Anyone who regularly works with the installation of solar cables knows the challenge: the extremely tough outer sheath of these cables can only be removed with great effort and care. Stripping takes valuable time – especially if the tool used is not optimised for the special requirements of solar cables. However, with the right expertise and the right equipment, the process is not only more accurate, but also much more efficient. In this article, we look at what really matters when stripping solar cables – and how installation times can be significantly reduced.
Extremely resilient: what solar cables have to do
The connection between the solar modules and the inverter is particularly important. The cables used here are exposed to voltages of up to 1,000 volts. In large solar installations, this can be up to 1,500 volts.
The PV cable not only has to withstand this load, it also has to be robust enough to ensure that the current is carried with minimum loss and that no one is electrocuted when touching parts of the system. Solar cables must also be able to withstand all weather conditions. Solar cables therefore have an extremely robust outer sheath, which makes them difficult to work with.
The insulation of solar cables
Insulation must meet special requirements: It protects the conductor from mechanical stress. But it also protects the conductor from much more aggressive external influences such as UV radiation and large temperature fluctuations.
The insulation of solar cables therefore consists of two layers. An outer layer (black in the picture) protects the cable against environmental influences, while an inner layer (white in the picture) is the actual electrical insulation layer and also protects the cable against enormous temperature influences.
The importance of a good connection
The quality of the cabling and connections is not only critical to the yield of the system. It is also critical to the safety of the entire system. Unfortunately, too little attention is paid to this in practice, both during installation and when selecting products.
What many users fail to realise is that a clean stripping result is fundamental to a good joint. Inaccurate and incorrectly stripped, damaged wires can result in the connector’s crimp or spring clamp failing to make proper contact.
Robust stripping tool for solar cables
The demands on electrical installation equipment are high and the quality has to be right. A robust stripping tool that is tailored to the requirements of Solar cables is a real problem solver for electrical installers. It delivers precise, safe and reliable stripping results with just a few hand movements. These requirements are met with the PV-Strip Pro cable stripper from JOKARI.JOKARI PV-Strip Pro Solar Cable Stripper
With the handy and easy-to-use PV-Strip Pro solar cable stripper, solar cables with a conductor cross-section of 1.5-16 mm² can be prepared quickly and easily for connection to the corresponding PV connectors. The cutting pattern is extremely precise. The blades are specially designed for solar cables and ensure a clean, round cut that easily penetrates the cable insulation without damaging the inner strands – the perfect preparation for plugging in.
Thought-out down to the last detail
The four-chamber system (1.5 mm²/2.5 mm²/4 mm²+6 mm²/10 mm²+16 mm²) is clearly labelled for easy identification and handling. This uniquely wide range of wire sizes makes the tool suitable for stripping many other types of wire. There is also a blade at the other end of the tool for longitudinal cutting.
Another important new feature of the Pro version is the integrated length stop. It is adjustable from 5-26 mm and therefore suitable for all solar connectors. It can be adjusted with millimetre precision.
Stripper vs. wire stripper
The PV-Strip Pro is extremely handy and light. The advantages of the stripper over a wire stripper are obvious, especially in demanding applications such as on roofs or in environments with limited space. It meets all the requirements for processing solar cables and still fits easily into the user’s pocket. It also offers excellent value for money.
From an ergonomic point of view, it is also a winner. The shape of the stripper’s handle fits comfortably in the hand and allows very good power transmission to the blade with extremely little manual force. Like all JOKARI tools, it is suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
Conclusion: Precision stripping pays off
Professional stripping of solar cables is a crucial step for the safety and efficiency of photovoltaic systems. Specially developed tools such as the PV-Strip Pro from JOKARI can help to achieve clean and reliable results – even under the most demanding conditions. Anyone who values precise connections and a smooth workflow will benefit from well-designed tools that are tailored to the special requirements of solar cables.
Images: Jokari, Adobe Stock
