Why the "Frankfurter Pfanne" tile has special requirements
For decades, the Braas "Frankfurter Pfanne" (Frankfurt Pan) tile has been one of the most frequently installed roof tiles in German-speaking countries. Its characteristic profiling with the distinctive central ridge presents a challenge for cable routing: PV cables cannot simply be run between two tiles without creating pinch points or chafing.
In practice, many installers resort to temporary solutions — tiles are ground down, cables are laid over the eaves, or threaded through the ventilation slit. These makeshift solutions do not offer lasting protection against mechanical abrasion.
What installers should pay attention to when routing cables
A professional PV cable bushing through the "Frankfurter Pfanne" tile must match the grid dimension (covering width approx. 300 mm, covering length approx. 330 mm), provide space for PV cables (approx. Ø 7.5 mm) and earthing cables (up to Ø 16 mm) — ideally simultaneously — and allow installation without complex processing of the roof tile.
The NEXCAPE® Roof Duct 125 mm for the "Frankfurter Pfanne" tile
The NEXCAPE® PV cable roof duct in the 125 mm variant is adapted to the geometry of common concrete roof tiles such as the "Frankfurter Pfanne". It is hooked into the roof tile and allows for clean routing of PV and earthing cables — with MC4 connectors installed, without disassembling the plug connections.
The material — UV-resistant technical plastic — protects the cables at the duct point from mechanical abrasion. Installation in three steps: grind out roof tile if necessary, route cable, hook in duct. No special tools required.
Practical Tip: Multiple duct points for larger systems
For PV systems above a certain size, a single cable duct is often not enough. Multiple strings mean multiple cable pairs. Recommendation: Distribute duct points along the eave side — this avoids cable congestion, reduces friction risks, and facilitates later maintenance.
Common mistakes in cable routing
Excessive grinding impairs the stability of the tile. Cables without protective sleeves on the concrete roof tile edge are particularly vulnerable — concrete roof tiles act like sandpaper on the cable insulation. Incorrectly reassembled MC4 connectors after disassembly increase contact resistance. The NEXCAPE® duct avoids this problem because MC4 connectors can remain assembled.
Available sizes and order quantities
Available in three lengths: 105 mm, 125 mm, and 150 mm. For the "Frankfurter Pfanne" tile, the 125 mm variant is the most common choice. Packs of 20, 50, 100, 500 or 1,000 pieces — for businesses of all sizes.
All information and current availability at dachdurchfuehrung24.com | Contact: support@dachdurchfuehrung24.com | Tel: 07054 927999
The suitable PV cable roof ducts for mechanical abrasion protection can be found in the D24-B2B-Shop (volume discounts from 20 pieces) – UV-resistant TPU, Made in Germany.
