Yes, the 14 gauge I found was USE-2.

Bill

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Allan Sindelar 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 10:48 PM
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Oddball wire request


  Wrenches,
  I do a fair amount of work on ancient systems, just because there's been off 
grid here for decades. I'm rewiring several old arrays for my next door 
(meaning < 1/4 mile away) neighbor. The particular array has six 53W Solec 
modules wired as three two-module 24V pairs, on a Zomeworks tracker so old that 
it has aluminum rails and attached freon canisters instead of the integral 
square tubes. Both modules and tracker continue to work well, but the wiring is 
so degraded from sun exposure that's it's bare in spots, and this is what I 
want to fix.

  Each module has a tiny j-box - 3" x 3" x 7/8" deep. Each j-box has a single 
3/8" cord grip bushing (CGB). Each bushing has two #10 conductors coming out of 
the single hole in the CGB. The O.D. of each wire is about the same as that of 
THWN. The problem is that the single hole in the CGB is only large enough to 
fit this diameter. USE-2 is too large, and modern PV wire is way too large. 

  I bought a dozen replacement 3/8" CGBs from Del City, but the matching lock 
rings are too large to fit inside the j-boxes. I'd be cautious about using a 
narrow Unibit to drill an additional hole in each j-box anyway, given that the 
holes would be so close to the backsheet. 

  The easiest solution would be to find some sunlight-resistant, wet-rated 
single-conductor wire in #10 or #12 that has an insulation O.D. about the same 
as THHN/THWN. Any ideas, please? Code is not an issue in this instance - I just 
want a solution that works.

  I thought about using float switch cable, which is UV-resistant, wet-rated, 
direct-burial-rated type TC. We keep plenty in stock for signal circuits, and 
it fits and is strong. The problem is that I need single conductors, because 
each module will have one series conductor and one output conductor, and they 
run to different locations. 

  Are there any better ideas out there?
  Thanks, Allan

  -- 

  Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
  NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
  NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
  New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
  Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.

  A Certified B CorporationTM
  3209 Richards Lane
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
  505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
  www.positiveenergysolar.com





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