Autarco MX3000 User manual

© Autarco Group B.V. Version 2.2
2016-08-26
Installation and Operation Manual
Solar Inverters MX-series

2 MX-series Inverters

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Contact Information
Autarco Group B.V.
Schansoord 60
5469 DT Erp
The Netherlands
www.autarco.com
[email protected]m
Other Information
This manual is an integral part of the unit. Please read the manual carefully before installation, operation or
maintenance. Keep this manual for future reference.
Product information is subject to change without notice. All trademarks are recognized as the property of their
respective owners.
© Autarco Group B.V.
All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Read this first...............................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Target Audience ..........................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Product versions covered by this document...............................................................................................6
2. Preparation........................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Safety instructions.......................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Package contents.........................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Internal DC switch .......................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Explanations of symbols on inverter ...........................................................................................................8
3. Product information ...........................................................................................................................9
3.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................................9
3.2 Product identification..................................................................................................................................9
3.3 Product overview.......................................................................................................................................10
4. Installation.......................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Safety.........................................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Mounting instructions ...............................................................................................................................11
4.3Safety clearance ........................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Mounting procedure .................................................................................................................................13
5. Electrical installation ........................................................................................................................14
5.1 AC connection............................................................................................................................................14
5.2 DC connections..........................................................................................................................................17
5.3 Inverter commissioning sequence.............................................................................................................18
6. Operation.........................................................................................................................................18
6.1 LED indicator lights....................................................................................................................................18
6.2 Inverter display..........................................................................................................................................18
6.3 Information................................................................................................................................................19
6.4 Settings ......................................................................................................................................................19
6.5 Advanced info............................................................................................................................................20
6.6 Advanced Settings .....................................................................................................................................20
7. Monitoring setup and system registration .........................................................................................21
8. Maintenance....................................................................................................................................21
9. Disposal ...........................................................................................................................................22
10. Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................................................22
10.1 General ......................................................................................................................................................22
10.2 Internal component fault ..........................................................................................................................22
10.3 Grid errors .................................................................................................................................................23
10.4 System and design fault.............................................................................................................................24
11. Product specifications:......................................................................................................................25

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1.Introduction
1.1 Read this first
This manual contains important information for use during installation and maintenance of the MX-series
Autarco inverter.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, and to ensure the safe installation and operation of the MX-series Autarco
inverters, the following safety symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and
important safety instructions.
WARNING! Indicates safety instruction, which if not correctly followed, can result in injury or
property damages.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! Indicates safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could
result in electric shock.
HOT SURFACE! Indicates safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could result in burns.
1.2 Target Audience
This manual is intended for anyone who uses Autarco MX-series inverter. Before any further action, the
operators must first read all safety regulations and be aware of the potential danger to operate high-voltage
devices. Operators must also have a complete understanding of this device’s features and functions.
ATTENTION! Qualified personnel means a person with valid license from the local authority in:
Installing electrical equipment and PV power systems (up to 1000 V).
Applying all applicable installation codes and using Personal Protective Equipment.
Analyzing and reducing the hazards involved in performing electrical work.
WARNING! Do not use this product unless it has been successfully installed by qualified personnel
in accordance with the instructions in chapter 4 “Installation”.

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1.3 Product versions covered by this document
The main purpose of this user manual is to provide instructions and detailed procedures for installing, operating,
maintaining, and troubleshooting the MX-series of Autarco inverters which includes the following models:
MX3000(S)
MX3600(S)
MX4600(S)
The product code will be “S2.<product version>”, e.g. S2.MX2500.
Please keep this user manual available at all times in case of emergency.

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2.Preparation
2.1 Safety instructions
DANGER! Do not touch any internal components whilst the inverter is in operation.
DANGER! Do not stand close to the inverter during severe weather conditions such as lighting,
etc.
Make sure you completely cover the surface of all PV arrays with opaque (dark) material before
wiring them or make sure the DC circuit breaker or equivalent DC isolator is disconnected.
This is because photovoltaic (PV) arrays create electrical energy when exposed to light, and could
cause a hazardous condition.
The MX series inverter must only be operated with PV arrays of protection class II, in accordance
with IEC 61730, class A.
WARNING! The PV inverter will become hot during operation; please don’t touch the heat sink or
peripheral surface during or shortly after operation.
NOTICE! Do not directly connect AC output of the inverter to any private AC equipment. The PV
inverter is designed to feed AC power directly into the public utility power grid.
WARNING! The installation, service, recycling and disposal of the inverters must be performed by
qualified personnel in compliance with national and local standards and regulations.
Please contact your dealer to get the information of authorized repair facility for any
maintenance or repairmen.
Any unauthorized actions including modification of product functionality of any form will affect the validation of
warranty service; Autarco may deny the obligation of warranty service accordingly.

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2.2 Package contents
Autarco MX-series
inverter
AC plug
Mounting bracket
DC connectors
Instruction manual
2.3 Internal DC switch
Please verify whether your Autarco MX-series inverter is equipped with an internal DC switch. This switch can be
found on the bottom of the inverter (see 3.3). If there isn’t an internal DC switch it is important to apply an
external DC disconnector in order to completely disconnect the solar PV module strings from the inverter.
2.4 Explanations of symbols on inverter
10 min.
DANGER - HIGH ELECTRIC VOLTAGE
This device is directly connected to the public grid. All work on the inverter should
be carried out by qualified personnel only. There might be residual currents in the
inverter for up to 10 minutes because of large capacitors.
ATTENTION
This device is directly connected to electricity DC generators and the public AC
grid.
DANGER –HOT SURFACES
The components inside the inverter will get hot during operation, DO NOT touch
aluminum housing during operating.
ATTENTION
In the case of any work on the inverter, always refer to this manual for detailed
product information.
ATTENTION
This device SHALL NOT be disposed of in residential waste. Please go to Chapter 9
“Recycling and Disposal” for proper treatments.
CE MARK
This equipment conforms to the basic requirements of the EU guideline governing
low voltage and electromagnetic compatibility.

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3.Product information
3.1 Overview
Autarco MX-series grid tied inverters are state of the art, high efficiency, robust and reliable grid tied inverters at
the best price quality ratio available. They are easy to install and carry a standard 10 year product warranty. Our
rigorous quality control and testing facilities guarantee Autarco inverters meet the highest quality standards
possible. These inverters are the key to our international track record of delivering extremely reliable solar
power solutions.
Key features:
Maximum efficiency of 97.6%
Wide MPPT voltage range
Low turn off voltage
High enclosure protection class IP65
Silent design using convection cooling
principle
Standard ten year product warranty
Compatible with WiFi, GPRS, 3G, Smart Home
and LAN cable
Optional integrated DC switch
For full specifications please see chapter 11 “Product specifications”.
3.2 Product identification
You can identify the inverter by the serial number (S/N) sticker on the side of the inverter. Important electrical
specification can also be found on the label on the right side of the inverter housing. Do not remove the label or
the serial number as this voids the product warranty.

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3.3 Product overview
A: Inverter cover
B: LED light –POWER
C: LED light –OPERATION
D: LED light –ALARM
E: LCD display 2x16 characters
F: Escape key
G: Up key
H: Down key
I: Enter key
J: DC input MPPT 1
K: DC input MPPT 2 (optional)
L: DC switch (optional)
M: Communication port
N: AC output
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N

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4.Installation
4.1 Safety
DANGER! Do not install the inverter near flammable or explosive items.
WARNING! The installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in compliance with
national and local standards and regulations.
This inverter will be connected to a high voltage DC power generator and AC grid. Inappropriate
installation may jeopardize the life span of the inverter.
The installation site must have good ventilation conditions. Direct exposure to intense sunshine is
not recommended.
4.2 Mounting instructions
The inverter is suitable for outdoor and indoor installation.
Vertical installation is recommended, with a maximum inclination of 15°backwards.
Make sure the mounting wall is strong enough to hold the weight of the inverter.
The ambient temperature of installation site should be between -20 °C and +60 °C.
It is not recommended that the inverter is exposed to the direct sunshine.
Make sure of ample ventilation at installation site, insufficient ventilation may reduce the performance
of the electronic components inside the inverter and shorten the life span of the inverter.
Max. 15°

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4.3 Safety clearance
Caution! Make sure heat sinks are out of reach of children.
Observe the following minimum clearances to walls:
Min. 100mm
Min. 100mm
Min. 300mm
Min. 300mm

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4.4 Mounting procedure
Step 1 —Mount the wall bracket onto the mounting wall with appropriate screws plugs
Step 2 —Lower the inverter onto the bracket
290 ± 2 mm
104 ± 2 mm

14 MX-series Inverters
5.Electrical installation
DANGER! This inverter will be connected to a high voltage DC power generator and AC grid. The
installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in compliance with national and local
standards and regulations
5.1 AC connection
DANGER! Never connect or disconnect the connectors under load.
NOTICE! The AC connection to the electrical distribution grid must be performed only after
receiving authorization from the utility that operates the grid.
The Autarco inverter is equipped with an integrated Residual Current Protective Device (RCPD) and Residual
Current Operated Monitor (RCOM). The RCOM will detect the volume of the leakage current and compare it
with the expected value, if the leakage current exceeds the permitted range, the RCPD will disconnect the
inverter from the AC load.
If regulations in the country of installation stipulate an external Residual Current Device (RCD), you must use a
device with a tripping threshold of 100 mA or more. A type “A” RCD can be used in accordance with our
“Manufacturer’s declaration for usage of residual current devices with Autarco SX, MX and LX grid-tied
inverters.”
The AC cable used 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.
We recommend 4mm 105 ℃cable with resistance lower than 1.5 ohm.
Cable gland cap
Cable gland body
Connector

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Step 1 —Slide the cable gland cap, cable gland body and adapter to the cable.
Step 2 —Strip outer jacket 60mm and strip each cable insulation about 12±1mm.
Step 3 —Insert cable strands into connector socket, and lock the screws. Make sure to fit the ground wire
into the PE hole.
Step 4 —Fit the connector, cable gland body and cable gland cap to the connector as per below.

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NOTICE! It is important that the AC wires are connected to the right terminals as indicated by
the “L”, “N” and “Earthing” symbols on each AC connector.
In some countries a second protective conductor is required as a matter of principle. In each
case, observe the applicable regulations for the site.
Always use separate fuses for consumer load. Use dedicated circuit breakers with load switch functionality for
load switching.
The selection of the mains circuit breaker rating depends on the wiring design (wire cross- section area), cable
type, wiring method, ambient temperature, inverter current rating etc. Derating of the circuit breaker rating
may be necessary due to self-heating or if exposed to heat.
MX3000(S)
MX3600(S)
MX4600(S)
Max. AC current (A)
15.7
16
23.8
Recommended fuse type gL/gG
or comparable automatic
circuit breaker rating (A)
25
25
32
DANGER! No consumer load should be applied between the mains circuit breaker and the
inverter.

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5.2 DC connections
DANGER! Never connect or disconnect the connectors under load.
MX-series inverters have two MPP trackers. The DC characteristics of each model is shown in the table below:
Inverter
MPP tracker
Max DC power
Max DC voltage
Max. DC current per MPPT
MX3000(S)
2
3500W
600W
10A
MX3600(S)
4200W
MX4600(S)
5300W
15A
DANGER! Do not connect strings with an open circuit voltage greater than the max DC voltage
of the inverter.
Use 4mm² or 6mm² PV cable and MC4 connectors to connect the PV generator to the inverters.
DANGER! For protection against electric shock, MC4 connectors must be isolated from the PV
array while being assembled or disassembled.
DC connections must not be unplugged while under load. They can be placed in a no-load state
by switching off the inverter or breaking the DC circuit interrupter. Plugging and unplugging while
under voltage is permitted.
CAUTION! MC4 connectors are watertight IP67 but cannot be used permanently under water. Do
not lay the MC4 connectors on the roof surface.
CAUTION! If any tools or parts are used in the MC4 connector assembly other than those listed in
the MC4 connector manual, neither safety nor compliance with the technical data can be
guaranteed.
CAUTION! Every string connected to a MPPT must be identical, i.e. share the module type,
module quantity, azimuth and pitch.

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5.3 Inverter commissioning sequence
Turn ON
Turn OFF
1. Connect AC side (if not connected yet)
2. Connect DC side (if not connected yet)
3. Switch ON the DC switch
4. Switch ON the AC switch
1. Switch OFF the DC switch
2. Switch OFF the AC switch
6.Operation
6.1 LED indicator lights
There are three LED status indicator lights in the front panel of MX series inverters. The left POWER light (red)
indicates power status of the inverter. The middle OPERATION light (green) indicates the operation status. The
right ALARM light (yellow) indicates the alarm status. Table 3.1 explains their meanings.
Light
Status
Description
POWER (red)
ON
The PV array provides power to the inverter
OFF
The PV array does not provide power to the inverter
OPERATION (green)
ON
The inverter is feeding AC power to the grid
OFF
The inverter is not feeding AC power to the grid
FLASHING
The inverter is initializing
ALARM (yellow)
ON
There is a fault. Refer to the inverter display and chapter
10 of this manual for details
OFF
The inverter is operation normally
When inverter DC switch and AC switch have been turned on the inverter will start initializing. After approx. 3
minutes the inverter will start normal operation with the inverter display showing GENERATING.
6.2 Inverter display
NOTICE! During normal operation, make sure the optional integrated DC switch is switched “on”.
The display content consists of 2 lines. During regular operation the display shows the current power and
operation status alternatively for 10 seconds. Pressing the UP or DOWN buttons will manually cycle through
these two displays. Pressing the ENTER button gives access to the main menu which has four sub menus:
Information, described in detail in chapter 6.3.
Settings, described in detail in chapter 6.4.
Advanced information, described in detail in chapter 6.5.
Advanced settings, described in details in chapter 6.6.
By pressing UP or DOWN keys you can cycle through these sub menus and click ENTER to go into the submenu.

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6.3 Information
The MX series inverters main menu provides access to operational data and information. The information is
displayed by selecting "Information" from the main menu. By default the inverter display will scroll through the
information states below. Pressing the ENTER key will lock or unlock the current display. You can also press UP
or DOWN keys to manually scroll through. By pressing the ESC key returns to the main menu.
State
Description
V_DC1 %VALUE%
I_DC1 %VALUE% A
Shows the input voltage (V) of the MPPT1
Shows the input current (A) of the MPPT1
V_DC2 %VALUE%
I_DC2 %VALUE% A
Shows the input voltage (V) of the MPPT2
Shows the input current (A) of the MPPT2
V_AC %VALUE%
I_AC %VALUE% A
Shows the voltage (V) of the grid
Shows the current (A) of the grid
Status: %VALUE%
Power: %VALUE% W
Shows the status of the inverter
Shows current output power (W) of the inverter
For any status other than “Generating” and “Initializing” please refer to
chapter 10 for troubleshooting
Grid frequency
F_Grid %VALUE% Hz
Shows current frequency (Hz) of the grid
Total Energy
%VALUE% kWh
Shows total energy output (kWh)
This Month: %VALUE% kWh
Last Month: %VALUE% kWh
Total energy output in this month (kWh)
Total energy output of last month (kWh)
This day: %VALUE% kWh
Last day: %VALUE% kWh
Total energy output in this day (kWh)
Total energy output of yesterday (kWh)
6.4 Settings
The following options are available under the Settings submenu:
Set Time and Date
Press UP/DOWN keys to set change element
Press ENTER key to move to next element
Press ESC key to save date and return
Set Address
Assign a number (##) to the inverter to distinguish between multiple inverters
on a single monitoring device. Not necessary for installations of single inverters.
Press UP/DOWN keys to set change number
Press ENTER key to save the setting
Press ESC key to return
Restore Settings
Delete alarm messages that have been generated

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6.5 Advanced info
WARNING! Access to this section of the menu is for Autarco qualified and accredited
technicians only. Unauthorized access will void the product and system warranty.
The default password is “0010". Press “DOWN” to move the cursor, press “UP” to select the number. After you
enter the correct password, you will be able to access the information as shown in the table below.
Press the UP/DOWN keys to scroll through the information. Press ENTER key to enter a submenu. Press ESC key
to go back to the main menu.
Alarm Messages
Scroll through the last ten alarm messages for trouble shooting purposes.
Press UP/DOWN keys to cycle through alarm messages
Press ESC key to return
Temperature
The screen shows the temperature of the inverter in degrees Celcius.
Standard NO.
The screen shows the current grid standard
Version
The screen shows the operating software version of the inverter
Communication data
The screen shows information interpretable to qualified technicians only
6.6 Advanced Settings
WARNING! Access to this section of the menu is for Autarco qualified and accredited
technicians only. Unauthorized access will void the product and system warranty.
Refer to 6.5 for the password to access this menu.
Select grid standard
WARNING! Set GRID OFF (see below) before changing this
setting.
Press UP/DOWN keys to cycle through available standards
AS4777
VDE0126
UL1741
G83
User defined
Press ENTER key to save the setting
Press ESC key to cancel and return
When selecting User defined the following upper and lower values have to
be set for voltage and frequency:
OV-V: 240-270V
UV-V: 180-210V