Tyco Solarlok

Solarlok was introduced by Tyco International in order to meet new National Electrical Code (NEC) standards that required panel connectors to lock together and only be separated again using a tool.

Solarlok became very common in the United States where the code first came into effect, but had varying degrees of market success outside the US.

Non-licensed technicians do have exceptions when dealing with a "convenience receptacle", a plug that was designed specifically for end-users, like those found on common household electrical equipment like desk lamps.

Both designs were essentially weatherproofed versions of small phono jacks, with the connector and sockets surrounded by rubberized material to protect them from water.

These had the downside that they could be disconnected by pulling on them, which could occur naturally with snow buildup and similar effects.

A front-on view of a typical pair of Tyco Solarlok solar panel connectors. The blue ring on the female connector indicates that it is keyed for negative polarity. The keys are the plastic ridges running along the probe on the right connector. The right connector is the female electrically, although it appears male mechanically.