SMA 485 Data Module Installation Manual

485i-Module-IA-en-19 | Version 1.9 ENGLISH

Communication Interface for SMA Inverters

485 Data Module

Installation Manual

Legal Provisions SMA Solar Technology AG

2 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

Legal Provisions

The information contained in these documents is the property of SMA Solar Technology AG. Any publication, whether in whole or
in part, requires prior written approval by SMA Solar Technology AG. Internal reproduction used solely for the purpose of product
evaluation or other proper use is allowed and does not require prior approval.

SMA Warranty

You can download the current warranty conditions from the Internet at www.SMA-Solar.com.

Trademarks

All trademarks are recognized, even if not explicitly identified as such. Missing designations do not mean that a product or brand
is not a registered trademark.

The BLUETOOTH

®

word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of these marks by

SMA Solar Technology AG is under license.
Modbus

®

is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric and is licensed by the Modbus Organization, Inc.
QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
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®

and Pozidriv® are registered trademarks of Phillips Screw Company.

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®

is a registered trademark of Acument Global Technologies, Inc.

SMA Solar Technology AG

Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.SMA.de
E-mail: [e-mail]
© 2004 until 2016 SMA Solar Technology AG. All rights reserved.

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 3

Table of Contents

1 Information on this Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.1 Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2 Skills of Qualified Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Scope of Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.1 Order Option 485 Data Module Pre-Installed in the Inverter . . . . . . . 8

3.2 Order Option 485 Data Module as Retrofit Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.1 485 Data Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.2 Type Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.3 Cable Gland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.1 Device Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.2 Installing the 485 Data Module in the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5.3 Connecting the 485 Data Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.1 Disassembling the 485 Data Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.2 Packaging the 485 Data Module for Shipping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

6.3 Disposing of the 485 Data Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

9 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

1 Information on this Document SMA Solar Technology AG

4 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

1 Information on this Document

Validity

This document is valid for device type "485I-MOD-G1 BGCB" with hardware version B5 and
firmware version 4.00 or higher.

Target Group

This document is intended for qualified persons. Only persons with the appropriate skills are allowed
to perform the activities described in this document (see Section2.2 "Skills of Qualified Persons",
page7).

Symbols

Symbol Explanation

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in death
or serious injury

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in minor
or moderate injury

Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, can result in property damage

Information that is important for a specific topic or goal, but is not

safety-relevant
☐ Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific goal
☑ Desired result
✖ A problem that might occur

SMA Solar Technology AG 1 Information on this Document

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 5

Typographies

Nomenclature

Abbreviations

Figures

The figures in this document can vary slightly for inverters of types STP 1x000TL-10,
STP xx000TLHE-10, STP xx000TLEE-10, STP xx000TL-30, SB x000TL-21 and WB xx00TL-21.

Typography Explanation Example
bold • Display texts

• Elements on a user interface

•Terminals

• Elements to be selected

• Elements to be entered

• The value can be found in the
field Energy.

• Select Settings.

•Enter the value 10 in the field
Minutes.

> • Connects several elements to

be selected

• Select Settings > Date.

[Button/Key] • Button or key to be selected or

pressed

• Select [Next].

Complete designation Designation in this document

Electronic Solar Switch ESS
PV System System
SMA Inverter Inverter

Abbreviation Designation Explanation

AC Alternating Current Alternating current
DC Direct Current Direct current

2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG

6 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

2 Safety

2.1 Intended Use

The 485 Data Module enables the setup of cable-connected RS485 communication for
SMA inverters of type:

The 485 Data Module is only suitable for use with the above mentioned inverter types. The 485 Data
Module is available as a retrofit kit or is pre-installed in the inverter. The inverter still complies with the
standard after the product has been installed.

For safety reasons, it is not permitted to modify the product or install components that are not explicitly
recommended or distributed by SMA Solar Technology AG for this product. Only use the 485 Data
Module in accordance with the information provided in the enclosed documentation. Any other use
can result in personal injury or property damage.

The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product.

• Read and observe the documentation.

• Keep the documentation in a convenient place for future reference.

Sunny Boy Sunny Tripower Windy Boy

SB 3000TL-20
SB 3600TL-20
SB 4000TL-20
SB 5000TL-20
SB 3000TL-21
SB 3600TL-21
SB 4000TL-21
SB 5000TL-21
SB 6000TL-21
SB 2500TLST-21
SB 3000TLST-21

STP 8000TL-10
STP 10000TL-10
STP 12000TL-10
STP 15000TL-10
STP 17000TL-10
STP 15000TLHE-10
STP 20000TLHE-10
STP 15000TLEE-10
STP 20000TLEE-10
STP 15000TL-30
STP 20000TL-30
STP 25000TL-30

WB 3600TL-20
WB 5000TL-20
WB 3000TL-21
WB 3600TL-21
WB 4000TL-21
WB 5000TL-21

SMA Solar Technology AG 2 Safety

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 7

2.2 Skills of Qualified Persons

The activities described in this document must only be performed by qualified persons. Qualified
persons must have the following skills:

• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and installations

• Knowledge of how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and using
electrical devices and installations

• Knowledge of all applicable standards and directives

• Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated

• Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all safety information

2.3 Safety Information

Electric Shock

Lethal voltages are present in the conductive parts of the inverter.

• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources on
the AC and DC sides (see inverter installation manual).

Burn Hazards

Some parts of the inverter enclosure can get hot during operation.

• During operation, do not touch any parts other than the enclosure lid of the inverter.

Electrostatic Discharge

By touching electronic components, you can damage or even destroy the inverter through electrostatic
discharge (ESD).

• Ground yourself before touching any inverter component.

Interference in Data Transmission due to AC Cables

During operation, AC cables generate an electromagnetic field which may induce interference in
plant communication.

• Lay the RS485 communication cables using suitable fastening material and with a minimum
clearance of 50 mm to the AC cables.

3 Scope of Delivery SMA Solar Technology AG

8 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

3 Scope of Delivery

3.1 Order Option 485 Data Module Pre-Installed in the Inverter

Check the delivery for completeness and any visible external damage. Contact your distributor if the
delivery is incomplete or damaged.

Figure1: Components included in scope of delivery: 485 Data Module pre-installed in the inverter

3.2 Order Option 485 Data Module as Retrofit Kit

Check the delivery for completeness and any visible external damage. Contact your distributor if the
delivery is incomplete or damaged.

Figure2: Components included in the scope of delivery: 485 Data Module as retrofit kit

Position Quantity Designation

A 1 Installation Manual
B 1 Technical Description "RS485 Cabling Plan"
C 1 Cable gland

Position Quantity Designation

A 1 485 Data Module with:

• 2 conductive adhesive foil labels

•1 plug

• 1 plug with connected terminator
B 1 Cable gland
C 1 Installation Manual
D 1 Technical Description "RS485 Cabling Plan"

SMA Solar Technology AG 4 Product Description

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 9

4 Product Description

4.1 485 Data Module

The 485 Data Module enables the setup of wired RS485 communication for SMA inverters.

Figure3: Design of the 485 Data Module

4.2 Type Label

The type label clearly identifies the 485 Data Module. The type label is located at the bottom right
on the back of the 485 Data Module.

Figure4: Information on the type label

Position Designation

A Hexagon socket screw
B Plug-in connector
C Plug with connected resistor
DRibbon cable plug
E Ribbon Cable
FType label

4 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG

10 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

You will require the information on the type label to use the 485 Data Module safely and when
seeking customer support from the SMA Service Line. The type label must remain permanently
attached to the 485 Data Module.

Symbol on the Type Label

4.3 Cable Gland

The cable gland provides a sturdy, tightly sealed connection of the cables to the inverter enclosure.
The cable gland also protects the inverter from dust and moisture intrusion.

Figure5: Product description: Cable gland

Position Designation Explanation

A Serial No. Serial number of the 485 Data Module
B Version Hardware version of the 485 Data Module
CType Device type

Symbol Designation Explanation

CE marking The 485 Data Module complies with the

requirements of the applicable EC
directives.

Position Designation

AFiller plug
BSeal
CSwivel nut
DCounter nut

SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Connection

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 11

5 Connection

5.1 Device Overview

Figure6: Overview of the connection area

Position Designation

A Flipped up display with screw
B Cable route to the plugs of the 485 Data Module
C Inverter enclosure opening for cable gland
D Mounting position of the 485 Data Module in the inverter

5 Connection SMA Solar Technology AG

12 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

5.2 Installing the 485 Data Module in the Inverter

2. Release the screw of the display far enough to
allow the display to be flipped up.

3. Flip the display up until it snaps into place.

4. Push the pre-mounted filler plug out of the second
hole from the left in the inverter enclosure.

5. Attach the cable gland to the enclosure opening
using the counter nut.

1.

Danger to life due to electric shock when opening the inverter
Death or serious injuries

• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources on the AC and DC sides and open it (see
the inverter installation manual).

SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Connection

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 13

6. Insert the 485 Data Module and push the ribbon
cable upwards behind the display. The key on the
top edge of the 485 Data Module must fit into the
hole in the plastic retainer in the inverter.

7. 485 Data Module hand-tight using a hexagon
socket screw (AF 3, torque: 1.5 Nm).

8. Flip the display down.

9. Plug the ribbon cable plug onto the center
connector strip.

5 Connection SMA Solar Technology AG

14 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

5.3 Connecting the 485 Data Module

To achieve a good signal quality, observe the cable recommendation (see Technical Description
"RS485 Cabling Plan").

Procedure:

To connect the 485 Data Module, perform the following work steps in the prescribed sequence.
The exact procedure is described in the following sections.

• Prepare the cable

• Connect the cable to the 485 Data Module

Preparing the Cable

1. Remove 40 mm of the cable sheath at the end of the cable which is to be connected to the
485 Data Module.

2. Shorten the cable shield to 15 mm.

3. Fold the surplus cable shield back over the cable
sheath.

4. Wrap the cable shield in conductive adhesive foil.

5. Strip off the insulation of the three insulated conductors by 6 mm. The two insulated conductors
used for communication must be a twisted pair.

6. Shorten all other conductors flush with the cable sheath.

Interference in data transmission due to AC cables

During operation, AC cables generate an electromagnetic field which may induce interference
in plant communication.

• Lay the RS485 communication cables using suitable fastening material and with a
minimum clearance of 50 mm to the AC cables.

SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Connection

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 15

Connecting the Cable to the 485 Data Module

1. Flip the display up until it snaps into place.

2. Unscrew the swivel nut of the cable gland on the
inverter.

3. Press the seal out of the cable gland from the inside.

4. Route the cable from the outside into the inverter through the unfastened swivel nut and the
cable gland.

5. Remove one of the filler-plugs from the seal for each
cable.

6. Insert the cable into the seal.

7. Press the seal into the cable gland. Ensure that any unused cable openings are sealed with filler
plugs.

8. Screw the swivel nut of the cable gland on loosely.

5 Connection SMA Solar Technology AG

16 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

9. Remove or connect the terminator:

• If two cables are connected, open the spring clamp terminals of the plug with the connected
terminator and remove the terminator.

• If one cable is connected, the terminator in the unused plug must be connected in terminals
2 and 7.

10. Open the spring clamp terminals on the plug.

11. Connect the insulated conductors to the plug terminals and note down the color of the insulated
conductors. The allocation of cables to plugs can be done in any order.

12. Close the spring clamp terminals.

13. Push the cable with the cable shield into the shield connection terminal on the 485 Data
Module.

☑ Two cables are connected to the 485 data

module.

Signal 485 Data Module RS485 bus Insulated

conductor color

GND 5 5
Data+ 2 2
Data- 7 7

SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Connection

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 17

or

☑ One cable is connected to the 485 data

module.

14. Fasten the swivel nut on the cable gland hand-tight. This relieves pull strains on the cables.

15. Flip the display down and fasten the screw of the display hand-tight.

16. Close the inverter (see inverter installation manual).

17. Connect the other cable end to the RS485 bus (for information on the terminal assignment and
wiring in the system, see the technical description "RS485 Cabling Plan").

6 Decommissioning SMA Solar Technology AG

18 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

6 Decommissioning

6.1 Disassembling the 485 Data Module

2. Press the left-hand and right-hand lock hooks
outwards and remove the ribbon cable plug from
the center connector strip of the inverter.

3. Release the screw of the display far enough to allow the display to be flipped up.

4. Flip the display up until it snaps into place.

5. Unscrew the swivel nut from the cable gland.

6. Open the spring clamp terminals of the plug on the 485 Data Module.

7. Remove the cables from the 485 Data Module.

8. Unscrew the counter nut of the cable gland.

9. Pull the cable gland and cables out of the inverter.

10. Release the screw of the 485 Data Module and remove the 485 Data Module.

11. Close the spring clamp terminals of the plugs on the 485 Data Module.

12. Flip the display down and fasten the display screw hand-tight.

13. Seal the opening in the inverter enclosure with the filler plug for enclosure openings.

14. Close the inverter (see inverter installation manual).

1.

Danger to life due to electric shock when opening the inverter

Death or serious injuries

• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources on the AC and DC sides and open it
(see the inverter installation manual).

2

1

1

SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Decommissioning

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 19

6.2 Packaging the 485 Data Module for Shipping

• Pack the 485 Data Module. To do so, use the original packaging or packaging that is suitable
for the weight and size of the 485 Data Module.

6.3 Disposing of the 485 Data Module

• Dispose of the 485 Data Module in accordance with the regulations for the disposal of
electronic waste applicable at the installation site.

or

Return the 485 Data Module to SMA Solar Technology AG at your own expense labeled
"ZUR ENTSORGUNG" ("FOR DISPOSAL") (see Section9 "Contact", page22).

7 Troubleshooting SMA Solar Technology AG

20 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

7 Troubleshooting

Problem Cause and corrective measures

The emergency channel list "Emergncy"
or "EmgncyXX" is displayed in the
communication product (e. g. Sunny
WebBox, Sunny Explorer).

The inverter is displayed with the device
class "Others" in Sunny Portal.

The 485 Data Module has been installed in an inverter
without first disconnecting the inverter on the AC and DC
sides. This prevents the inverter detecting the new
485 Data Module.

Corrective measures:

• Prior to performing any work on the inverter,
disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources on
the AC and DC sides (see inverter installation
manual).

Several SMA communication products are
simultaneously querying data from the devices via

Bluetooth (e.g. Sunny Explorer, Sunny Beam with
Bluetooth) and RS485 communication (e.g. Sunny

WebBox).
This can cause data congestion if a lot of data is

transmitted simultaneously. If this state lasts for more than
five minutes, the inverter carries out a reset of the
485 Data Module. Due to the data congestion, the
inverter cannot detect the 485 Data Module after the
reset.

Corrective measures:

• Wait until the inverter restarts the next morning,
then the inverter will detect the 485 Data Module.

or

Disconnect the inverter from voltage sources on the
AC and DC sides and recommission it (see the
inverter installation manual).

SMA Solar Technology AG 8 Technical Data

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 21

8 Technical Data

Mechanical Data

Communication

Terminals

Ambient Conditions during Operation

Ambient Conditions for Storage/Transport

Width x height x depth 73 mm x 88 mm x 34 mm
Weight 71 g

Communication interface RS485
Maximum cable length 1200 m

Type of plug 4-pole spring-cage terminal
Number of RS485 connections 2

Ambient temperature − 25°C to +85°C
Relative humidity, non-condensing 5% to 95%
Maximum height above mean sea level 3000 m

Ambient temperature − 40°C to +85°C
Relative humidity, non-condensing 5% to 95 %
Maximum height above mean sea level 3000 m

9 Contact SMA Solar Technology AG

22 485i-Module-IA-en-19 Installation Manual

9 Contact

If you have technical problems with our products, please contact the SMA Service Line.
We require the following information in order to provide you with the necessary assistance:

• Type, serial number, and firmware version of the inverter

• Type, serial number, hardware and firmware version of the 485 Data Module

• Number of 485 Data Modules connected

Danmark
Deutschland
Österreich
Schweiz

SMA Solar Technology AG
Niestetal
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com
Sunny Boy, Sunny Mini Central,

Sunny Tripower:
[phone]

Monitoring Systems
(Kommunikationsprodukte):
[phone]

Fuel Save Controller (PV-Diesel
Hybridsysteme):
[phone]

Sunny Island, Sunny Backup,
Hydro Boy: [phone]

Sunny Central:
[phone]

Belgien
Belgique
België
Luxemburg
Luxembourg
Nederland

SMA Benelux BVBA/SPRL
Mechelen
[phone]

Česko
Magyarország
Slovensko

SMA Service Partner TERMS
a.s.

[phone]

Polska SMA Polska

[phone]

Ελλάδα
Κύπρος

SMA Hellas AE
Αθήνα
[phone]

España
Portugal

SMA Ibérica Tecnología Solar,
S.L.U.

Barcelona
[phone]

France SMA France S.A.S.

Lyon
[phone]

Bulgaria
Italia
România

SMA Italia S.r.l.
Milano
[phone]

United Kingdom SMA Solar UK Ltd.

Milton Keynes
[phone]

United Arab
Emirates

SMA Middle East LLC
Abu Dhabi
[phone]

India SMA Solar India Pvt. Ltd.

Mumbai
[phone]

SMA Solar Technology AG 9 Contact

Installation Manual 485i-Module-IA-en-19 23

대한민국 SMA Technology Korea Co., Ltd.

서울
[phone]

SMA Solar (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

[phone]

South Africa SMA Solar Technology

South Africa Pty Ltd.
Cape Town
08600SUNNY (08600 78669)
International:

[phone]

Argentina
Brasil
Chile
Perú

SMA South America SPA
Santiago
[phone]

Australia SMA Australia Pty Ltd.

Sydney
Toll free for Australia:

1800 SMA AUS
(1800 762 287)

International: [phone]

Other countries International SMA Service Line

Niestetal
00800 SMA SERVICE
([phone])

www.SMA-Solar.com

SMA Solar Technology