plating is commonly applied to the conductors, offering enhanced protection against oxidation. This protective layer is especially crucial in outdoor environments where the cable is exposed to moisture, humidity, and temperature variations, ensuring long - term stability in electrical conductivity. The stranded design of the conductors provides flexibility, allowing for easy routing around complex roof structures, through narrow conduits, or within densely - packed solar panel arrays during installation.
1.2 Insulation Layer
Inner Insulation: Cross - linked polyethylene (XLPE) or cross - linked polyolefin (XLPO) is typically used as the inner insulation material. These advanced polymers offer excellent electrical isolation, effectively preventing electrical leakage and short circuits. Capable of operating within a temperature range from - 40°C to + 90°C and withstanding short - term temperature spikes up to + 120°C, the insulation ensures reliable performance in diverse climates, from frigid winters to scorching summers.
Insulation Thickness: The insulation thickness of the twin 4mm solar DC cable is carefully calibrated. A sufficient thickness provides robust protection for the conductors while maintaining a manageable overall cable size. This balance allows for easy installation in tight spaces, such as small junction boxes or narrow conduits, without sacrificing the safety and integrity of the insulation.
1.3 Outer Sheath
The outer sheath of the cable is made from UV - stabilized, halogen - free thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This material offers comprehensive protection against environmental elements. The UV - stabilization property safeguards the cable from degradation caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, which is essential for outdoor PV installations. Additionally, the TPE sheath resists moisture, abrasion, and exposure to mild chemicals, ensuring the cable's longevity and maintaining its structural integrity. Standard color - coding is employed, with black usually representing the negative conductor and red or brown indicating the positive conductor, simplifying the installation process and reducing the risk of incorrect connections.
II. Technical Specifications
Parameter | Details |
Cross - Sectional Area per Core | 4 square millimeters |
Total Cross - Sectional Area | 8 square millimeters |
Rated Voltage | 1000V DC or 1500V DC |
Current Rating (90°C) | 32A per core, 64A in total |
DC Resistance (20°C) | ≤4.61Ω/km per core |
Overall Diameter | Approximately 7.2 - 7.8mm |
Minimum Bend Radius | 6 - 8 times the cable diameter (43.2 - 62.4mm) |
Flame Retardancy | Complies with IEC 60332 - 1 - 2 |
Certifications | TÜV EN 50618, IEC 62930, UL 4703, RoHS |
III. Key Performance Features
3.1 Efficient Power Transmission
With a total current - carrying capacity of 64A at 90°C, the twin 4mm solar DC cable is well - equipped to handle the power output of medium - sized PV systems. In a typical residential solar installation with a power output of around 5 - 8kW, this cable can efficiently transmit the DC power generated by the solar panels to the inverter with minimal power loss. Its low - resistance design ensures that the electricity generated by the panels is effectively transferred, maximizing the energy harvested and utilized by the system.
3.2 Durability and Longevity
Built with high - quality materials and constructed to meet strict standards, the twin 4mm solar DC cable has a service life typically ranging from 15 - 25 years. It can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including intense sunlight, heavy rain, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations. The cable's resistance to mechanical stress, such as minor impacts during installation or vibrations from nearby equipment, further contributes to its long - term reliability. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of cable replacements, resulting in significant cost savings for PV system owners over the lifetime of the installation.
3.3 Ease of Installation
The twin - core design simplifies the installation process compared to using two separate single - core cables. Installers can handle the cable as a single unit, reducing installation time and the potential for errors. The cable's flexibility, due to its stranded conductors and flexible insulation and sheath, allows for easy routing through conduits, around building structures, and in tight spaces on rooftops. Compatibility with standard connectors, such as MC4 connectors commonly used in PV systems, further streamlines the installation, making it accessible for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts.
3.4 Safety Assurance
Compliance with international safety standards, such as the IEC 60332 - 1 - 2 for flame retardancy, ensures the safety of the twin 4mm solar DC cable. The insulation and overall construction of the cable are designed to prevent electrical leakage and reduce the risk of electric shock. In the event of an electrical fault, the flame - retardant properties of the cable prevent the spread of fire, protecting the PV system and its surroundings. This makes the cable a reliable and safe choice for use in various solar energy applications.
IV. Application Scenarios
4.1 Residential Solar Installations
The twin 4mm solar DC cable is an ideal choice for residential rooftop solar systems. In most homes, where the solar power system size usually ranges from 3 - 10kW, this cable can efficiently connect the solar panels on the roof to the inverter installed in the garage or utility room. Its ease of installation, along with its safety and reliability, makes it a popular option for homeowners looking to embrace solar energy and reduce their reliance on the grid.
4.2 Small - Scale Commercial Solar Projects
For small - scale commercial buildings, such as local shops, cafes, and small offices, the twin 4mm solar DC cable is well - suited. These establishments often have solar installations with relatively lower power outputs compared to large - scale commercial facilities. The cable can handle the power generated by the solar panels and transmit it to the building's electrical system, helping these businesses reduce their electricity costs and contribute to sustainable energy use.
4.3 Off - Grid and Remote Area Solar Setups
In off - grid or remote areas, where access to the main electrical grid is limited or unavailable, the twin 4mm solar DC cable can be used in solar power systems. For example, in a remote cabin or a small community solar project in a rural area, the cable can connect the solar panels to batteries for energy storage and then distribute the power to electrical loads. Its durability and ability to perform in harsh outdoor environments make it a reliable choice for ensuring a stable power supply in these challenging locations.
In conclusion, the solar DC cable twin 4mm is a reliable, efficient, and cost - effective solution for a wide range of solar energy applications. Its well - designed structure, excellent performance features, and broad applicability make it an essential component in the development and operation of modern PV systems, facilitating the transition to a more sustainable energy future.