Xantrex Technology Inc., is a world-leading supplier of advanced power
electronics and controls with products from 50 watt portables to 1 megawatt
utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and
backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems.
Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power
supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and
distribute electrical power.
Trademarks
Trace is a trademark of Xantrex Technology Inc. Xantrex is a registered
trademark of Xantrex Technology Inc.
While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the
contents of this guide, Xantrex Technology Inc., assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions. Note as well that specifications and product functionality may change without notice.
Since the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation, operation, use and maintenance of the unit are beyond the control of
Xantrex Technology Inc., the company does not assume responsibility and
expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense arising out of or any
way connected with such installation, operation, use, or maintenance.
Due to continual improvement through product updates, photographs
and/or illustrations used in this manual may not exactly match your unit.
Xantrex Technology Inc., reserves the right to update this product without
notice or releasing an updated manual when fit, form or function are not
affected.
This manual contains important safety instructions that should be followed
during the installation and maintenance of this product.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, and to ensure the safe installation and
operation of this product, the following safety symbols have been placed
throughout this manual to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety
instructions.
WARNING - A dangerous voltage or condition exists in this area.
Use extreme caution when performing these tasks.
AVERTISSEMENT - Une tension ou condition dangereuse existe dans
cette zone. Faire preuve d’extrême prudence lors de la réalisation de
ces tâches.
CAUTION - This procedure is critical to the safe installation or
operation of the unit. Follow these instructions closely.
ATTENTION - Cette procédure est essentielle à l’installation ou
l’utilisation de l’unité en toute sécurité. Suivre ces instructions de
près.
NOTE - This statement is important. Follow instructions closely.
NOTE - Cette déclaration est importante. Suivre les instructions de
près.
•All electrical work must be done in accordance with local, national,
and/or international electrical codes.
•Before installing or using this device, read all instructions and cautionary
markings located in (or on) the TM500A, the manual, the batteries, the
inverter, the PV array, etc.
•Do not expose this unit to rain, snow or liquids of any type. This product is
designed only for indoor mounting.
•To reduce the chance of short-circuits when installing or working with the
inverter, the batteries, or the PV array, use insulated tools.
•Remove all jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc., while
installing this system. This will greatly reduce the chance of accidental
exposure to live circuits.
•The inverter contains more than one live circuit (batteries, PV array, and
AC). Power may be present at more than one source.
•This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to repair
this unit.
•Always wear eye protection, such as safety glasses, when working with
batteries.
•Remove all loose jewelry before working with batteries.
•Never work alone. Have someone assist you with the installation or be
close enough to come to your aid when working with batteries.
•NEVER smoke in the vicinity of a battery or generator.
•Always connect the batteries first, then connect the cables to the inverter
via a DC disconnect switched OFF. This will greatly reduce the chance of
spark in the vicinity of the batteries.
•Use insulated tools when working with batteries.
•When connecting batteries, always verify proper voltage and polarity.
•Do not short-circuit battery cables. Fire or explosion can occur.
•In the event of exposure to battery electrolyte, wash the area with soap
and water. If acid enters the eyes, flood them with running cold water for
at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention.
The TM500A features six data monitoring functions and three indicators
including:
• State of charge/amp-hour content (full or percent of capacity)
• State of charge/voltage (real-time voltage level, historical high and low
system voltage)
• Amps (real-time amps, total charging amps, total load amps)
• Amp hours removed
• Days since fully charged
• Cumulative amp hours
• Recharge indicator
• Low-voltage indicator
• Full-charge indicator
The unit is configurable for specific system or application functions such
as setting the CHARGED indication parameters, battery capacity, charging
efficiency, low-battery warning conditions and a recharge reminder. The
TM500A can monitor any battery supply from approximately 8 to 65 volts,
track energy consumption and estimate remaining battery life.
In addition to its status monitoring features, the unit can act as a remote
control, switching the inverter OFF or ON (only on inverters incorporating an
RC4/RC8 compatible remote control jack).
The TM500A operates on 12-, 24-, or 48-volt battery systems (48-volt
systems require an optional shunt board).
Before installing the TM500A, read all instructions and cautionary
markings located in this manual. The unit should be mounted in a clean, dry,
protected environment.
Determine the wire route to the batteries (and inverter, if the remote
INVERTER ON/OFF function is desired).
NOTE: Check for existing electrical, plumbing or other potential
areas of accidental damage prior to making cuts in structural
surfaces.
Mounting
The unit can be surface mounted (using the adaptor supplied) or flush
mounted into a rectangular opening. Provide at least one inch clearance
behind the meter circuit board for the cabling when flush mounting.
• Using the mounting bracket as a template, mark the positions for the
screw holes and an area where the cable(s) will feed through.
• Drill out the four screws holes (if required) and wire access opening.
Use a 3/16" bit if the supplied plastic anchors are used. If placing the
screws directly into the backing material, use a 3/32" bit. The wire
access hole should be at least 1/2" diameter to allow the connector to
pass through.
• Mount the bracket using the screws (and anchors if necessary)
supplied. See Figure 2-2. Do not overtighten the screws.
• Install the adaptor onto the bracket by pressing it tightly into place.
• Connect the communications cable (from the shunt) to the “J1 TO
SHUNT ONLY” jack on the TM500A. See Figure 2-3.
• If the TM500A is to function as an ON/OFF remote control for the
inverter, connect the remote control cable (not supplied) to the “J2
INVERTER ONLY” jack. This connector only functions if the inverter
contains a REMOTE jack that allows operation with an RC4 or RC8
remote control.
CAUTION: Do not reverse these cables or the TM500A
circuit board will be permanently damaged.
• Install the meter onto the adaptor by pressing it tightly into place.
To flush mount the TM500A , an opening must be cut in the backing
material to allow room for the circuit board, wires and connectors. Allow at
least one inch depth behind the circuit board for the connectors and wires.
• Use the bracket as a template and mark the positions for the screw
holes. Mark the open area to be cut out for the circuit board.
NOTE: Carefully cut out the circuit board area from the backing
material (i.e., wallboard). Cut inside the lines so there is enough
area left to securely hold the screws.
• Drill out the four screw’s holes (if required) and wire access opening.
Use a 3/16" bit if the supplied plastic anchors are used. If placing the
screws directly into the backing material, use a 3/32" bit.
• Mount the bracket using the screws (and anchors if necessary)
supplied. See Figure 2-4. Do not overtighten the screws.
• Connect the communications cable (from the shunt) to the “J1 TO
SHUNT ONLY” jack (Figure 2-5).
• If the TM500A is to function as an ON/OFF remote control for the
inverter, connect the remote control cable (not supplied) to the “J2
INVERTER ONLY” jack. This connector only functions if the inverter
contains a REMOTE jack that allows operation with an RC4 or RC8
remote control.
CAUTION: Do not reverse these cables or the TM500A circuit
board will be permanently damaged. This is not covered
under warranty.
• Install the meter onto the bracket by pressing it tightly into place.
If the TM500A is mounted in excess of 100 feet from the inverter, an
additional wire (with a spade lugs on both ends) must be connected between
the TM500A and shunt spade lugs. This wire acts as a ground reference and
ensures the meter will read accurately.
Use the following gauge wire for the distance the TM500A is mounted
from the inverter.