VIOX VOPV-Y3 MC4 Solar Connector

Introduction to VIOX MC4 Solar Connectors

VIOX Electric is proud to present our comprehensive VOPV Series MC4 Solar Connectors, designed specifically for photovoltaic system installations. As global leaders in solar connection technology, we understand the critical role that reliable connectors play in the efficiency, safety, and longevity of solar power systems. Our MC4 solar connectors represent the pinnacle of design excellence, combining superior electrical performance with robust durability to withstand the harshest environmental conditions.

The VOPV Series encompasses a complete range of MC4-compatible connectors, from standard DC connectors to specialized branch connectors and fused options, all engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern solar installations. Whether you’re working on residential rooftop systems or utility-scale solar farms, VIOX Electric’s MC4 connectors deliver the dependable performance that industry professionals demand.

What Are MC4 Solar Connectors and Why Are They Essential?

MC4 connectors have become the industry standard for photovoltaic systems worldwide. The term “MC4” stands for “Multi-Contact with 4mm² diameter pins,” although today’s MC4-compatible connectors, like our VOPV series, can accommodate various cable sizes from 2.5mm² to 10mm².

These specialized connectors serve as the critical interconnection points in solar installations, linking solar panels to combiner boxes, inverters, and other system components. The importance of high-quality MC4 connectors cannot be overstated – they directly impact:

• System Performance: Low contact resistance (0.5mΩ) ensures minimal power loss
• Safety: Protection against accidental disconnection and electrical hazards
• Longevity: Weather resistance for decades of reliable operation
• Installation Efficiency: Tool-free snap-in design simplifies the connection process
• Maintenance: IP67 protection minimizes the need for regular maintenance

VIOX Electric’s MC4 solar connectors exceed industry standards in each of these critical areas, making them the preferred choice for solar professionals who refuse to compromise on quality.

VIOX VOPV Series Overview: Comprehensive MC4 Connector Solutions

The VIOX VOPV Series offers a complete ecosystem of MC4-compatible connectors designed to address every connection need in photovoltaic installations. Our connector families include:

1. Standard DC Connectors (VOPV-01 to VOPV-07): The backbone of solar connections, available in various current ratings and voltage capacities.
2. Branch Connectors (VOPV-T3 to VOPV-T7 and VOPV-Y3 to VOPV-Y5): Specialized connectors that enable efficient parallel connections without requiring additional junction boxes.
3. Photovoltaic Fuse Connectors (VOPV-30A-FUSE): Integrated safety solutions that combine connection functionality with overcurrent protection.
4. Metal Inserts (VOFT-02, VOFT-03, VOFT-04, VOFT-Intranet): High-performance metal components that ensure excellent conductivity and durability.

Each product in our lineup adheres to rigorous quality standards while being optimized for specific installation scenarios and requirements.

Key Features and Benefits of VIOX MC4 Solar Connectors

Superior Environmental Protection

All VIOX MC4 solar connectors feature IP67 rating when mated and IP2X when unmated, ensuring complete protection against dust and water immersion. This exceptional sealing capability allows our connectors to perform flawlessly even in the most challenging environmental conditions, from desert heat to coastal humidity and alpine cold.

Extreme Temperature Tolerance

With an operating temperature range of -40°C to +90°C, VIOX MC4 connectors maintain their electrical and mechanical integrity in all climates. This wide temperature tolerance makes them suitable for installations anywhere in the world, from the coldest regions to the hottest deserts.

Outstanding Electrical Performance

Our MC4 connectors feature copper, tin-plated contacts with an industry-leading contact resistance of just 0.5mΩ. This minimal resistance translates directly into higher system efficiency by reducing power losses at connection points – a critical factor in maximizing energy harvest over the system’s lifetime.

Secure Locking Mechanism

The snap-in locking system (nur/only MC4) prevents accidental disconnection due to wind, vibration, or cable movement. This critical safety feature helps maintain system integrity while also providing audible and tactile confirmation of proper connection during installation.

Fire Safety Certification

All VIOX MC4 connectors meet UL94-HB/UL94-V0 flame class standards, ensuring they will not contribute to fire spread in the unlikely event of an electrical fault. This certification is essential for installations in buildings and areas with strict fire safety codes.

Versatile Cable Compatibility

Our connectors accommodate a range of cable sizes from 2.5mm² for smaller residential systems to 10mm² for high-current commercial and utility applications. This versatility reduces inventory requirements for installers while ensuring optimal connection for every system size.

Technical Specifications Table: VIOX MC4 Solar Connector Models

Model Number	Type	Rated Current	Rated Voltage	Cable Size	Special Features
VOPV-01	Solar DC Connector	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Standard design
VOPV-02	Solar DC Connector	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Enhanced grip
VOPV-03	Solar DC Connector	30A	1500V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm², 10mm²	Higher voltage rating
VOPV-03-1	Solar DC Connector	50A	1500V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	10mm²	Higher current capacity
VOPV-04	Solar DC Connector	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Compact design
VOPV-05	Solar DC Connector	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Panel mount option
VOPV-06	Solar DC Connector	30A	1500V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Reinforced housing
VOPV-07	Solar DC Connector	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Tool-free assembly
VOPV-T3	Branch Connector – 2 way	50A	1500V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-T4	Branch Connector – 3 way	50A	1500V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-T5	Branch Connector – 4 way	50A	1500V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-T6	Branch Connector – 5 way	50A	1500V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-T7	Branch Connector – 6 way	50A	1500V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-Y3	Branch Connector – Y type	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-Y4	Branch Connector – Y type	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-Y5	Branch Connector – Multi-Y	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Schottky Diode/PV Fuse
VOPV-30A(1000V)-FUSE	Photovoltaic Fuse Connector	30A	1000V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL)	2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm²	Integrated fuse protection

All models feature IP67/IP2X protection, -40°C to +90°C temperature range, 0.5mΩ contact resistance, copper tin-plated contacts, and UL94-HB/UL94-V0 flame class certification.

VIOX VOPV-Y3 MC4 Solar Branch Connector dimension

Detailed Description of VIOX MC4 Solar Connector Models

VOPV-01 and VOPV-02: Standard Solar DC Connectors

The VOPV-01 and VOPV-02 represent our core MC4 compatible connector offerings, engineered for standard solar PV installations up to 1000V DC. These connectors feature our signature reliability in a streamlined design that facilitates quick installation while ensuring long-term performance.

Both models support cable cross-sections of 2.5mm², 4mm², and 6mm², making them versatile choices for residential and commercial solar installations. With a rated current of 30A, these connectors provide ample capacity for typical string configurations while maintaining minimal power loss through their low-resistance contacts.

The VOPV-02 offers enhanced ergonomics with a slightly modified grip pattern that improves handling during installation, particularly valuable for technicians working with gloves in extreme weather conditions.

VOPV-03 and VOPV-03-1: High-Voltage Solar DC Connectors

As solar installations increasingly move toward higher voltage systems to improve efficiency, the VOPV-03 series meets this demand with an impressive 1500V DC rating. This higher voltage capability allows for longer strings, reducing BOS (Balance of System) costs and improving overall system economics.

The standard VOPV-03 maintains a 30A current rating while supporting cable sizes up to 10mm². For applications requiring even greater current capacity, the VOPV-03-1 ramps up to an impressive 50A rating, making it ideal for large-scale commercial and utility projects where minimizing connection points is advantageous.

VOPV-04 and VOPV-05: Specialized Form Factor Connectors

The VOPV-04 features a compact design that excels in tight installation spaces, while maintaining full compatibility with standard MC4 connections. This space-saving footprint is particularly valuable in residential installations where aesthetics and space constraints are important considerations.

Our VOPV-05 model introduces a panel-mount option that facilitates clean, professional transitions through enclosures, combiner boxes, and other system components. This specialized design eliminates the need for cable glands in many applications, reducing potential leak points and simplifying the installation process.

VOPV-06 and VOPV-07: Advanced Performance DC Connectors

The VOPV-06 combines 1500V capability with a reinforced housing design that provides additional mechanical protection in high-stress environments such as ground-mount and tracking systems where connectors may experience greater physical forces.

Our VOPV-07 model emphasizes installation efficiency with an innovative tool-free assembly design that reduces installation time while maintaining the secure connection that VIOX Electric is known for. This time-saving feature is particularly valuable for large-scale projects where numerous connections multiply even small efficiency gains.

Branch Connector Series: VOPV-T and VOPV-Y Models

VIOX’s branch connector series revolutionizes parallel connections in solar PV systems:

• VOPV-T3 to VOPV-T7: These T-branch connectors provide 2 to 6 connection points from a single input, enabling efficient parallel wiring configurations without junction boxes. With current ratings of 50A and voltage ratings of 1500V DC(IEC)/800V DC(UL), these connectors can handle substantial power throughput while incorporating Schottky diode or PV fuse protection for additional safety.
• VOPV-Y3 to VOPV-Y5: Our Y-branch connectors offer versatile connection topologies for specialized installation requirements. The VOPV-Y3 provides a classic Y-split configuration, while the VOPV-Y4 offers a unique 120° arrangement that minimizes cable stress. The VOPV-Y5 multi-Y configuration enables multiple parallel connections in a compact form factor ideal for combiner replacement in retrofit applications.

VOPV-30A(1000V)-FUSE: Integrated Safety Solution

The VOPV-30A(1000V)-FUSE connector integrates overcurrent protection directly into the connector body, eliminating the need for separate fuse holders in many applications. This innovative design not only saves space and installation time but also improves system reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points.

With full MC4 compatibility and a 30A rating, this connector maintains all the environmental and performance characteristics of our standard connectors while adding critical safety functionality that can prevent catastrophic failures in case of fault conditions.

Applications for VIOX MC4 Solar Connectors

VIOX MC4 solar connectors excel across the full spectrum of photovoltaic applications:

Residential Solar Installations

Our standard VOPV-01, VOPV-02, and VOPV-04 models are perfectly suited for residential rooftop systems, offering the reliability homeowners demand for systems that will protect their investment for decades. Their compact design and straightforward installation characteristics make them favorites among residential installers focused on efficiency and aesthetics.

Commercial and Industrial Systems

For commercial applications, our VOPV-03, VOPV-06, and branch connector series provide the higher voltage and current capabilities needed for larger systems. The labor-saving benefits of our branch connectors are particularly valuable in commercial installations where multiple parallel strings significantly reduce installation time and materials costs.

Utility-Scale Solar Farms

Utility developers rely on our VOPV-03-1 high-current connectors and comprehensive branch connector lineup to optimize massive solar deployments. The extreme durability and minimal maintenance requirements of VIOX connectors deliver the long-term reliability that’s essential for utility economics, while our fused options provide the advanced protection these critical energy assets demand.

Specialized Applications

Beyond standard installations, VIOX MC4 connectors serve numerous specialized applications:

• Floating solar arrays: The IP67 rating makes our connectors ideal for the unique challenges of water-based installations.
• Desert installations: The extreme temperature tolerance ensures reliable performance even in scorching conditions.
• Mobile solar solutions: Our connectors’ vibration resistance and secure locking mechanisms maintain connections in portable and vehicle-integrated systems.
• Agricultural solar: The resistance to ammonia and other agricultural chemicals protects connections in farm environments.

Installation Guidelines for Optimal Performance

While VIOX MC4 solar connectors are designed for straightforward installation, following these best practices ensures maximum reliability and performance:

1. Proper Cable Preparation: Always strip cables precisely according to the marked indicators on the connector body, typically 7-8mm.
2. Crimping Technique: Use only approved crimping tools calibrated to the specific cable size to achieve the optimal compression for long-term reliability.
3. Connection Verification: Always listen for the audible “click” that confirms proper engagement of the locking mechanism, then gently tug to verify security.
4. Positioning Considerations: Orient connectors to minimize direct exposure to sunlight when possible, and avoid locations where water might pool around the connection.
5. Strain Relief: Provide adequate support for cables near connectors to prevent mechanical stress that could compromise the connection over time.
6. Protection During Installation: Keep protective caps in place until final connection to prevent contamination from dust, moisture, or other debris.

Professional installers prefer VIOX MC4 connectors because these thoughtful design elements simplify adherence to best practices, resulting in faster installations with fewer callbacks.

Quality and Certification: VIOX’s Commitment to Excellence

VIOX Electric maintains rigorous quality control throughout our manufacturing process, subjecting each batch of MC4 connectors to comprehensive testing that exceeds industry standards:

• Electrical Testing: 100% testing of contact resistance and insulation resistance.
• Environmental Cycling: Accelerated aging tests simulating decades of environmental exposure.
• Mechanical Durability: Connection/disconnection cycle testing far beyond expected service requirements.
• Thermal Performance: Power cycling under load to verify stable performance under thermal stress.

Our MC4 connectors comply with all relevant international standards:

• IEC 62852 (Connectors for DC-application in photovoltaic systems)
• UL 6703 (Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems)
• TÜV Certification for 1000V and 1500V applications
• RoHS and REACH compliance for environmental safety

This comprehensive certification portfolio ensures that VIOX MC4 connectors meet or exceed all requirements for global solar installations, simplifying approval processes for system designers and installers.

Frequently Asked Questions About MC4 Solar Connectors

What makes MC4 connectors different from other connector types?

MC4 connectors have become the industry standard due to their combination of secure locking mechanisms, environmental protection, and tool-free connection/disconnection capabilities. Unlike generic electrical connectors, MC4 connectors are specifically designed for the unique demands of photovoltaic systems, including UV resistance, extreme temperature tolerance, and protection against polarity reversal.

What is the expected lifespan of VIOX MC4 connectors?

VIOX MC4 connectors are engineered for a service life matching or exceeding modern solar panels – typically 25+ years when installed according to guidelines. Our accelerated aging tests simulate decades of environmental exposure to ensure longevity in real-world conditions.

Can VIOX MC4 connectors be used with other manufacturers’ components?

VIOX MC4 connectors are designed to be fully compatible with industry-standard MC4 interfaces. However, for optimal safety and performance, we recommend using matched pairs from the same manufacturer when possible. Always verify compatibility when mixing brands and check local electrical codes, as some jurisdictions have specific requirements regarding connector intermatching.

What cable sizes can be used with VIOX MC4 connectors?

Our standard connectors accommodate 2.5mm², 4mm², and 6mm² cable sizes, while select models like the VOPV-03 and VOPV-03-1 support larger 10mm² cables for high-current applications. Each connector is clearly marked with its cable size compatibility to prevent installation errors.

How can I verify authentic VIOX MC4 connectors?

Genuine VIOX connectors feature our distinct logo molding, unique serial numbering, and specialized packaging. To ensure authenticity, purchase only through authorized VIOX distributors or directly from VIOX Electric. Counterfeit connectors can pose serious safety risks and typically lack the durability and performance of genuine products.

Conclusion: The VIOX Advantage in MC4 Solar Connectivity

In the rapidly evolving solar industry, connection technology remains a critical foundation for system performance and longevity. VIOX Electric’s comprehensive lineup of MC4 solar connectors delivers the reliability, versatility, and innovation that solar professionals demand.

From our standard VOPV series DC connectors to specialized branch and fused options, each product reflects our unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and customer-focused design. Whether you’re installing a residential rooftop system or developing a utility-scale solar farm, VIOX MC4 connectors provide the confidence that comes from knowing your connections will perform flawlessly for decades.

Choose VIOX for your next solar installation and experience the difference that superior connectivity makes in system performance, installation efficiency, and long-term reliability. Contact our technical team today to discuss your specific requirements and discover why leading solar installers worldwide trust VIOX Electric for their mission-critical connections.

All specifications and features described herein are subject to change without notice as part of VIOX Electric’s ongoing product improvement program. Please consult current product documentation for the most up-to-date specifications.