The Aiko 01C Connector (SKU: AIK-01C-CONNECTOR) is the proprietary DC plug-and-socket interface designed by Zhejiang Aiko Solar Technology for their N-Type ABC solar module family. It is the field-installable mating half required to terminate the panel-side leads of any Aiko module that ships with the 01C connector option — including the Comet and Stellar series in the 645–685W range.
Rated to DC 1500V with IP67 protection, the connector is TÜV-certified to IEC 62852+A1 under certificate R 50618096. Each connector accepts 4 mm² photovoltaic cable and uses copper tin-plated contacts with a low ≤0.5 mΩ contact resistance. The housing is UV-stable PPE+PS with UL94-V0 flame retardance, engineered for outdoor rooftop and ground-mount service across a −40°C to +85°C operating window.
−40 to +85°C
Temperature Range
Critical — Do Not Cross-Mate Connectors
The Aiko 01C is a proprietary connector and is NOT cross-compatible with standard MC4 or Stäubli MC4-EVO2 connectors. Mating a 01C to a different brand or type of connector is prohibited under IEC 62548 and creates a fire and electrocution risk as well as voiding the module warranty. Only mate 01C connectors with other Aiko 01C connectors.
How Many You Need
For a typical string installation, 2 × 01C connectors are required per string when terminating the string ends at the inverter's DC input. The 01C connectors mate the panel-side field leads to an installer-built cable assembly that carries the string current back to the isolator and inverter. Additional 01C connectors may be needed for replacement modules, cable repairs, or bespoke lead lengths.
Bundled vs Spare
This 01C connector is normally shipped bundled with the module when purchasing panels with the -01C suffix in the part number (e.g. AIK-A-MDE72-665-…-01C). This standalone SKU is intended for replacement, additional string terminations, or custom cable assemblies where extra connectors are needed on site.
Key Features & Engineering
Proprietary Aiko-Designed Interface
Purpose-built for Aiko's N-Type ABC junction box. The Aiko JB accepts one of three connector options at factory — Stäubli MC4-EVO2, Aiko 01C, or PV-ZH202B — with the -01C variant using this specific interface. The connector is a plug-and-socket pair that latches with a nut retracting force ≥1 N·m.
TÜV Certified to IEC 62852+A1
Full type approval under TÜV certificate R 50618096 to the IEC 62852+A1 standard for photovoltaic DC connectors. Test voltage 6.6 kV at 50 Hz for 1 minute confirms dielectric integrity, with ≥100 mating cycles validated for field reliability.
IP67 Weatherproof · IP68 Under Load
IP65 dust-tight and jet-resistant in the unmated state; IP67 immersion-resistant when mated (1 m depth, 1 hour). Waterproofing is achieved with potting sealant (approx. 22.2 ml silicon gel per assembly) rather than gaskets alone, giving long-term resistance to condensation ingress on rooftops.
Low-Loss Tin-Plated Copper Contacts
Copper tin-plated contact material delivers ≤0.5 mΩ contact resistance — critical for minimising DC losses over 25-year system life. Compatible with copper ribbons up to 8.5 mm wide for the highest-current bins in the module family.
Robust Mechanical Retention
Insertion force ≤130 N for tool-free hand mating; pullout force ≥150 N to prevent accidental disconnection under thermal cycling or cable tension. Terminal fastness rated to ≥200 N — well above typical rooftop cable-management loads.
Wide Operating Temperature Range
−40°C to +85°C continuous service temperature covers extreme UK winter overnight lows through peak summer rooftop backsheet temperatures (typically 60–70°C on mono-facial modules). UL94-V0 flame retardance gives added safety margin in the event of a DC arc event.
Technical Specifications
Identification
Manufacturer
Zhejiang Aiko Solar Technology Co., Ltd.
Connector Designation
AIKO-01C (proprietary)
Sold As
Individual connector; typical string requires 2 × 01C at inverter termination
Electrical
Contact Resistance
≤0.5 mΩ
Test Voltage
6.6 kV (50 Hz, 1 minute)
Maximum Working Current
As per matched junction box rating (25 A / 30 A depending on JB variant)
Contact Material
Copper, tin-plated
Copper Ribbon Compatibility
Up to 8.5 mm width
Cable & Insulation
Cable Size
4 mm² (12 AWG)
Conductor
Tinned copper stranded, IEC 60228 Class 5
Insulation
XLPE, halogen-free, low smoke
Cable Print Standard
IEC 62930 · 1×4 mm² · Halogen Free · Low Smoke · DC 1500V
Cable Riveting Tension
≥310 N
Environmental & Safety
Temperature Range
−40°C to +85°C
Protection Degree
IP65 (unmated) / IP67 & IP68 (mated, 1 m / 1 h)
Flame Retardance
UL94-V0 / 5VB rated
Weathering
High oil, ozone, UV and microbial resistance
Certifications
TÜV to IEC 62852+A1 · Certificate R 50618096
Mechanical
Overall Dimensions (Positive/Negative)
66.5 × 23.9 × 14.3 mm
Overall Dimensions (Middle)
52.7 × 23.9 × 14.3 mm
Insulation Material
PPE + PS (housing) · PA:BASF A3XZG5 · PPE:AKM PV40Z
Waterproofing Method
Potting sealant (~22.2 ml silicon gel)
Insertion Force
≤130 N (tool-free hand mating)
Number of Mating Cycles
≥100
Nut Retracting Force
≥1 N·m
Compatibility
Compatible Panels (examples)
AIK-A-MDE72-665W · AIK-G-MCH72-645-SF-DG-01C · AIK-G-MCH72-645-SF-DG-SC-01C · AIK-G-MCH72-650-SF-DG · AIK-G-MCH72-650-SF-DG-SC-01C · plus all Aiko Comet and Stellar modules ordered with the -01C suffix
Mating Partner
AIKO-01C only (do NOT mate with MC4, MC4-EVO2, PV-ZH202B, or any other type)
Alternative Aiko JB Connector Options
The same Aiko junction box family can be factory-fitted with Stäubli MC4-EVO2 (MC4-compatible) or PV-ZH202B; these variants ship under different SKU suffixes and are not interchangeable with 01C in the field.
Reference Documentation
Full technical documentation is available directly from Aiko: the AIKO Connector Technical Datasheet and the AIKO PV Module Installation Manual contain the complete crimping, mating, and inspection procedures required for compliant installation. Always follow the current revision of both documents when commissioning strings using the 01C interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aiko 01C connector compatible with standard MC4?
No. The Aiko 01C is a proprietary connector and is not electrically or mechanically compatible with standard MC4, nor with the Stäubli MC4-EVO2 series. Cross-mating connectors of different brands is prohibited under IEC 62548 and creates a fire and safety risk that will invalidate the module warranty. If your inverter uses MC4 inputs, you must use a 2 × 01C connector pair at the string end to mate to installer-terminated leads that then continue on to the inverter with the correct MC4-brand connectors. If MC4-compatible panels are preferred, order the Stellar or Comet modules with the MC4-EVO2 connector variant instead — the same panel family is available with Stäubli MC4-EVO2 (PV-KST4-EVO2 / PV-KBT4-EVO2) factory-fitted.
How many 01C connectors do I need for a typical string?
For a single PV string terminating at an inverter DC input, you need 2 × Aiko 01C connectors — one for the positive string end and one for the negative string end. These mate with the last panel's factory leads on one side and pass current to the installer-built cable assembly running back to the DC isolator on the other. Additional 01C connectors are needed for panel replacements, string extension leads, lead repairs, or bespoke cable lengths. Always keep a few spares on site during commissioning.
What does the '01C' suffix mean on Aiko panel part numbers?
The -01C suffix at the end of an Aiko panel model number (e.g. AIK-A-MDE72-665-…-01C) indicates the panel ships with the Aiko 01C connector factory-fitted to the junction box leads, rather than the alternative Stäubli MC4-EVO2 or PV-ZH202B connector options. Always check the module label for the definitive connector model designation before ordering matching field connectors, string cables, or extension leads.
Can I mix Aiko 01C panels with MC4-connector panels in the same string?
Only with a properly rated 01C-to-MC4 adapter lead where a single connector pair transitions between the two systems, and only where both connector manufacturers explicitly approve the interconnection in writing. In practice, this is rarely available for the 01C and it is far safer and simpler to standardise every panel in a string on the same connector type. Mixing brands within the string body — for example, panel-to-panel jumps between 01C and MC4 — is never permitted and creates real fire, arc-flash and warranty risks.
What certifications does the 01C connector hold?
The Aiko 01C is TÜV type-approved to IEC 62852+A1, the international standard for photovoltaic DC plug-and-socket devices operating at up to 1500 V. The certification number is R 50618096. The connector meets Class II safety requirements, UL94-V0 flame retardance, and is rated IP67 (mated). The associated cable and junction box comply with IEC 62790 and IEC 60228 Class 5 for the conductor. Full test reports are available from Aiko on request through your distributor.
Do I need special tools to install the 01C connector?
The 01C connector mates hand-tight with no special tool, thanks to an insertion force of ≤130 N. However, correct assembly onto the field cable requires a compatible crimp tool and die set designed for the 01C terminal, along with a 10 mm cable-preparation strip length. Improper crimping is the leading cause of hotspot failures in PV connectors — always follow Aiko's installation manual and use approved tooling. Disconnection under load is never permitted: always isolate the DC circuit at the isolator before unmating.
