SMA Solar Technology AG1 Information on this Manual
1 Information on this Manual
1.1 Validity
This manual describes the procedure for mounting, installation, commissioning, maintenance and
troubleshooting of the following SMA inverters:
• Sunny Tripower 10000TL (STP 10000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 12000TL (STP 12000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 15000TL (STP 15000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 17000TL (STP 17000TL-10)
Store this manual where it will be accessible at all times.
1.2 Target Group
This manual is for the use of electrically skilled persons. The tasks described in this manual may be
performed by electrically skilled persons only.
1.3 Additional Information
You will find further information on special topics such as the design of a miniature circuit-breaker or
the description of the parameters and measured values at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Refer to the user manual provided for detailed information on how to operate the inverter.
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-327
1 Information on this ManualSMA Solar Technology AG
1.4 Symbols Used
The following types of safety precautions and general information appear in this document:
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
Information
An Information block provides valuable hints for the efficient installation and operation of your
product.
☑ This symbol indicates the result of an action.
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SMA Solar Technology AG2 Safety
2 Safety
2.1 Appropriate Usage
The Sunny Tripower is a PV inverter which converts the direct current of a PV array into alternating
current and feeds this into the electricity grid.
Principle of a PV system with the Sunny Tripower
String connections Sunny Tripower 10000TL and 12000TL
The Sunny Tripower 10000TL and 12000TL only have four string connections at input A.
The Sunny Tripower must only be operated with PV arrays of protection class II, in accordance with
IEC 61730, application class A. Do not connect any energy sources other than PV modules to the
Sunny Tripower.
Capacitive leakage currents
PV modules with large capacities relative to earth, such as thin-film PV modules with cells on a
metal substrate, may only be used if their coupling capacity does not exceed 2.55 μF.
During feed-in operation, a leakage current flows from the cells to earth, the size of which
depends on the manner in which the PV modules are installed (e.g. foil on metal roof) and on
the weather (rain, snow). This "normal" leakage current must not exceed 90 mA, as otherwise
the inverter would automatically disconnect from the electricity grid as a protective measure.
For further information on this subject, see the technical information "Capacitive Leakage
Currents" at www.SMA-Solar.com.
When designing the PV system, ensure that the permitted operating range of all components is
complied with at all times. The free design programme "Sunny Design", version 2.0 or higher
(see www.SMA-Solar.com/SunnyDesign), will assist you in this. The manufacturer of the PV modules
must have approved the PV modules for use with the Sunny Tripower. You must also ensure that all
measures recommended by the module manufacturer for the long-term maintenance of the module
properties are taken (see also technical information "Module Technology" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Do not use the Sunny Tripower for purposes other than those described here. Alternative uses,
modifications to the Sunny Tripower or the installation of components not expressly recommended or
sold by SMA Solar Technology AG void the warranty claims and operation permission.
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-329
2 SafetySMA Solar Technology AG
2.2 Safety Precautions
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
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.
• Do not touch the DC conductors.
• Do not touch any live components of the inverter.
• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, disconnect it from all voltage sources as
described in this document (see Section9 "Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources",
page61).
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
During operation, the upper enclosure lid and the enclosure body may get hot.
• Only touch the lower enclosure lid during operation.
Possible damage to health due to radiation effects
• Maintain a distance of at least 20 cm from the inverter whenever possible.
Earthing of the PV array
Comply with the local regulations for earthing the modules and the PV array.
SMA Solar Technology AG recommends the continuously conductive connection and
earthing of the array frame and other electrically conductive surfaces in order to ensure
maximum protection for property and persons.
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SMA Solar Technology AG2 Safety
2.3 Explanation of Symbols
This section gives an explanation of all the symbols found on the inverter and on the type label.
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter
SymbolDescriptionExplanation
InverterThis symbol defines the function of the green LED.
The green LED indicates the operating state of
the inverter.
Observe the
documentation
BluetoothThis symbol defines the function of the blue LED.
QR Code
®
This symbol defines the function of the red LED
which indicates a fault or disturbance. Read the
manual to remedy the fault or disturbance.
The blue LED indicates that communication via
Bluetooth is activated.
Links to additional information on the inverter can
be found at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Danger to life due to
high voltages in the
inverter
Stickers on the ESS• When the Electronic Solar Switch is
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3211
The capacitors in the inverter may be charged
with very high voltages.
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage
sources (see Section 9) and wait
20 minutes before opening the upper
enclosure lid in order to allow the
capacitors to discharge.
plugged in, the DC circuit is closed.
• To interrupt the DC circuit and
safely disconnect the inverter when under
load, you must first remove the
Electronic Solar Switch and then all
DC connectors (see Section9
"Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage
Sources", page61). Only unplug the
Electronic Solar Switch if the inverter is not
displaying any error message prohibiting
the removal of the ESS and the inverter is
not beeping.
2 SafetySMA Solar Technology AG
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label
SymbolDescriptionExplanation
Danger to life due to high
voltages
The product operates at high voltages.
All work on the inverter must be carried out
by skilled persons only.
Risk of burns from hot
surfaces
The product can get hot during operation.
Avoid contact during operation.
Allow the product to cool down sufficiently
before carrying out any work.
Wear personal protective equipment such
as safety gloves.
Observe the documentationObserve all doc ume ntation tha t is sup plied
with the product.
DangerObserve the connection requirements for
the second protective conductor (see
Section6.3.3 "Connecting the Second
Protective Conductor", page34).
Without transformerThe product does not have a transformer.
DCDirect current
ACThree-phase alternating current with
neutral conductor
Degree of protectionThe product is protected against dust
intrusion and water jets from any angle.
OutdoorThe product is suitable for outdoor
installation.
WEEE designationDo not dispose of the product together with
the household waste but only in
accordance with the locally applicable
regulations for disposal of electronic waste.
CE markingThe product complies with the requirements
of the applicable EC directives.
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SMA Solar Technology AG2 Safety
SymbolDescriptionExplanation
Device class IDThe product is equipped with a wireless
component and complies with
device class 2.
RAL quality mark for solar
products
The product complies with the
requirements of the German Institute for
Quality Assurance and Certification.
Certified safetyThe product is VDE-tested and complies
with the requirements of the German
Equipment and Product Safety Act.
C-TickThe product complies with the
requirements of the applicable
Australian EMC standards.
Korean mark of conformityThe product complies with the
requirements of the applicable
Korean directives.
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3213
3 Product DescriptionSMA Solar Technology AG
3 Product Description
The Sunny Tripower is a multi-string inverter which converts the direct current of a PV array into
alternating current. To do this, the Sunny Tripower is equipped with two separate MPP trackers which
can be connected to the different PV modules. The inverter performs three-phase feed-in of electricity
into the electricity grid. Cooling is effected via the OptiCool active cooling system.
In addition, Sunny Tripower is equipped with the features described below.
3.1 Bluetooth
The inverter is equipped with a serial Bluetooth interface and can communicate with special
SMA communication products and other inverters (for information on supported products,
see www.SMA-Solar.com).
If you wou ld like t o co mmunica te v ia Bluetooth, you can protect the inverter with one system password
for the user and one system password for the installer. All inverters are delivered with a standard
system password for the user (0000) and a standard system password for the installer (1111).
To protect the system from unauthorised access, you must change the system passwords using
Sunny Explorer (for information on changing the system password, refer to the Sunny Explorer help).
If you do not want to communicate via Bluetooth, deactivate Bluetooth communication
(see Section6.6.1 "Bluetooth", page52).
3.2 Communication Interface
The inverter can optionally be fitted with an extra communication interface (e.g., RS485).
This communication interface enables the inverter to communicate with special SMA communication
products or other inverters (for information on supported products, see www.SMA-Solar.com).
The interface can either be retrofitted or installed at the factory according to a specific order.
You can only set the operating parameters of the inverter via SMA communication products.
You can set the country data set of the inverter via the two rotary switches in the inverter only prior to
commissioning or within the first ten operating hours.
Depending on the type of communication, RS485 or Bluetooth or Speedwire, the parameters and
messages are displayed differently in the communication products.
Example: How the country data set parameter is displayed
• For communication with RS485: CntrySet parameter
•If you are using Bluetooth or Speedwire: parameter Set country standard
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SMA Solar Technology AG3 Product Description
3.3 Multi-Function Interface
The inverter is equipped with a slot for multi-function interfaces. This slot is designed to connect a
simple multi-function relay or an SMA Power Control Module. The interface can either be retrofitted
or installed at the factory according to a specific order.
Multi-Function Relay
You can configure the multi-function relay for various operating modes. The multi-function relay is
us ed, for exa mpl e, t o switch fau lt i ndi cat ors on o r of f (f or i nformation on installation and configuration,
see installation manual of the multi-function relay).
Error message required by technical standards
In some countries the indication of errors is mandatory in order to comply with the requirements
of a technical standard, e.g. IEC 62109-2.
To meet the requirements of IEC 62109-2, you must either connect an indicator to the
multi-function relay to report an error or register the inverter in the Sunny Portal. If you register
the inverter in the Sunny Portal, you can activate the error alarm (for information on error alarm
via Sunny Portal, see the Sunny Portal user manual at www.SMA-Solar.com).
SMA Power Control Module
The SMA Power Control Module enables the inverter to implement grid management services and is
equipped with an additional multi-function relay (for information on installation and configuration,
see installation manual of the SMA Power Control Module).
3.4 SMA OptiTrac Global Peak
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak is a more advanced form of the MPP tracking tool SMA OptiTrac.
MPP tracking is a feature that determines the highest usable power in the PV system at any given time.
The power generated by the PV array depends on the level of solar irradiation and the temperature
of the PV modules. As a result, the optimum operating point for maximum power (MPP) changes
constantly throughout the day.
SMA OptiTrac ensures that the operating point of the inverter always coincides exactly with the MPP.
In addition, with the aid of SMA OptiTrac Global Peak, the inverter can detect the presence of several
maximum power points in the available operating range, such as may occur particularly with partially
shaded PV strings. By this means, almost the entire available power of partially shaded PV strings can
be fed into the electricity grid.
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak is deactivated by default. In the case of partially shaded PV modules,
it should be activated and set via a communication product (see Section8.2 "Activating and Setting
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak", page59).
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3215
3 Product DescriptionSMA Solar Technology AG
3.5 Surge Arrester Type II
Along with the thermally monitored varistors which are integrated as standard, the Sunny Tripower is
equipped with module slots for the additional installation of surge arresters of Type II. If the modules
are connected, they will be monitored. If a module has tripped, a warning is issued via the display or
external communication (e.g. Sunny WebBox or Sunny Explorer). This makes it easy to integrate the
Sunny Tripower into a lightning protection concept. The required modules are available as retrofit kits
for input A or input A+B.
3.6 Intelligent String Failure Detection
The Sunny Tripower is equipped with a system that recognises the total failure of individual strings or
partial strings (see the diagram below). With a PV module current of approx. 1 A, monitoring of up to
six partial strings per string input is possible. The prerequisite for the reliable functioning of the intelligent
string failure detection is an identical alignment of the connected PV array at input A and input B.
For the learning phase, the Sunny Tripower needs approximately 14 days at moderate irradiation after
successful activation. One advantage of this system is that its auto-adaptive function completely
eliminates the necessity of any configuration. In the event of a string failure, a warning message is issued
on the display or via external communication (e.g. Sunny WebBox or Sunny Explorer). Note that
extreme shading and snow-covered PV modules trip warning messages.
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SMA Solar Technology AG3 Product Description
3.7 Electronic String Fuse
The Sunny Tripower is equipped with an electronic string fuse. This prevents dangerous reverse
currents in the PV array and thus plays a key role in fire prevention. Reverse currents can occur as a
result of reverse poling during installation or module defects during operation. The electronic string
fuse recognises these defects and shorts the PV array. This prevents the occurrence of reverse currents
and thus safeguards both the PV system and the Sunny Tripower. An advantage of this method is that
conventional fuses at the DC inputs are not necessary. The electronic solution is entirely
maintenance-free and does not require any dimensioning.
In order to make optimum use of this function, particular care must be taken during commissioning
(see Section6.4 "Connecting the PV Array (DC)", page35). The Sunny Tripower signals
dangerous conditions by beeping and issuing warnings in the display or external communication
(see Section12.1 "Sunny Tripower is Beeping", page82). If electrical installation takes place under
conditions of insufficient irradiation (PV voltage less than 188 V), the Sunny Tripower will not have
power supply which means that the protective functions described above will not be active during
installation.
3.8 Grid Management
The inverter is equipped with grid management functions.
Depending on the requirements of the network operator, you can activate and configure the
functions (e.g. provision of reactive power, active power limitation) via operating parameters
(for information on the functions and operating parameters, see the Technical Description
"Measured Values and Parameters" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3217
4 UnpackingSMA Solar Technology AG
4 Unpacking
4.1 Scope of Delivery
Check the delivery for completeness and for any visible external damage. Contact your specialist
dealer if anything is damaged or missing.
ObjectQuantity Description
A1Sunny Tripower
B1Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
C1Rear panel (wall mounting bracket)
D1Set of documents with explanations and certificates
E1Installation manual, including user manual
F1Supplementary sheet with inverter default settings
---1Installation manual for RS485 communication module (optional)
G10/12DC connector
Sunny Tripower 10000TL / 12000TL: 10 each (5 x positive, 5 x negative)
Sunny Tripower 15000TL / 17000TL: 12 each (6 x positive, 6 x negative)
18STP10-17TL-IA-en-32Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG4 Unpacking
ObjectQuantity Description
H10/12Sealing plug
Sunny Tripower 10000TL / 12000TL: 10 each
Sunny Tripower 15000TL / 17000TL: 12 each
I1Eye bolt (M8) for fastening the Sunny Tripower to the rear panel
K2Cylinder screws (M5x10) for fastening the enclosure to the rear panel
L1Cable gland for AC connection
M1Counter nut for cable gland at AC connection
N1Clamping bracket (M6) for additional earthing
O1Cheese-head screw (M6) for earth terminal
P1Conical spring washer (M6) for earth terminal
Q2Cheese-head screws (M5x20) for upper enclosure lid (spares)
R2Conical spring washers (M5) for enclosure lid screws (spares)
4.2 Identifying the Inverter
You can identify the inverter by the type label. The type label is located on the right-hand side of the
enclosure.
The inverter serial number (Serial No.), the type (Type/Model) and other device-specific
characteristics are specified on the type label.
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3219
5 MountingSMA Solar Technology AG
5 Mounting
5.1 Safety
Danger to life due to fire or explosion
Despite careful construction, electrical devices can cause fires.
• Do not mount the inverter on flammable construction materials.
• Do not mount the inverter in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.
• Do not mount the inverter in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter (approximately 65 kg)
• Take the weight of the inverter into account during transport.
• Select a suitable mounting location and mounting surface.
• When mounting the rear panel, use fastening material suitable for the mounting surface.
• Two people are needed to mount the inverter.
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently.
20STP10-17TL-IA-en-32Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG5 Mounting
max. 15°
5.2 Selecting the Mounting Location
Take the following requirements into consideration when selecting the mounting location:
• The mounting method and location must be suitable for the weight and size of the inverter
(see Section14 "Technical Data", page92).
• Mount on a solid surface.
• The mounting location must be clear and safely accessible at all times without the use of
additional aids such as scaffolding or lifting platforms. If this is not the case, service work may
be restricted.
• Mount vertically or tilted backwards by max. 15°.
• The connection area must point downwards.
• Never mount the device with a forward tilt.
• Never mount the device with a sideways tilt.
• Do not mount horizontally.
• Mount the inverter at eye level. Given the weight of the device, this will facilitate disassembly if
service work is necessary.
• The ambient temperature should be below 40°C to ensure optimum operation.
• Do not expose the inverter to direct solar irradiation as this could cause power derating due to
overheating.
• In order to avoid audible vibrations in living areas, do not mount the unit on plasterboard walls
or similar. When in operation, the inverter emits noise which may be perceived as annoying in
living areas.
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3221
5 MountingSMA Solar Technology AG
• Observe the recommended clearances to walls,
other inverters or other objects, as shown in the
diagram. That ensures sufficient heat dissipation
and gives you enough space to unplug the
Electronic Solar Switch.
• If multiple inverters are mounted in areas with high
ambient temperatures, allow more than the
recommended clearances between the inverters
and ensure an adequate fresh-air supply.
This prevents a reduction in inverter power as a
result of high temperatures (details on temperature
derating can be found in the Technical Information
"Temperature Derating" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
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SMA Solar Technology AG5 Mounting
Display
5.3 Mounting the Inverter with Rear Panel
1. Use the rear panel as a drilling template and mark the positions of the drill holes.
2. Mount the rear panel.
To do this, use one upper hole on the right and one
on the left plus the hole in the middle.
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3223
5 MountingSMA Solar Technology AG
A
3. Hook the inverter into the rear panel, ensuring that
the inverter enclosure is positioned flush against the
rear panel.
– For two peop le t o trans por t th e in ver ter, hol d th e
inverter by the recessed grips at the bottom and
the top edge of the enclosure lid.
– For transport by crane, you can attach two ring
bolts to the top of the inverter (see A: M10,
diameter = 10 mm). To do this, remove the
filler-plugs and screw in the ring bolts as far as
they will go.
4. Remove the ring bolts after transport and re-attach the filler-plugs.
5. Release all six captive screws of the lower
enclosure lid.
6. To remove the lower enclosure lid, lift it from the
bottom.
7. Screw the supplied eye bolt into the hole provided
in order to secure the enclosure from being
dislodged. The eye bolt only needs to be fastened
hand-tight.
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SMA Solar Technology AG5 Mounting
8. In order to secure the enclosure on the
rear panel, fasten it at the bottom with the two
M5x10 cheese-head screws supplied
(torque: max. 3.5 Nm).
9. Check to ensure that the inverter is securely in place.
☑ The inverter is now securely mounted to the wall.
If the inverter is not to be connected immediately, re-attach the lower enclosure lid:
– Dock the lower enclosure lid at an angle and
attach. The captive screws must protrude.
– Pre-fasten all six screws and then tighten
them in the sequence shown on the right
(torque: 2.0 Nm).
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3225
5 MountingSMA Solar Technology AG
Optional Anti-Theft Protection
To protect the inverter from theft, you can secure it to the rear panel with a padlock.
The padlock must meet the following requirements:
•Size:
A: 6 mm to 8 mm diameter
B: 23 mm to 29 mm
C: 23 mm to 28 mm
D: 39 mm to 50 mm
E: 13 mm to 18 mm
•Stainless
• Hardened shackle
• Protected lock cylinder
Storage of the key
Keep the key in a safe place in case it is needed for service purposes.
1. Put the shackle of the padlock through the eye of
the previously mounted eye bolt and close the
padlock.
☑ The inverter is now protected against theft.
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SMA Solar Technology AG6 Electrical Connection
6 Electrical Connection
6.1 Safety
Electrostatic discharge can damage the inverter
Internal components of the inverter can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic discharge.
• Earth yourself before touching any components.
6.2 Overview of the Connection Area
ObjectDescription
ADC lid (slots for surge arresters and varistors are located here)
BPlug for connecting the multi-function relay (optional)
CPlug for connecting the RS485 communication module (optional)
DTerminal for grid connection
EJumper for setting the language to English
FRotary switch for setting the Bluetooth NetID
GScrew for releasing and raising the display
HRotary switches for setting the country standard and display language
ICable entry for the multi-function relay (M20, 5 mm to 13 mm)
KSlot for SD card (for service purposes only)
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3227
6 Electrical ConnectionSMA Solar Technology AG
ObjectDescription
AElectronic Solar Switch (ESS) socket
BEnclosure opening for the multi-function relay (M20, 5 mm to 13 mm)
CEnclosure openings for communication via RS485 (M32) (optional)
DAdditional enclosure opening (M20)
EEnclosure opening for grid connection (AC) (M32, 14 mm to 25 mm)
FDC connectors for connecting the strings (input area B)
GDC connectors for connecting the strings (input area A)
(for Sunny Tripower 10000TL / 12000TL only four devices)
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SMA Solar Technology AG6 Electrical Connection
6.3 Connecting the Electricity Grid (AC)
6.3.1 Conditions for the AC Connection
You must comply with the connection requirements of your network operator.
Residual Current Device
The inverter is equipped with an integrated all-pole-sensitive residual-current monitoring unit.
The inverter can automatically differentiate between residual currents and normal leading leakage
currents.
If an external RCD or residual-current device is strictly required, you must use a switch that trips at a
residual current of 100 mA or higher.
You will find further information for using an RCD in the technical information "Criteria for Selecting
an RCD" at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Overvoltage Category
The inverter can be deployed in grids of installation category III or lower, as defined under
IEC 60664-1. This means that it can be permanently connected at the grid-connection point in a
building. In installations involving long outdoor cable routes, additional overvoltage-reducing
measures must be taken so that the overvoltage category is reduced from IV to III (for further
information, see the Technical Information "Overvoltage Protection" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Cable Dimensioning
The cable must be dimensioned in accordance with any local and national directives on cable
dimensions which specify requirements for the minimum conductor cross-section. Cable dimensioning
factors are e.g.: nominal AC current, type of cable, type of routing, cable bundling, ambient
temperature and maximum specified line losses (for calculation of line losses, see design software
"Sunny Design" with software version 2.0 or higher at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Installation ManualSTP10-17TL-IA-en-3229
6 Electrical ConnectionSMA Solar Technology AG
Cable Requirements
PositionDescriptionValue
ACable diameter14 mm to 25 mm
BConductor
cross-section
1.5 mm² to 16 mm², with bootlace ferrule
maximum 10 mm²
CStripping lengthapproximately 12 mm
The PE wire must be 5 mm longer than the L and N wires.
Connection of a Second Protective Conductor
In some installation countries, a second protective conductor is required in order to prevent a contact
current in the event of failure of the original protective conductor.
For installation countries falling within the scope of validity of the IEC standard 62109, the following
requirements are applicable:
• Installation of protective conductor at the AC terminal with a conductor cross-section of at least
10 mm² Cu.
or
• Installation of a second protective conductor at the earth terminal with the same cross-section as
the original protective conductor at the AC terminal (see Section6.3.3 "Connecting the Second
Protective Conductor", page34).
You must always observe the applicable regulations in the country of installation.
30STP10-17TL-IA-en-32Installation Manual
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