SMA MD.485-40, PC-485.BG1 Installation Manual

Installation manual

SMA RS485 MODULE

MD.485-40 (PC-485.BG1)

MD485-40-IA-en-10 | Version 1.0ENGLISH

Legal Provisions

The information contained in these documents is 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.

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.
Phillips® and Pozidriv® are registered trademarks of PhillipsScrewCompany.
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SMA Solar Technology AG

Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.SMA.de
Email: [e-mail]

Status: 9/18/2017
Copyright © 2017 SMA Solar Technology AG. All rights reserved.

Legal Provisions

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-102

Table of Contents

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

1.1 Validity ............................................................................................... 4

1.2 Target Group ..................................................................................... 4

1.3 Additional Information....................................................................... 4

1.4 Symbols.............................................................................................. 4

1.5 Typographies..................................................................................... 5

1.6 Nomenclature.................................................................................... 5

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

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

2.2 Safety Information ............................................................................. 6

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

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

4.1 SMA RS485 Module ........................................................................ 9

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

5 Mounting................................................................................... 11

5.1 Mounting position.............................................................................. 11

5.2 Installing the Module......................................................................... 11

6 Connection ................................................................................ 13

6.1 Preparing the Connection Cable...................................................... 13

6.2 Inserting the Cables........................................................................... 13

6.3 Connecting the Cable ....................................................................... 14

7 Decommissioning ..................................................................... 16

7.1 Removing the Module....................................................................... 16

7.2 Packing the Product for Shipment..................................................... 17

7.3 Disposing of the Product ................................................................... 17

8 Technical Data .......................................................................... 18

9 Contact ...................................................................................... 19

10 EU Declaration of Conformity ................................................. 21

Table of Contents

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 3MD485-40-IA-en-10

1 Information on this Document

1.1 Validity

This document is valid for the SMA RS485 Module (MD.485-40) with assembly designation
"PC-485.BG1" from hardware version A1.

1.2 Target Group

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

• Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated

• Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and using
electrical devices and installations

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

• Knowledge of the applicable standards and directives

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

1.3 Additional Information

Links to additional information can be found at www.SMA-Solar.com:

Document title Document type

"RS485 Cabling Plan" Installation manual

1.4 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

1Information on this Document

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Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-104

1.5 Typographies

Typography Use 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 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].

1.6 Nomenclature

Complete designation Designation in this document

PV system PV system

1 Information on this Document

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 5MD485-40-IA-en-10

2 Safety

2.1 Intended Use

The SMA RS485 Module enables SMA inverters to establish wired RS485 communication.
The RS485 Module must only be installed in the following SMA inverters:

• STP 50-40 (Sunny Tripower CORE1)

The inverter still complies with the standard after the product has been installed.
The product must only be used in countries for which it is approved or released by SMA Solar

Technology AG and the grid operator.
All components must remain within their permitted operating ranges and their installation

requirements at all times.
Use this product only in accordance with the information provided in the enclosed documentation

and with the locally applicable standards and directives. Any other application may cause
personal injury or property damage.

Alterations to the product, e.g. changes or modifications, are only permitted with the express written
permission of SMA Solar Technology AG. Unauthorized alterations will void guarantee and
warranty claims and in most cases terminate the operating license. SMA Solar Technology AG
shall not be held liable for any damage caused by such changes.

Any use of the product other than that described in the Intended Use section does not qualify as the
intended use.

The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product. Keep the documentation in a
convenient place for future reference and observe all instructions contained therein.

The type label must remain permanently attached to the product.

2.2 Safety Information

This section contains safety information that must be observed at all times when working on or with
the product.

To prevent personal injury and property damage and to ensure long-term operation of the product,
read this section carefully and observe all safety information at all times.

Danger to life due to high voltages of the PV array

When exposed to light, the PV array generates dangerous DC voltage, which is present in the DC
conductors and the live components of the inverter. Touching the DC conductors or the live
components can lead to lethal electric shocks.

• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, always disconnect the inverter from voltage
sources on the AC and DC sides as described in the inverter manual. When doing so, note
that even if the DC load-break is switched off, there will be dangerous direct voltage present
in the DC conductors of the inverter.

2Safety

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Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-106

Damage to seals on the enclosure lids in subfreezing conditions

If you open the enclosure lids when temperatures are below freezing, the enclosure seals can be
damaged. This can lead to moisture entering the inverter.

• Only open the enclosure lids if the ambient temperature is not below -5°C

• If a layer of ice has formed on the seal of the lid when temperatures are below freezing,
remove it prior to opening the enclosure lids (e.g. by melting the ice with warm air). Observe
the applicable safety regulations.

Damage to the inverter or product due to electrostatic discharge

Touching electronic components can cause damage to or destroy the inverter or the product
through electrostatic discharge.

• Ground yourself before touching any component.

2 Safety

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 7MD485-40-IA-en-10

3 Scope of Delivery

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

BACD

FE

Figure 1: Components included in the scope of delivery

Position Quantity Designation

A 1 Module
B 1 Fastening screw (M5, TX25)
C 2 4-pole terminal block
D 1 Terminator
E 2 Copper foil
F 1 Quick Reference Guide

3Scope of Delivery

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4 Product Description

4.1 SMA RS485 Module

The SMA RS485 Module enables SMA inverters to establish wired RS485 communication.

Design of the Module

F

A

DD

C

B

B

E

Figure 2: Design of the module

Position Explanation

A Opening for the fastening screw
B Openings for the guide pins of the communication assembly
C Jacks for connecting the 4-pole terminal blocks
D Shield clamps
E Type label
F Connector strip on the back of the module for connection to the

communication assembly in the inverter

4.2 Type Label

The type label clearly identifies the product. The type label is located on the front of the product.

PC-485.BG1

XXXXX

XX

A

B

C

Figure 3: Design of the type label

Position Explanation

A Device type
B Serial number
C Hardware version

4 Product Description

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 9MD485-40-IA-en-10

You will require the information on the type label to use the product safely and when seeking
customer support from Service (see Section9 "Contact", page19).

4Product Description

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-1010

5 Mounting

5.1 Mounting position

DISPLAY

BAT

Max. 30V DC

USB

FCC ID: SVF-KP

IC: 9440A-KP20

MFR

A

B

X1

X2

A

B

C

Figure 4: Communication assembly in the inverter with mounting position for the module

Position Designation

A Communication assembly
B

Module slot M1*

C

Module slot M2

* Production resources SMA Solar Technology AG recommends using module slot M1 for the module.

5.2 Installing the Module

Maximum number of modules per inverter

You can only use a maximum of one module of the same device type per inverter.

Procedure:

1.

Danger to life due to high voltages of the PV array

When exposed to sunlight, the PV array generates dangerous DC voltage, which is present in
the DC conductors and the live components of the inverter. Touching the DC conductors or the
live components can lead to lethal electric shocks.

• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, always disconnect the inverter from voltage
sources on the AC and DC sides as described in the inverter manual. When doing so,
note that even if the DC load-break is switched off, there will be dangerous direct voltage
present in the DC conductors of the inverter.

2. Remove the enclosure lid of the DC Connection Unit. Unscrew all screws with a Torx
screwdriver (TX25) and remove the enclosure lid carefully forward.

3. Set the screws and the enclosure lid aside and store safely.

5 Mounting

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 11MD485-40-IA-en-10

4. Install the module at the desired mounting location. Perform the following steps:

• Guide the three guide pins on the
communication assembly through the holes
in the module. The holes in which the guide
pins must be inserted depend on the
mounting location.

• Carefully push the module down on the
upper edge and on the connection sockets
until it audibly snaps into both side locking
tabs of the communication assembly. The
connector strip on the back of the module is
automatically pushed into the socket
terminal strip of the communication
assembly.

CLICKCLICK

5. Screw tight the fastening screw with a Torx
screwdriver (TX 25) on the module (torque:

1.5Nm). This additionally fixes the module in
place and grounds it in the inverter enclosure.

5Mounting

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Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-1012

6 Connection

6.1 Preparing the Connection Cable

Depending on whether the module is located at the end or in the middle of the communication bus,
prepare one or two connection cables as described in the following.

Requirements:

☐ The cable requirements must be complied with (see Installation Instructions "RS485 Cabling

Plan" at www.SMA-Solar.com).

☐ Diameter of the cable when using the cable support sleeve with one hole: at maximum

17mm

☐ Diameter of the cable when using the cable support sleeve with two holes: at maximum

6.5mm

Procedure:

1. Strip 40mm of cable sheath from the end of the connection cable to which the terminal block
is to be attached. Make sure that no pieces of cable are dropped into the inverter.

2. Trim the cable shield to a length of 15mm and
fold it over the cable sheath.

3. Wrap the cable shield with copper foil.

4. Strip the insulation on the three insulated conductors each by 6mm. The two insulated
conductors used for communication must be a twisted pair.

5. Trim unneeded insulated conductors of the connection cable flush with the cable sheath.

6.2 Inserting the Cables

Additionally required material (not included in the scope of delivery):

☐ Connection cable (see Section6.1, page13)

6 Connection

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Installation manual 13MD485-40-IA-en-10

Procedure:

1. Make sure that the inverter has been disconnected and is secured against reconnection (see
the inverter manual).

2. Remove the swivel nut from the cable gland for the communication cable.

3. Thread the swivel nut over the cable.

4. Press the two-hole cable support sleeve out of the cable gland.

5. Remove the sealing plug from one of the enclosure openings of the two-hole cable support
sleeve and insert the cable into the enclosure opening.

6. Press the two-hole cable support sleeve with the cable into the cable gland and guide the
cable to the communication assembly in the DC Connection Unit. Ensure that any unused
enclosure openings of the two-hole cable support sleeve are sealed with sealing plugs.

7. Tighten the swivel nut on the cable gland hand-tight. This will secure the cable.

6.3 Connecting the Cable

Assignment of the terminal block:

Terminal block Clamping

position

Assignment

23

57

2 Data+ (D+)
3 Not assigned
5 Ground (GND)
7 Data- (D-)

Procedure:

1. Plug a terminal block each into the jack on the
module.

2. If one connection cable is to be connected, attach the terminator:

6Connection

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-1014

• Push the levers of the terminals 2 and 7 of a
terminal block upwards.

• Bend the ends of the terminator downwards
and plug the terminator into the open
terminals.

• Close the levers of the terminals.

3. Push the levers of the terminals 2, 5 and 7 of a terminal block upwards.

4. Connect the insulated conductors to the terminals 2, 5 and 7 and note the insulated conductor
colors (see Installation Instructions "RS485 Cabling Plan" at www.SMA-Solar.com).

5. Close the levers of the terminals.

6. Press each connection cable with the cable
shield into the shield clamp on the module.

7. If no further connections are required on the module, close the inverter and commission it (see
the inverter manual).

6 Connection

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 15MD485-40-IA-en-10

7 Decommissioning

7.1 Removing the Module

Procedure:

1.

Danger to life due to high voltages of the PV array

When exposed to sunlight, the PV array generates dangerous DC voltage, which is present in
the DC conductors and the live components of the inverter. Touching the DC conductors or the
live components can lead to lethal electric shocks.

• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, always disconnect the inverter from voltage
sources on the AC and DC sides as described in the inverter manual. When doing so,
note that even if the DC load-break is switched off, there will be dangerous direct voltage
present in the DC conductors of the inverter.

2. Remove the enclosure lid of the DC Connection Unit. Unscrew all screws with a Torx
screwdriver (TX25) and remove the enclosure lid carefully forward.

3. Set the screws and the enclosure lid aside and store safely.

4. Remove all connecting terminal plates from the used connection sockets of the module.

5. Unscrew the fastening screw on the module
using a Torx screwdriver (TX25).

6. Remove the module:

• Press the right or left locking tab of the
communication assembly slightly outwards
and pull the module slightly forwards
holding the lower end until the module is
released from the interlock of the locking
tab.

1

2

• Grab the module by the upper and lower edge with one hand.

7Decommissioning

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-1016

• Slightly press the second locking tab
outwards using the other hand and pull the
module slightly forwards on the lower end
until the module is released from the
interlock of the locking tab.

1

2

• Remove the module from its slot by pulling it forwards.

7. Remove the swivel nut from the cable gland for the communication cable.

8. Lead the connection cable out of the two-hole cable support sleeve.

9. Lead the connection cable out of the swivel nut.

10. Close unused enclosure openings of the two-hole cable support sleeve with sealing plugs.

11. Press the cable support sleeve into the two-hole cable gland.

12. Tighten the swivel nut on the cable gland hand-tight.

13. Close the inverter and, if necessary, recommission it (see inverter manual).

7.2 Packing the Product for Shipment

• Pack the product for shipping. Use the original packaging or packaging that is suitable for the
weight and size of the product.

7.3 Disposing of the Product

• Dispose of the product in accordance with the locally applicable disposal regulations for
electronic waste.

7 Decommissioning

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Installation manual 17MD485-40-IA-en-10

8 Technical Data

General Data

Mounting location In the inverter
Voltage supply Via the inverter

Mechanical Data

Width x height x depth 60mm x 105 mm x 33mm

Ambient Conditions for Storage/Transport

Ambient temperature -40°C to +70°C
Relative humidity, non-condensing 10% to 100%
Maximum height above mean sea level 3000m

Communication

Interface RS485
Maximum cable length 1200m

Terminals

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

8Technical Data

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-1018

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:

• Inverters:

– Serial number
– Firmware version
– Special country-specific settings (if applicable)

• Module:

– Serial number
– Hardware version

• Detailed description of the problem

Deutschland
Österreich
Schweiz

SMA Solar Technology AG
Niestetal
Sunny Boy, Sunny Mini Central,

SunnyTripower:
+495619522‑1499

Monitoring Systems
(Kommunikationsprodukte):
+495619522‑2499

Fuel Save Controller
(PV-Diesel-Hybridsysteme):
+495619522-3199

Sunny Island,
Sunny Boy Storage,
Sunny Backup:
+495619522-399

Sunny Central,
Sunny Central Storage:
+495619522-299

SMA Online Service Center:
www.SMA-Service.com

Belgien
Belgique
België
Luxemburg
Luxembourg
Nederland

SMA Benelux BVBA/SPRL
Mechelen
+3215286 730
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

Česko
Magyarország
Slovensko

SMA Service Partner
TERMS a.s.

[phone]
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

Türkiye SMA Service Partner

DEKOM Ltd. Şti.
[phone]
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

France SMA France S.A.S.

Lyon
[phone]
SMA Online Service Center :

www.SMA-Service.com

Ελλάδα
Κύπρος

SMA Service Partner
AKTOR FM.

Αθήνα
[phone]
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

9 Contact

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 19MD485-40-IA-en-10

España
Portugal

SMA Ibérica Tecnología Solar,
S.L.U.

Barcelona
+34935635099
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

United
Kingdom

SMA Solar UK Ltd.
Milton Keynes
+441908304899
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

Italia SMA Italia S.r.l.

Milano
+39028934-7299
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

Bulgaria
România

SMA Service Partner
Renovatio Solar

[phone]
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

United Arab
Emirates

SMA Middle East LLC
Abu Dhabi
+9712234 6177
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

India SMA Solar India Pvt. Ltd.

Mumbai
+912261713888

SMA Solar (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

+6626706999

대한민국 SMA Technology Korea Co.,

Ltd.
서울
[phone]

South Africa SMA Solar Technology

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

[phone]
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

Argentina
Brasil
Chile
Perú

SMA South America SPA
Santiago de Chile
[phone]

Australia SMA Australia Pty Ltd.

Sydney
Toll free for Australia:

1800SMAAUS
(1800762287)

International: +61294914200

Other countries International SMA Service Line

Niestetal
00800SMASERVICE

(+8007627378423)
SMA Online Service Center:

www.SMA-Service.com

9Contact

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manualMD485-40-IA-en-1020

10 EU Declaration of Conformity

within the scope of the EU directives

• Electromagnetic compatibility 2014/30/EU (29.3.2014 L 96/79-106)
(EMC)

SMA Solar Technology AG confirms herewith that the products described in this document are in
compliance with the fundamental requirements and other relevant provisions of the above­mentioned directives. The entire EU Declaration of Conformity can be found at www.SMA­Solar.com.

10 EU Declaration of Conformity

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation manual 21MD485-40-IA-en-10

www.SMA-Solar.com