Installation and operating instructions
PA Link1 parallel switch box
756.409 | Z02 | 16.31
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Index
EN
Introduction ................................................................................................. 3
1 About these instructions ..........................................................................4
1.1 Applicability ......................................................................................... 4
1.2 Users .................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Description of symbols ......................................................................... 5
1.4 Scope of delivery .................................................................................. 5
2 Safety ........................................................................................................6
2.1 Proper usage ........................................................................................ 6
2.2 Other risks ........................................................................................... 6
2.3 Behaviour in the case of faults ............................................................. 6
2.4 Exclusion of liability ............................................................................. 6
3 Description of the connections ................................................................7
4 Installation ................................................................................................7
4.1 Mounting ............................................................................................. 8
4.2 Connection .......................................................................................... 9
4.3 Function test ...................................................................................... 10
4.4 Making changes to the system .......................................................... 11
5 Operation ................................................................................................11
5.1 Rotary switch settings ........................................................................ 11
6 Care, maintenance and service ...............................................................12
7 Technical data .........................................................................................12
8 Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting .....................................................13
9 Commercial and legal guarantee conditions .........................................13
10 Contact ...................................................................................................14
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Introduction
Up to 4 Steca Solarix PI 500-12 (-60/-L60) / PI 550-24 (-60/-L60) / PI 1100-24
(-60/-L60) / PI 1500-48 (-60/-L60) stand-alone inverters can be operated in parallel with the PA Link1 parallel switch box on 115 V or 230 V (see table below).
One stand-alone inverter works as a master, the others as slaves. The PA Link1
has one output for AC consumers (AC OUT).
Example of a possible application:
A
D
C
B
E
F
G
Legend:
A Solar module
B Solar charge controller
C Battery
D Steca Solarix PI sine wave inverter
E Steca PA Link1 parallel switch box
F Generator junction box
G Electrical load (230 V AC or 115 V AC)
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Permissible configurations:
ATTENTION
Risk of malfunction and damage to system components.
X Only operate stand-alone inverters of the same type and variant together.
Master Slave
Continuous
AC output
12 V DC input voltage
PI 500-12 - 450 VA
1 x PI 500-12 900 VA
2 x PI 500-12 1350 VA
3 x PI 500-12 1800 VA
24 V DC input voltage
PI 550-24 - 450 VA
1 x PI 550-24 900 VA
2 x PI 550-24 1350 VA
3 x PI 550-24 1800 VA
PI 1100-24 - 900 VA
1 x PI 1100-24 1800 VA
2 x PI 1100-24 2700 VA
3 x PI 1100-24 3600 VA
48 V DC input voltage
PI 1500-48 - 900 VA
1 x PI 1500-48 1800 VA
2 x PI 1500-48 2700 VA
3 x PI 1500-48 3600 VA
The table also applies to the "-60" and "-L60" variants.
1 About these instructions
These operating instructions are part of the product.
X Read these operating instructions carefully prior to installation and use,
X keep them near the product during its entire service life,
X and pass them on to any future owner or user of this product.
1.1 Applicability
These instructions describe the installation, function, operation and maintenance
of the PA Link1 parallel switch box.
Further information on operating the battery system is contained in the Steca
Solarix PI operating instructions.
1.2 Users
These operating instructions are intended for end customers and installers. A technical expert must be consulted in cases of uncertainty.
Installation, putting into operation, maintenance, and removal of the PA Link1
shall only be done by trained qualified personnel observing the applicable onsite installation regulations.
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1.3 Description of symbols
1.3.1 The structure of the warning notices
SIGNAL WORD
Type, source and consequences of the danger!
X Measures for avoiding danger
1.3.2 Danger levels in warning notices
Danger levels Probability of occurrence Consequences of non-compli-
ance
DANGER
Imminent threat of danger Death, serious bodily injury
WARNING
Possible threat of danger Death, serious bodily injury
CAUTION
Possible threat of danger Minor bodily injury
ATTENTION Possible threat of danger Property damage
1.3.3 Notes
NOTES
Note on easier and safer working habits.
X Measures for easier and safer working habits
1.3.4 Other symbols and markings in this manual
Symbol Meaning
X
Call to action
Z
Result of action
- Action description
• List
Emphasis on
issue at hand
Emphasis on issue at hand
1.4 Scope of delivery
X
1 PA Link1
X 1 RJ45 cable, red, 0.5 m for Master Solarix PI
X 1 RJ45 cable, grey, 0.5 m for Solarix PI Slave 1
X 2 RJ45 cables, grey, 1.0 m for Solarix PI Slave 2 to 3
X 1 installation kit with strain relief clamps and screws
X 1 issue of installation and operating instructions
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2 Safety
2.1 Proper usage
The PA Link1 parallel switch box is exclusively intended for use in stationary autonomous power supplies in accordance with these operating instructions.
The PA Link1 shall only be operated in a permanently installed and closed condition.
Only specialists are permitted to carry out the installation.
Any other use is regarded as improper use of the device. Examples of improper
use:
• The PA Link1 parallel switch box must never be connected to the public mains
grid or a generator.
• It is not permitted to operate the PA Link1 parallel switch box without fitted
cover of the terminals, without casing, or with a damaged casing.
• The device may not be installed outdoors.
• An autonomous power supply system (including PA Link1 parallel switch box)
must not be installed, operated or maintained in locations where inflammable gases and vapours can occur, in dusty environments, or in the vicinity
of solvents (danger of fire and explosion: ensure that the room is adequately
ventilated).
• The PA Link1 parallel switch box, inverters and batteries must not be used in
the vicinity of open fires, flames or sparks.
2.2 Other risks
WARNING
Battery acid!
X Acid splashes on skin or clothing should be immediately treated with soap
suds and rinsed with plenty of water.
X If acid splashes into the eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water and seek
medical advice.
2.3 Behaviour in the case of faults
DANGER
• The connected inverters do not appear to function.
• Parallel switch box, inverter, alternating current cable or battery cable
are visibly damaged.
• If there is smoke emission or fluid penetration.
• If parts are loose!
X In these cases immediately disconnect the inverter from the battery and the
parallel switch box from the loads.
2.4 Exclusion of liability
The manufacturer can neither monitor compliance with this manual nor the
conditions and methods during the installation, operation, usage and maintenance of the parallel switch box. Improper installation of the system may result
in damage to property and, as a consequence, bodily injury.
Therefore, we assume no responsibility or liability for loss, damage or costs
which result from, or are in any way related to, incorrect installation, improper
operation, or incorrect use and maintenance.
Similarly, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for patent right or other
right infringements of third parties caused by usage of this parallel switch box.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the product, technical
data or assembly and operating instructions without prior notice.
X As soon as it is evident that safe operation is no longer possible
(e.g. visible damage), immediately disconnect the inverter from the battery
and the parallel switch box from the loads.
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3 Description of the connections
Input terminals L Solarix PI slave 1 - 3
ཱInput terminal L Solarix PI master
ིInput terminals N Solarix PI slave 1 - 3
ཱིInput terminal N Solarix PI master
ུOutput terminals AC OUT consumer
ཱུData input Solarix PI master, RJ45
ྲྀData input Solarix PI slave 1 - 3, 3 RJ45
ཷCable output AC OUT consumer
ླྀCable input Solarix PI AC master
ཹCable input Solarix PI AC slave 1 - 3
4 Installation
Example layout of a complete system. Representation is schematic.
A Solar module
B Solar charge controller
C Battery
D Sine wave inverter Steca Solarix PI
E Steca PA Link1 parallel switch box
F Electric load (230 V AC or 115 V AC)
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4.1 Mounting
4.1.1 Mounting location
X Ensure that the mounting location satisfies the following requirements:
• Mount in a dry, dust-free indoor room.
• Mount on non-flammable substrate on the wall (concrete) with cable outlet
at the bottom.
• The mounting location must be protected from unauthorized access, especially by small children.
• Minimum clearance of approx. 10 cm above and below to allow free air circulation.
• Enough clearance for the type plate to be visible on the installed device.
4.1.2 Mounting the PA Link1 parallel switch box
X
Unscrew 2 screws (1) on the cover (2) of the terminals.
X Lift the cover upwards.
X Mark 4 bores according to the dimensional drawing and drill with Ø 6 mm.
X Insert dowels and screw M5 screws into the three top bores (1). The screw
heads must be at a sufficient distance to be able to hang the casing.
X Hang the casing on the three screws.
X Screw and tighten one M5 screw through the casing bore (2).
A 65 mm
B 70 mm
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4.2 Connection
WARNING
Danger of explosion from sparking! Danger of electric shock!
X The parallel switch box may only be connected to the local consumer devices
and the inverters by trained personnel and in accordance with the applicable
regulations.
X Connections must always be made in the sequence described below.
X The cables pre-fitted to the inverter may not be extended and must not be
damaged.
X Only touch-proof voltages (according to SELV/DVC A or appropriate
guidelines) may be used at the RJ45 connections.
X Use only the intended cables and connections.
4.2.1 Connecting the consumers
NOTE
The terminals and data connections are pictured in detail in the figure on
page 20.
X Strip approx. 10 mm of both wire ends of the consumer cable.
X Introduce the consumer cable through the right-hand strain relief.
X Connect the consumer cable to a distribution board with a circuit breaker
according to the applicable regulations, at the L and N terminals of the
AC OUT consumer output. Tightening torque: 1.2 Nm to 1.5 Nm.
Or
X Install alternating current socket at the terminals of the AC OUT consumer
output according to the country-specific regulations.
In the event that, due to local regulations or the AC consumers, grounding is
required:
X Carry grounding out following the adjacent diagram (if TN net is permit-
ted).
X Tighten the screw of the right-hand strain relief.
4.2.2 Connecting the Solarix PI master and slaves
ATTENTION
Risk of destruction of the device.
X Never short-circuit the outputs of the stand-alone inverters Solarix PI or the PA
Link1.
X Never connect other devices to the RJ45 connections (Master, Slave). Use the
connections exclusively for the PI communication.
X Insert cable of the stand-alone inverter Solarix PI master from the right into
the bottom part of the second strain relief.
X Depending on the number of slaves, insert the cables of further stand-
alone inverters Solarix PI into the bottom parts of the still free strain reliefs.
X Place clamp clips of the strain reliefs onto the bottom parts and loosely
fasten each one with two screws.
ATTENTION
The stand-alone inverters may be damaged in case of incorrect connection.
X Make sure that all blue cables are connected to N and all brown cables are
connected to L.
X Strip approx. 8 mm of all wire ends.
X Connect the wires in the parallel switch box in accordance with the termi-
nals’ labels (see chapter 3 “Description of the connections"). Tightening
torque: 0.5 Nm.
Blue: N terminals
Brown: L terminals
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X Tighten the screws of all strain reliefs.
X Insert the cover of the terminals from the top into the casing’s slot, swivel
downwards and fasten with two screws.
4.2.3 Connecting the data lines to Solarix PI stand-alone inverters
X
Plug the red data cable’s RJ45 plug of the Solarix PI master into the "Solarix
Inverter Master" socket.
X Plug the grey data cables’ RJ45 plugs of the Solarix PI slaves into the
"Solarix Inverter Slave" sockets.
NOTE
X Check that the locking mechanisms of the RJ45 plugs are engaged.
4.2.4 Connecting the inverter to the battery
WARNING
Danger of explosion from sparking! Danger of electric shock!
X Before connecting the inverters, make sure that no load is switched on and all
the inverter rotary switches are set at "Off".
X The cables pre-fitted to the inverters must not be extended.
X Switch all the inverter rotary switches to the "Off" setting
X Connect the inverters to the battery in accordance with the Steca Solarix PI
operating instructions.
The installation of the system is now complete.
4.3 Function test
X
Turn rotary switches on all inverters to "Off".
X Turn rotary switch on master to "All on".
Z The system is working correctly when the LEDs on all inverters light up
or blink green.
Z If the LED of an inverter does not light up or blink green, proceed as
described in the section "Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting".
X To end the function test, switch the master rotary switch to the "Off" set-
ting.
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4.4 Making changes to the system
Master and slave(s) are identical inverters. Their function in the system is determined by the connection to the parallel box:
Master: "Solarix Inverter Master" data input and "Master L/N" voltage input
Slave(s): "Solarix Inverter Slave" data input and "Slave L/N" voltage input
WARNING
Danger of explosion from sparking! Danger of electric shock!
Plugs and cables must not be disconnected when voltage is present!
X Before pulling out plugs or disconnecting cables make sure that no loads are
connected and the inverters are disconnected from the battery.
X The cables pre-fitted to the inverters must not be extended.
4.4.1 Replacing inverters
Proceed as follows when replacing the master or a slave:
X Make sure that no loads are connected and the inverters are disconnected
from the battery.
X Pull out the RJ45 plug at the relevant data input.
X Open the cover on the parallel switch box.
X Disconnect the input of the relevant master or slave at the parallel switch
box.
X Connect the new master or slave, as described in Section 4.2.
4.4.2 Using a slave as the master
If the master fails, a slave can be used as the new master.
X Make sure that no loads are connected and the inverters are disconnected
from the battery.
X Pull off RJ45 plugs of all data inputs.
X Open the cover on the parallel switch box.
X Disconnect all the cables at the parallel switch box.
X Connect the reconfigurated system as described in Section 4.2.
5 Operation
In parallel operation the power supply is regulated by the rotary switch on the
master, see the Steca Solarix PI operating instructions.
The rotary switches at the slaves do not have any function. However, they must
be in the “Off” position because otherwise the slaves may eventually become
operational unintentionally.
5.1 Rotary switch settings
Master Slave(s) Inverter state
Off Off Master and slaves switched off
Standby Off Load-dependent response of master and slaves, where
applicable
On Off Master always switched on, slaves switched on as
required
All On Off Master and slaves always switched on
This setting is recommended for high performance
devices (at the performance limit), e.g. for operating a
washing machine
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6 Care, maintenance and service
The device is maintenance-free. If functional faults occur, please consult your
dealer and present the payment receipt/invoice.
X Before cleaning, switch off all loads and switch off the master via the ro-
tary switch (setting "Off").
X Clean casing surface periodically using a slightly moistened cloth. Do not
use solvents.
7 Technical data
PA Link1 parallel switch box
Operating temperature 0 °C … +50 °C, under continuous load
Storage temperature -20 °C … +70 °C
Humidity 0 % … 95 % relative humidity, non-condensing
Maximum altitude 2000 m above sea level
Degree of protection IP 20, use in dry environment
Dimensions (W x H x D) 196 mm x 106 mm x 52 mm
Weight 0.8 kg
Connectable devices Maximum of 4 stand-alone inverters of the same
type and variant:
• Solarix PI 500-12 (-60/-L60)
• Solarix PI 550-24 (-60/-L60)
• Solarix PI 1100-24 (-60/-L60)
• Solarix PI 1500-48 (-60/-L60)
Continuous output at AC OUT consumer output, see
table on page 17
Connections • 4 data inputs RJ45 for Solarix PI
• 4 230 V AC or 115 V AC
1)
voltage inputs for
Solarix PI
• 230 V AC or 115 V AC1) consumer output
Connection data, AC OUT terminals
Conductor cross-section,
rigid/flexible
Minimum of 0.5 mm2 to maximum of 16 mm
2
Conductor cross-section,
AWG
Minimum of AWG 20 to maximum of AWG 6
Connection data, master/slave terminals
Conductor cross-section,
solid (rigid)
Maximum of 4.0 mm
2
Conductor cross-section,
stranded (flexible)
Maximum of 2.5 mm
2
Conductor cross-section,
stranded (with ferule)
Maximum of 2.5 mm
2
1)
The voltage corresponds to the output voltage of the stand-alone inverters.
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8 Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting
Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting of the individual inverter is described in the
Steca Solarix PI operating instructions.
Fault Cause Remedy
LED on slave does not
light up
• Data cable not
inserted properly
• Data cable defective
• Slave defective
Attention
Danger of damage to the
inverter.
X Disconnect the battery and
the power cable from the
slave before working on the
data cable. Then reconnect
battery cable.
X Connect the power cable only
after completion of all work.
X Ensure that the data cable is
inserted properly.
X If LED does not light up,
replace the data cable.
X If LED does not light up,
replace the slave.
LED on master does not
light up
• Master defective
X Replace master,
e.g. rewire system with a
previous slave as master
The system does not
work, although the
master and slave(s) are
in working order
• Parallel switch
box defective
X Replace parallel switch box
LEDs on inverters signal
a malfunction
• Wiring fault
X Check the wiring
9 Commercial and legal guarantee conditions
Find the warranty terms on internet at:
www.steca.com/pv-off-grid/warranties
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EN
10 Contact
Any further claims against the seller based on this legal guarantee obligation, in
particular claims for damages due to lost profit, loss-of-use or indirect damages
are excluded, unless liability is obligatory by law. They will help you with all issues you may have.
Steca Elektronik GmbH
Mammostrasse 1
87700 Memmingen
Germany
Fon +49 8331 8558 833
Fax +49 8331 8558 132
E-Mail service@stecasolar.com
Internet www.steca.com
PA Link1 parallel switch box
Type .................................................................................................................
Series number
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Dealer
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