C.K tools Provides A Ray of Sunshine for Solar Panel Fitters

15th January 2012

With the recent introduction of the Government’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Scheme, aiming to accelerate the take up of renewable energy technologies, the UK Solar Photovoltaics (PV) market is set for significant growth, offering substantial opportunities to installers of solar systems.

 

To help Installers service demand, leading tool supplier, C.K tools has launched a range of durable hand tools designed specifically for the installation of solar photovoltaic power systems.

 

The C.K tools Solar PV range features Solar PV Ratchet Crimping Pliers, the popular Redline VDE Cable Cutters (160mm) and a Solar PV Installation Tool Kit.

 

C.K tool’s Solar PV Ratchet Crimping Pliers have been created exclusively to crimp solar photovoltaics MC3 and MC4 connectors, with jaws to fit 2.5, 4 and 6mm² crimps.

 

Designed to ensure safe, consistent, precise crimping of wires into terminals, C.K tools’ practical Solar PV Ratchet Crimping Pliers utilise a ‘deadlock’ system ensuring the correct pressure is applied to make a safe and secure crimp. Once the optimal pressure is reached a quick release lever is activated opening the pliers ready for the next crimp, providing both safety and efficiency on the job.

 

For added peace of mind, a precision-engineered die deforms the terminal in the best way for secure wire connection.  And offering the ultimate in performance and reliability, the C.K Solar PV Ratchet Crimping Pliers are tested to 40,000 cycles and each plier is guaranteed for 30,000 crimps.

 

The recently redeveloped, premium quality RedLine™ VDE Cable Cutters will deliver even greater and longer lasting performance to solar system installers than ever before.

 

The VDE approved 160mm (6”) 431030 Cable Cutter is suitable for copper and aluminium wire work and with safety at the fore installers can rest assured that these popular Cutters are approved and individually tested to a hefty 10,000v and, crucially, for safe live working to 1000v.

 

Quality and performance are key at C.K tools and this can be seen clearly in the razor sharp parrot beak blades of the RedLine™ VDE Cable Cutters, designed to remain perfectly aligned throughout the cutting process despite any adverse movement. Featuring a shearing action for effortless, clean-cut results, the special alloy steel, drop forged, induction-hardened jaws are tempered for exceptional strength and durability and for outstanding long-term performance. The Cutters operate with a permanent rivet joint pivot mechanism and provide excellent, smooth cutting with no need for adjustment.

 

The convenient Solar PV Installation Tool Kit comprises both the Solar PV Ratchet Crimping Pliers and the Redline VDE Cable Cutters, along with a Cable Stripper, all stored within a robust fabric tool wallet.

 

C.K tool’s Cable Stripper features razor sharp, preset stripping blades for fast, precise and damage free stripping of solar power cables. Its durable blade enables wire to be stripped effortlessly without causing damage to the wire – a practical function offering speed and efficiency with every application.

 

The resourceful Cable Strippers also feature an integrated length stop enabling cables to be stripped to the exact length required for MC3 & MC4 connectors. It has a stripping capacity of 2.5-6mm² and is capable of stripping bonded and non-bonded solar PV cable.

 

Graham Godfrey, C.K tools brand manager commented: “Solar power capacity installations have risen more than 18-fold this year with more than 14,500 new installations in the last quarter alone, compared with the UK's total capacity of only 2,700 solar panel systems in use by the end of March 2010, according to figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.  In fact, by 2020 the DECC forecasts close to 700,000 installations nationwide.

 

“This increase in demand could be extremely lucrative for tradesmen capitalising on this emerging market. At C.K tools we listen to our end-users and work uncompromisingly to facilitate their tool requirements, consequently we introduced our functional and durable Solar PV range.”

 

For more information or to find your local stockist, call C.K tools on 01758 704704 or visit www.ck-tools.com

 

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