INSTALLATION - INVERTER
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EARTH FAULT ALARMS
The installation of an earth fault alarm compliant with AS/NZS 5033 requirements is mandatory for all arrays.
Solahart inverters are able to communicate an earth fault in three different ways:
1. Inverter display
•
Some Solahart inverters display an Earth Fault Alarm message on the inverter display when
an earth fault is present. Consult the specific inverter installation manual for details of the
error message display on the inverter
•
Examples:
o
SMA inverter display
o
ABB inverter display
2. External alarm – Email Alert
•
Some Solahart inverters are able to communicate with a web portal that can be configured
to send an email alert to the system owner when an earth fault is present.
•
Examples:
o
SMA Webconnect
o
ABB WIFI logger card
3. External alarm – Audible or Visual Alarm
•
Some Solahart inverters can switch a relay when an earth fault is present. The relay can be
connected to an audible or visual alarm that meets AS/NZS 5033 requirements.
•
Examples:
o
SMA multi-function relay
o
ABB configurable relay
SMA inverter display
It may be possible to comply with earth fault alarm requirements without additional components. In this
instance, the visual warning light and error information on the graphical display can be relied upon; however,
this method of compliance requires the inverter be installed in a compliant location according to AS/NZS
5033 and/or local regulator.
SMA Webconnect
The SMA Webconnect comes factory installed in SB 1.5-1 VL-40, SB 2.5-1
VL-40, SB 3000TL-21, SB 4000TL-21, SB 5000 TL-21, and STP 5000TL-
20 inverters, with installation instructions for the Webconnect also provided
with the inverters.
The Webconnect is a cable-based type of communication based on the
Ethernet standard. The Webconnect enables the inverter to exchange data
with SMA Sunny Portal which facilitates data monitoring and fault
communication via email.
The general installation process of the Webconnect is outlined below:
1. Prior to PV system commissioning, connect the Webconnect to the PV system owner’s internet
connected router through the use of a network cable as described in the SWDM-10 installation
instructions
2. Commission the PV system as outlined in the Solahart Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions
3. Commission and register the PV system on SMA Sunny Portal through the Plant Setup Assistant. An
internet connected laptop, tablet or smartphone is required.
4. Once the system has been successfully registered, login to Sunny Portal
5. Ensure to activate earth fault alarm reporting on SMA Sunny Portal
For more detail on the installation of the Webconnect and cable requirements, please read the SMA
Webconnect installation instructions supplied with the inverter.
SMA multi-function relay
On the occurrence of an inverter fault, the relay can be used to trigger an external audio and/or visual alarm.
Please follow the instructions provided in the inverter product manual for maximum ratings, requirements and
instructions on how to utilise the relay connection.
Note:
SB 1.5-1 VL-40 and SB 2.5-1 VL-40 inverters do not have any relay functionality.
SMA Webconnect (SWDM-10)
