Solarlok Male Coupler, Minus Keyed — 12 AWG PV String Interconnect
The TE Connectivity 7-1394461-1 is a Solarlok male coupler, Minus keyed, designed for field-terminated solar panel string interconnects. It accepts 12 AWG cable, matching the common conductor size for PV array wiring between panels and combiner boxes. The Minus keying prevents cross-mating with the Plus-coded receptacle in the same series, enforcing polarity in the DC string.
12 AWG Cable Acceptance — Field Wiring Fit
The 12 AWG wire acceptance is the defining fit parameter for this coupler. The crimp barrel and seal are sized for that gauge — the connector will not accept 10 AWG or 14 AWG without a terminal change. For harness builders, this means the field cable must be 12 AWG stranded copper; any deviation requires a different Solarlok variant.
Minus Keying — Polarity Enforcement
The Minus keying is a mechanical polarization feature that ensures the male coupler only mates with a Minus-coded receptacle. In a PV string, this prevents reverse-polarity connection at the panel junction. The keying is moulded into the housing — it is not a removable insert, so field swapping is not possible.