Chilicon Power Residential Design and Installation Guide
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Step 4: Layout the Trunk Cable and Connect the Sections
Do NOT exceed the maximum allowable number of microinverters in an AC branch circuit.
As Chilicon Power supplies three different lengths of trunk cable and the system may require different sections in
different locations, it is advisable to first layout the cable to ensure sufficient materials and placement for the
project. Use the CP-MTC-JBOX as the first cable for each branch circuit, making sure it’s associated J-Box can be
placed within 1.7 m (5.6’). The male end of the second cable segment (M1) will seat into one of the female
connectors on the J-Box cable (F1), with the first microinverters branch cable occupying the second slot (F2).
The connections should securely snap, locking them in place. In the event a connection needs to be undone,
use the CP-AC-Tool supplied by Chilicon Power. Continue connecting the rest of the cables in this manner until
the branch circuit is completed, repeating this process for any additional branch circuits in the system. If the
layout is such that no microinverter connects to one of the female connectors (the case in certain configurations),
use the CP-WTRPF-CAP to plug the unused female connector. Should span lengths be required not supported by
Chilicon Power standard MTC cable segments, two options are available to the installer. Either standard MTC
cable segments can be connected together (with caps on the open female connectors) or 4 wire TCER cable can
be used to connect the two sections terminating in J-Boxes at each end. The trunk cable should then be attached
to the racking system using suitable clips. In order to facilitate the Chilicon Power 5.7” diameter 10AWG trunk
cabling, it may be necessary to use a flat head screw driver to first pry open the cable clips.
F2
F1 M1
Alternative Center Tap Connection
For systems where a fully populated branch circuit may exceed voltage rise limits or where dictated by roof
topology, the design may call for a center-tap of the branch circuit. In this event, each subsection of the branch
will connect via a CP-MTC-JBOX cable to the same junction box and internal wiring.
Never leave unused AC cables ports open in the system. Terminate all unused ends
of any AC trunk cable with end caps.