Installation procedure, Typical installation of a well-nut – Samlex America SM5-KIT User Manual

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solar module

1/4” -20x3/4” flange bolt

1/4” flat washer

1/4” locknut

mounting bracket

RV roof

Fig. 7. Attaching solar panel to 5-hole mounting bracket

4. Position the panel with the attached mounting brackets at the desired location on the RV roof and

mark the position of the mounting holes by tracing the hole in the mounting bracket. Please ensure
that the mounting surface on the RV roof is strong enough to support the mounting hardware, solar
panel and wind loads.

5. The centre and end holes on the mounting brackets (Fig. 1) are sized to accept the ¼” hardware

supplied with the kit. If the use of larger sized hardware is desired, holes 2 and 4 can be used.

6. To install the Well-Nuts, for anchoring the brackets to the RV roof or a fl at surface, drill holes 1¼”

deep at the marked positions using a ½” size drill bit. Make sure that drilling does not interfere with
pre-existing wiring installations.

7. Apply silicone or any appropriate sealant recommended by your RV dealer generously to the drilled

holes for water-proofi ng.

8. Insert the ¼” Well-Nut into the drilled holes so that only the fl ange section remains above the roof

surface (Fig. 3).

9. Fasten the mounting brackets to the roof surface by inserting the ¼ x 1¼” serrated fl ange bolt into

the Well-Nut. Tighten using a 3/8” wrench to a recommended torque of 15 lbs. When the serrated
fl ange bolt is screwed into the Well-Nut, the material surrounding the well nut bulges slightly
securing the structure to the RV roof (Fig. 5, 8).

10. Ensure that all fasteners are tightened to the recommended tightening torque.
11. Make sure all bolts and mounting brackets are covered by good amounts of suitable RV sealant

recommended by your local RV dealer.

Rubber bushing material expands

when bolt is tightened to securely

anchor hardware

solar

module

¼”-20 x 1¼” flange bolt

¼” flat washer

Well-Nut

mounting bracket

RV roof material

up to approx. 3/8”

thickness

Fig. 8. Attaching 5-hole mounting bracket to RV roof

well Nut for anchoring mounting bracket to the RV Roof or fl at surface

A Well-Nut is a bushing of tough neoprene rubber with a fl ange at the top end and a captive brass nut
mounted within the bore at the bottom end (Fig. 2). This is used to anchor the mounting bracket (Fig.1)
on to the roof of the RV or to other fl at surface. Typical installation is shown in Figs 3 to 6. Tightening
a conventional machine bolt or screw engages the captive nut thereby causing the bushing to expand
outwards. This fastens securely to thinner RV roofs by bulging up and against the bottom surface of the roof
(Fig. 5). If used in a blind hole in a solid surface material, the rubber will expand outwards to create a secure
fastening (Fig. 6). The neoprene and brass resist most environmental conditions. Additionally, the Well-Nut
seals the drilled hole effectively against air and liquid leakage.

flange

1/2” diameter

1/4” captive brass nut

Fig. 2. Construction of a Well Nut

Typical Installation of a well-Nut

RV Roofing

Material

Well Nut

Fig. 3. Well-Nut is inserted

into a pre-drilled hole

with its fl ange against the

outer surface. There is no

need for access to the

inner side.

1/4”-20 x 1

1/4

”

Serrated

Flange Bolt

Mounting

Bracket

Captive

Brass Nut

Fig. 4. The 5-hole mounting

bracket is placed against

the fl ange of the Well-Nut

and is secured by the 1/4"-

20 x 1

1/4

" serrated fl ange

bolt engaging the captive

brass nut.

Fig. 5. As the bolt is tight-

ened, the neoprene body of

the Well-Nut is compressed

and expanded, forcing it

tightly into the bolt's threads

and against the inner surface

of the thin RV roof material.

Fig. 6. Installed in a

blind hole in a solid ma-

terial, the body of the

Well-Nut expands tightly

against the walls of the

hole, effecting a secure,

dependable fastening.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Determine the position of the solar panel on the RV roof or fl at surface. While positioning panels, avoid
shading of the solar panel by neighbouring obstacles such as vents, air-conditioners, TV antennas etc. As
far as possible, position the panels to minimize wiring distance between the solar panel and the charge
controller. Place the panel at least 8-10 inches away from the RV roof edges and leave suffi cient space to
walk around the panel and access the mounting hardware.

Make sure the thickness of the roof at the installation location is at least ½” thick and the material
is strong enough to provide mechanical support to the solar panel and mounting hardware against
possible wind loading. Place the panel length-wise to reduce the effects of wind loading on the RV.

Fix the mounting brackets to the frame of the previously positioned solar panel using the slotted
opening and the ¼”-20 x ¾" Flange Bolt, Nylon Locknut and fl at washer (Fig. 7). Using a 7/16” wrench,
tighten the nuts to secure the mounting brackets to the PV panel. Recommended tightening torque is
15 lbs.