Emerson E2 User manual

026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
E2 Controller Wiring Practices

1640 Airport Road Suite #104
Kennesaw, GA 30144
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The information contained in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed
to be accurate. However, Computer Process Controls, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for any inaccuracies that may be contained herein. In no event will Computer Process
Controls, Inc. be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the
possibility of such damages. In the interest of continued product development, Com-
puter Process Controls, Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual,
and the products described herein, at any time without notice or obligation.
FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CE COMPLIANCE NOTICE
Class A Product Information for Einstein, E2 Controllers:
The CPC Einstein and E2 controllers are Class A products. In a domestic environment
this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to
take adequate measures. This covers:
• All Einstein family product types: RX - Refrigeration Controller
(830-xxxx), BX - Building/HVAC Controller (831-xxxx), and all ver-
sion models: (300, 400, 500).
• All E2 family product types: RX - Refrigeration Controller (834-xxxx),
BX - Building/HVAC Controller (835-xxxx), CX- Convenience Store
Controller (836-xxxx), and all version models: (300, 400, 500).

E2 Controller Wiring Practices Table of Contents • v
Table of Contents
1 OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. “NOISE” AND ITS EFFECTS............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2. SOURCES OF NOISE....................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 AVOIDING NOISE-GENERATING DEVICES........................................................................................................ 2
2.1. CONTROL TECHNIQUES VARIABLE-SPEED DRIVES...................................................................................................... 2
3 AVOIDING HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING................................................................................................................... 3
4 USING THE CORRECT CABLE................................................................................................................................ 4
4.1. RS485 COMMUNICATION WIRING................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2. ANALOG OUTPUT WIRING (CONTROL TECHNIQUES VSDS)........................................................................................ 4
4.3. ECHELON NETWORK WIRING ....................................................................................................................................... 4
4.4. ETHERNET NETWORK WIRING ..................................................................................................................................... 4
4.4.1. Shielding................................................................................................................................................................ 4
4.4.2. Maximum Cable Length........................................................................................................................................ 5
5 POWER WIRE GAGE SELECTION ......................................................................................................................... 6
6 NETWORK STRUCTURE, BIASING, AND TERMINATION RESISTANCE.................................................... 7
6.1. RS485 NETWORKING.................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.1.1. Terminating and Biasing an I/O Networks and MODBUS Networks................................................................... 7
6.2. ECHELON NETWORKING ............................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2.1. Echelon Network Termination.............................................................................................................................. 9
7 CABLE AND DEVICE GROUNDING ..................................................................................................................... 10
7.1. GENERAL GROUNDING GUIDELINES........................................................................................................................... 10
7.1.1. Ground Wire Specifications................................................................................................................................ 10
7.1.2. Ground Source Specifications............................................................................................................................. 10
7.2. POWER INPUT AND RS485/MODBUS GROUNDING .................................................................................................. 10
7.2.1. E2........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
7.2.2. RS485 I/O and MODBUS Devices (except Control Link) .................................................................................. 11
7.2.3. Control Link Modules ......................................................................................................................................... 11
7.3. EMI-RESISTANT RS485 NETWORK GROUNDING PRACTICES .................................................................................... 11
7.4. VSD DRIVE GROUNDING PRACTICES......................................................................................................................... 12
7.4.1. Analog Output Cable Grounding........................................................................................................................ 13
7.5. ECHELON CABLE GROUNDING ................................................................................................................................... 13
7.5.1. EMI-Resistant Echelon Network Grounding (For High-EMI Environments).................................................... 13

“Noise” and its Effects Overview • 1
1 Overview
One of the most common causes of communica-
tion problems experienced by CPC site controllers is
excess electromagnetic interference (EMI), com-
monly referred to as electrical noise or just “noise.”
Because refrigeration and HVAC controls are typi-
cally installed in motor rooms and utility rooms, they
are often in close proximity to other electrical
devices that generate EMI, such as power lines or
motors.
Noise can be picked up by any length of wire.
Just as an antenna helps a radio receive AM and FM
radio signals, a long length of wire between a con-
troller and I/O board or sensor can also act as an
antenna for noise.
CPC site controllers such as the E2, as well as
the peripheral I/O boards and unit controllers to
which it communicates, go through rigorous testing
to ensure (1) that they are not overly susceptible to
noise, and (2) that the devices themselves do not gen-
erate excess noise. Regardless, every long wire used
in network, power, and signal wiring can poten-
tially be an antenna for EMI. Unless proper noise
abatement wiring practices are used, even one wiring
mistake could result in enough noise to impede or
disable an RS485, Echelon, or Ethernet network.
This document is meant to provide a list of
guidelines that should always be followed when wir-
ing RS485 (I/O networks, MODBUS), Echelon, and
Ethernet networks in an E2 control system.
1.1. “Noise” and its Effects
Noise, in the context of this document, refers to
EMI induced on a network wire or connector that
result in signals that hinder the controllers’ ability to
receive and send network messages. Just as loud
audio noise in a room makes it harder for people to
communicate with each other through speech, a
noisy network makes it hard for a control device to
read messages sent from other controllers.
You should suspect a noisy network if your E2
control system experiences any of the following
problems:
• Periodic outages of communication between the main
controller (E2) and its peripheral devices. This is most
often indicated by a large number of “Controller
Offline” alarms in the E2 Alarm Log, which usually
return to normal.
• Inability to commission devices during setup. During
commissioning, the E2 attempts to find a device and
read its commissioning information - on a noisy net-
work, the E2 may fail to find devices or require sev-
eral retries before finding them. Noise may also cause
commissioning to proceed very slowly.
• Intermittent Ethernet connections to E2 (ping works,
but UltraSite or InSite cannot make connection to the
E2).
• Communication outages that occur when changes are
made to network connections to the E2. Example: the
I/O network devices stop communicating when the
Ethernet cable is plugged into the E2.
• Reboots of the E2, in situations where excessive noise
is present.
1.2. Sources of Noise
The most common causes of noise in an E2 con-
troller installation are:
• Wiring that comes close to an electrical device that
generates lots of noise,
• Routing cable that runs parallel and/or in close prox-
imity to wires that carry high AC voltage and current,
• Network cable that does not meet specifications,
• Power wiring from the transformer secondary that is
the wrong wire gage,
• Improper network structure or termination resistance,
and
• Cable that is not grounded or that is grounded improp-
erly.

2 • E2 Controller Wiring Practices 026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
2 Avoiding Noise-Gen-
erating Devices
There are a number of electrical devices com-
monly used in supermarkets and buildings that gener-
ate noise.
• Motor starters, contactors, or other electrical equip-
ment that switches ON and OFF. Switching heavy
electrical loads ON and OFF will generate noise.
• Inverters for variable-speed motors. Inverters gener-
ate a constant amount of high levels of noise.
• Fluorescent light ballasts. Light ballasts also generate
constant noise.
• Arc welders (excessive intermittent noise).
The best way to eliminate network noise coming
from a noise-generating device is to keep all net-
worked devices and cable runs as far away from the
device as possible. Cable runs should be routed
around noise-generating devices, and the E2 (as well
as the devices the E2 is networked with) should be
physically located far away from noise-generating
devices.
The minimum distance devices and cabling
should be kept away from noise generators is 1 ft.
(0.3m) with 5 ft. (1.5 m) being the ideal minimum
distance. The minimum distance may be more or
less depending on the amount of noise generated by
the device - refer to the device’s user manual for
more information.
2.1. Control Techniques Vari-
able-Speed Drives
E2 controllers whose versions are 2.40F01 and
above feature the ability to communicate with certain
models of Control Techniques variable-speed drives
(VSDs) using a MODBUS network connection.
Control Techniques and CPC both require all
VSDs that will network with E2 controllers to be
installed with line filters to minimize noise. If install-
ing an E2 network into a site that already has
installed VSDs, verify the drives were installed with
line filters before networking them to an E2. Contact
your Control Techniques representative to obtain line
filters and assistance with installation.
In addition, CPC requires that all MODBUS net-
work connections to Control Techniques VSDs use a
CT Drive Interface (P/N 535-2725). This assembly,
which plugs into the RJ45 MODBUS jack on the
VSD, provides the noise filtering circuitry recom-
mended by Control Techniques, and it also provides
a screw terminal connector for easier daisy chaining
to the MODBUS network.
For further information on noise abatement when
using Control Techniques VSDs, consult the manu-
facturer’s instructions and follow all recommended
guidelines for installing the drive and reducing noise.
Furthermore, when using VSDs, it is highly recom-
mended you follow the EMI-resistant wiring guide-
lines outlined in Section 7.3., EMI-Resistant RS485
Network Grounding Practices.

Control Techniques Variable-Speed Drives Avoiding High Voltage Wiring • 3
3 AvoidingHighVoltage
Wiring
A common mistake made by wiring technicians
is to wire communication cabling in parallel with
120VAC, 240VAC, or 480VAC power wiring (some-
times together in the same conduit). High voltage
wiring radiates noise in all directions perpendicular
from the direction of the wire. When a communica-
tion wire is run parallel and in close proximity to a
high voltage wire, the electromagnetic field from the
high voltage wire will induce noise on the communi-
cation cable. The amount of noise induced depends
on the voltage and current of the wire, the distance
between the two wires, and the angle between the
two wire runs (with parallel being the highest induc-
tion).
To avoid noise induced from high-voltage wir-
ing:
1. If possible, wire serial, Echelon, and Ethernet wiring
away from high-voltage wire. Communication
cabling should be kept a minimum of 3 in. (7.6 cm)
apart at all points, with 12 in. (30 cm) being the
ideal minimum distance.
2. Do not wire communication wire and high-voltage
wire in the same conduit. Always separate the power
wiring in a separate grounded rigid steel conduit if the
two wires must be run close together and in parallel.
3. Avoid running even part of the communication wiring
in close parallel with high voltage wiring. A run of
parallel wire as short as a few inches could yield
enough noise to affect network communication. If the
wires must cross each other in close proximity, cross
them perpendicular to each other so the amount of
noise is minimized (see Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1 - Examples of Good & Bad Cable Routing

4 • E2 Controller Wiring Practices 026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
4 Using The Correct Ca-
ble
4.1. RS485 Communication
Wiring
CPC specifies all RS485 I/O and MODBUS wir-
ing used by the E2 must be Belden 8641 (24AWG,
300V, CPC P/N 135-8641); Belden 8761 (22 AWG,
300V not stocked by CPC); or a 600V-shielded
22AWG equivalent stocked by CPC (P/N 135-0600).
These are two-connector shielded twisted pair cable
that support a maximum daisy chain cable distance of
4000 feet (1219 m) between the E2 and the end
device on the network.
Provided the cable can be routed away from
noise generators and running in parallel with high-
voltage wire, any of the three specified cables will
provide adequate shielding from external noise.
4.2. Analog Output Wiring
(Control Techniques
VSDs)
If using a MultiFlex analog output or 4AO board
to drive a Control Techniques VSD, you MUST use
shielded cable between the analog point and the VSD
drive speed input. Use the same two-connector
shielded cable specified for RS485 use: Belden 8641
(24AWG, 300V, CPC P/N 135-8641); Belden 8761
(22 AWG, 300V not stocked by CPC); or a 600V-
shielded 22AWG equivalent stocked by CPC (P/N
135-0600).
4.3. Echelon Network Wiring
CPC specifies one type of cable for Echelon Net-
work wiring: a Level 4, twisted pair, stranded,
shielded cable that meets all requirements for Eche-
lon LonWorks networks. This cable is available in
both plenum and non-plenum varieties from CPC
(see part numbers in Table 4-1). This cable is the
only cable type supported by CPC.
4.4. Ethernet Network Wiring
4.4.1. Shielding
Standard, unshielded CAT5/5e cable can be used
for wiring E2s to an Ethernet network as long as the
cable is not run near sources of electrical noise. Oth-
erwise, if the cable will be used in a noisy environ-
ment, shielded CAT5e cable (Belden 1533, plenum;
1533R for non-plenum) should be used. For this type
of cable, you should use shielded RJ45 connectors
meant for solid conductor wire (L-Com TDS8PC5
or equivalent). When connecting CAT5e cable to
shielded RJ45 connectors:
Cable Type CPC Part Number
1 pair, non-plenum 135-2300
1 pair, plenum 135-2301
Table 4-1 - Recommended Wiring

Ethernet Network Wiring Using The Correct Cable • 5
1. Carefully strip the outer sheath insulation back 1”.
Roll back the foil shield insulation and wrap the drain
wire around the foil (Figure 4-1). Do not remove any
insulation from the conductors.
2. Untwist the wires to within 1/8” of the jacket. Arrange
the wires according to TIE/EAI 586A & 586B (Fig-
ure 4-2). For straight patch cables, wire both ends
586A; for crossover cables, wire one end 586A and
the other 586B. Insert wires into the loading bar. Trim
excess wires.
3. Hold the connector in front of you with the locking
tab down. Orient the wires so connector pin 1 aligns
with cable pin 1, etc. (Pin 1 is on the far left). Slide
the wires into the CAT5e connector. The cable jacket
should extend into the connector about 1/4” for strain
relief (Figure 4-3).
4. Insert the plug into a crimp tool. Firmly squeeze the
handles to set the contacts and secure the cable. 4.4.2. Maximum Cable Length
An Ethernet cable should be no longer than 328
feet (100 meters) from E2 to switch or hub. Exceed-
ing this length will cause communication problems.
Figure 4-1 - CAT5e Shielded Cable w/ 1" Stripped Jacket
Figure 4-2 - 586A & 586B Cable End Wire Color Diagram
Figure 4-3 - CAT5e Cable End Loaded Into Connector
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Connector shown
w/locking tab down,
Pin 1 @ far left.
Jacket w/shield inserted
1/4" into connector

6 • E2 Controller Wiring Practices 026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
5 Power Wire Gage Se-
lection
The gage of wire used to connect networked
devices to the transformer secondary also plays a sig-
nificant part in noise reduction. Most CPC control-
lers and I/O devices are powered by 24VAC
transformers. Power wiring from the transformer sec-
ondary should be either 18AWG, 16AWG, or
14AWG, depending upon the total wire length to all
devices and the total VA of all devices powered.
To determine the correct wire gage to use:
1. Add together the VA ratings of all devices that will be
powered by the transformer. Table 5-1 shows the VA
devices for the E2 controller and the most common
RS485 I/O and Echelon devices used in an E2 control
system.
2. Use the total VA calculated in step 1 in the following
equations to determine the maximum wire length
allowable for each wire gage:
• 14AWG: (feet)
• 16AWG: (feet)
• 18AWG: (feet)
3. Estimate the total length of wire necessary to power
the devices, measured from the transformer secondary
to the last device that will be connected. Using the
maximum wire lengths calculated in step 2, choose a
gage of wire whose maximum wire length is longer
than the total length of wire you will be using.
Example: A 24VAC transformer will be used
to power three MultiFlex 168AOs. The total
length of power wire needed is 15 feet. Since
the total VA of the three MultiFlex boards is
45VA, 18AWG wire may not be used, since
462 / 45 = 10.2 feet maximum. 16AWG wire
and 14AWG wire may both be used, since
with 45VA these wires would have maximum
distances of 16.7 ft. and 26.7 ft. respectively.
Controller VA VAC Center
Tapped?
E2 40 24 No
16AI 5 24 Yes
8RO 15 24 Yes
4AO 10 24 Yes
8DO 18 24 Yes
8IO/ARTC 18 24 No
MultiFlex 16 6 24 Yes
MultiFlex I/O
(except ESR) 15 24 No
ESR8 80 24 No
MultiFlex ESR 80 24 Yes
TD3 4 24 No
Gateway 5 24 Yes
Table 5-1 - VA Ratings for CPC I/O Devices
1200 VA
750 VA
462 VA

RS485 Networking Network Structure, Biasing, and Termination Resistance • 7
6 Network Structure, Bi-
asing, and Termina-
tion Resistance
6.1. RS485 Networking
The RS485 Input/Output (I/O) Network connects
all input and output communication boards together
in a single open communications loop. This loop, or
“daisy chain,” connects the E2 to multiple input and
output communication boards, and terminates at the
last input or output board on the network. A diagram
of this network arrangement is shown in Figure 6-1.
Daisy chains are the only allowable network
structure for CPC RS485 I/O networks. Branching
and “star configurations” can seriously affect net-
work performance and therefore are not allowed.
6.1.1. Terminating and Biasing an
I/O Networks and MODBUS
Networks
Proper termination and biasing is an important
part of reducing I/O network noise. All CPC-manu-
factured devices with RS485 ports are equipped with
three on-board jumpers that can provide the resis-
tance necessary to terminate and bias the network
endpoint. The middle jumper provides the termina-
tion resistance, while the two outside jumpers pro-
vide biasing.
I/O Network daisy chains must be terminated
AND biased at both ends of the daisy chain (Figure
6-2).
MODBUS daisy chains must be terminated at
both ends of the daisy chain, but must only be biased
at ONE end. Biasing the E2 is the preferred method
of network biasing. Most third-party MODBUS
devices have no termination or network bias capabil-
ities and will require use of a MODBUS termination
block (see Section 6.1.1.1., MODBUS Termination
Blocks). Others, like the Control Link, have three
jumpers similar to CPC I/O devices. For these
devices, set the termination jumper (middle) to the
UP position and leave the biasing jumpers in the
DOWN position. (Figure 6-2)
6.1.1.1. MODBUS Termination Blocks
Third-party devices may or may not have on-
board termination jumpers — consult the manufac-
turer’s instructions for termination information.
Figure 6-1 - I/O Network Configurations
Figure 6-2 - I/O Network and MODBUS Termination and
Biasing
TERMINATED & BIASED
(ALL 3 JUMPERS SET
TO "UP" POSITION)
RS485 I/O NETWORKS
TERMINATED & BIASED
(ALL 3 JUMPERS SET
TO "UP" POSITION)
MODBUS NETWORKS
TERMINATED, NO BIAS
(MIDDLE JUMPER SET
TO "UP" POSITION)
OR USE MODBUS
TERMINATION BLOCK

8 • E2 Controller Wiring Practices 026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
If an end device does not have termination jump-
ers, CPC offers a termination block that can be used
to terminate MODBUS network endpoints (CPC P/N
535-2711). Connect this block just before the end
device (Figure 6-3) and connect the shield to earth
ground, keeping the exposed shield wire length as
short as possible (3 inches ideal maximum length).
6.2. Echelon Networking
Echelon devices are networks together into con-
figurations called segments. A segment is a group of
up to 64 Echelon devices that are connected together
on an unbroken series of wires.
The recommended way of constructing an Eche-
lon Network is called daisy-chaining. In the daisy-
chain network configuration, devices are arranged by
subnets, which consist of one E2 and all Echelon
devices associated with the E2.
First, all devices in a subnet are connected in an
unbroken chain without branches or “star configura-
tions” (see Figure 6-5). Then, if more than one E2 is
present on-site, all chains are connected so that the
entire network forms a large unbroken chain, called a
daisy chain (see Figure 6-6). This allows for all
devices in the Echelon Network to be hard wired
together for trouble free communication.
Figure 6-3 - MODBUS Termination Block (P/N 535-2711)
Figure 6-4 - MODBUS Term Block End-of-Chain Install
TB
ENDOFDAISYCHAIN
FROM LAST
DEVICE
AT END OF
DAISY-CHAIN
SHIELD
WIRE
(CONNECT
TO EARTH
GROUND)
Figure 6-5 - Echelon Wiring - Subnets
Figure 6-6 - Echelon Wiring, pt. 2
E2 E2
E226513125rev
RECOMMENDED
UNBROKEN
CHAIN
E2s
E226513131rev

Echelon Networking Network Structure, Biasing, and Termination Resistance • 9
6.2.1. Echelon Network Termina-
tion
Echelon networks require the devices on each
end of the daisy chain to be terminated with a 105-
ohm resistor across the signal-carrying leads. Most
CPC-manufactured Echelon devices have on-board
termination jumpers that, when set to the “termi-
nated” position, provide the required termination
resistance (refer to the device’s own installation doc-
umentation). If the device does not have termination
jumpers, CPC offers an Echelon termination block
(P/N 535-2715) that may be wired in series right
before the end device (see Figure 6-7) or at the end
of an Echelon network run (necessary for TD3 instal-
lations) (Figure 6-8). The termination block provides
the necessary 105-ohm resistance for network termi-
nation.
Figure 6-7 - Echelon Termination Block (P/N 535-2715)
Figure 6-8 - Termination Block Usage With TD3s

10 • E2 Controller Wiring Practices 026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
7 Cable and Device
Grounding
Proper grounding is an essential part of reducing
network noise. Failure to properly ground power and
network wiring is one of the most common causes of
critical noise problems. Follow these guidelines
when installing RS485/MODBUS and Echelon net-
works, and refer to them when troubleshooting prob-
lematic installations to ensure the grounding is
correct.
7.1. General Grounding
Guidelines
A good ground wire provides a low-DC-resis-
tance path between the cable’s or device’s ground
connection and the earth ground. However, because
of the presence of high frequency AC noise, the
ground wire itself must also be limited in length, or
else it may become an “antenna” and add noise to the
network.
7.1.1. Ground Wire Specifications
The length of all ground wires should be kept to
6 inches (15.3 cm) or less. Use a 14AWG stranded
wire or larger.
7.1.2. Ground Source Specifica-
tions
The best “good” earth ground sources to use are
listed below, in priority order:
• A large metal panel or plate that is connected to a
good electrical ground. A panel or plate that is at least
3 feet by 3 feet (0.9 m by 0.9 m) is desirable.
• Earth grounded steel rack.
If none of these types of earth ground sources are
available, as a last resort use one of the following
types of earth grounds. These are not ideal and
should not be used unless absolutely necessary:
• Metal electrical conduit, connected to an earth ground
• Water pipes (metal, assuming there are no plastic sec-
tions).
• Electrical system earth ground.
7.2. Power Input and RS485/
MODBUS Grounding
For E2s networked with RS485 I/O Network
devices, such as MultiFlex, or MODBUS devices
such as Control Link RSCs or CDs, grounding must
be done on both the power inputs and the network
connector terminals for each device in the network
(including the E2).
7.2.1. E2
7.2.1.1. Grounding the EARTH
GROUND Terminal
The Power Interface Board (PIB) on the E2 has
an earth ground connector (J3) next to the power con-
nector on the lower right corner of the board. Con-
nect this connector to an earth ground source using a
ground wire at least 14AWG and no longer than six
inches. To further ensure the ground path is com-
plete:
• Scrape away any paint or coating (if grounding to a
panel or chassis)
• Use the shortest piece of 14AWG stranded wire avail-
able.
• If grounding to the door of a panel, make a second
14AWG wire connection between the panel door and
the chassis (do not rely on the hinges of the panel to
provide ground connection to the chassis.
7.2.1.2. Grounding the RS485 Network
Cable
Provided all power connectors are properly
grounded, the shield wire for all cables connecting to
an E2 network connector may be connected to the
center (0V) terminal of the network connector.
Note: If grounding against a metal plate or
panel that is coated or painted, scrape away
the coating to expose the bare metal before
making the ground attachment, and use a tooth
washer.

EMI-Resistant RS485 Network Grounding Practices Cable and Device Grounding • 11
If the network is experiencing problems with
EMI or is known to be in a high-noise environment,
follow the EMI-resistant wiring guidelines for
grounding the shield wire outside the E2 enclosure
(Section 7.3.1., Ground the Shield Outside of the
E2).
7.2.2. RS485 I/O and MODBUS De-
vices (except Control Link)
7.2.2.1. Grounding the Power Connec-
tor Terminal
Each RS485 I/O and MODBUS device, includ-
ing both devices that are powered by center-tapped
transformers and devices powered by non-center-
tapped transformers, must have the 0V terminal of
the power connector connected to a separate earth
ground. “Separate” earth ground means you may
NOT wire the 0V connectors of multiple boards in
series and ground at one point. Each 0V terminal
must be earth grounded separately. Connect each 0V
terminal for all networked devices earth grounds,
using ground wires at least 14AWG and no longer
than six inches.
7.2.2.2. Grounding the Network Cable
The shield wires of the network cable are nor-
mally connected to the center (0V) terminal of the
RS485 I/O connector. Provided the power inputs are
properly grounded, you do not need to connect the
center (0V) terminals to separate earth grounds, since
the center pins of both the power and network con-
nectors are common on the board.
If the network is experiencing problems with
EMI or is known to be in a high-noise environment,
follow the EMI-resistant wiring guidelines for
grounding the shield wire outside the E2 enclosure
(Section 7.3.1., Ground the Shield Outside of the
E2).
7.2.3. Control Link Modules
The Control Link Module does not have a
ground terminal on its power output. The only
ground connection on the Control Link that needs to
be earth grounded is the “Common” terminal on the
top input block (see Figure 7-1). The ground wire
should be at least 14AWG stranded, no longer than
six inches, and should be routed away from all high-
voltage wiring leading from the power input and the
relay outputs.
7.3. EMI-Resistant RS485
Network Grounding
Practices
If you are experiencing network problems that
might be related to noise, it is best to eliminate the
noise path at the device itself and through earth
grounding prevent the noise from traveling through
the cable into the E2.
Begin by identifying potential sources of noise,
and identifying what I/O or MODBUS devices are
near the noise source or connected (by cable) to the
noise source (refer to Section 1.2. and Section 2 for
common noise sources). For example, a MultiFlex
168AO connected to a VSD drive by analog output
cable would be a possible source of harmful noise.
For I/O and MODBUS devices connected to or
near high-noise devices:
1. Ensure the power connector is connected to a good
earth ground as per Section 7.2.2.1.
2. Remove the shield wire(s) connected to the 0V (cen-
ter terminal) of the RS485 network connector (leave
nothing connected to the 0V terminal).
3. Connect the network cable shield wire to the same
earth ground the power connector is connected to. For
Figure 7-1 - Earth Ground Connection Location

12 • E2 Controller Wiring Practices 026-1903 Rev 4 19-APR-2010
example, if the power connector is grounded against
the panel chassis, ground the network wires to the
same chassis. Keep the total exposed length of the
shield wire as short as possible (three inches ideal
length). For breaks in the middle of the segment, twist
the two shield wire ends together, and connect them
both to the same earth grounded point.
4. At the E2, remove the network cable shield wire(s)
from the 0V (center terminal) of the RS485 network
connector (leave nothing connected to the 0V termi-
nal).
5. Strip the cable jacket and shielding at the point where
the cable(s) enter the E2 enclosure. Connect the
wire(s) to the same earth ground the “GROUND”
connector is connected to. For example, if the E2’s
“GROUND” power connector is grounded against the
panel chassis, ground the network wires to the same
chassis. If the E2 is not at the end of the network seg-
ment, the shield wire of both cable segments leading
to the I/O connector must be earth grounded outside
the E2 enclosure. Twist the two shield wires together
and connect them both to the same earth grounded
point.
Steps 2 and 3 may be followed for any and all
network devices on an RS485 I/O or MODBUS net-
work segment. If a source of noise cannot be found,
or if the network in general is exposed to high EMI, it
is recommended all network shield wires be discon-
nected from the 0V terminals and earth grounded
near the device. Figure 7-2 shows an example of an
EMI-resistant E2 networked with MultiFlex boards,
with each device grounded properly.
7.4. VSD Drive Grounding
Practices
Due to noise concerns, it is recommended that all
I/O devices networked or connected to a VSD drive
follow the guidelines for EMI-resistant network
device grounding (see Section 7.3.).
For Control Techniques SK3500 series VSDs
and Unidrives, you must connect the 0V terminal of
the drive to the earth grounded chassis of the drive
with a 14AWG stranded wire. See Control Tech-
niques Technical Notification T080101 (included for
your convenience at the end of this document).
For all other VSD types, refer to the manufactur-
ers’ instructions before grounding the 0V terminal.
Do NOT connect network shield wires to the
GROUND connector on the E2 PIB! I/O and
MODBUS network wires must be grounded sepa-
rately from the EARTH GROUND connector as
shown in Figure 7-2.
Figure 7-2 - RS485 Network Segment Grounding Practices (E2 and MultiFlex)
E2 PIB
RS485 (COM 2) ECHELON GROUND 24VAC
EARTH GROUND (CHASSIS)
SHIELD
E2 ENCLOSURE
MULTIFLEX
EARTH GROUND
(CHASSIS)
14AWG
SHIELDS
14AWG
MULTIFLEX
EARTH GROUND
(CHASSIS)
SHIELD
1
4
A
W
G

Echelon Cable Grounding Cable and Device Grounding • 13
7.4.1. Analog Output Cable
Grounding
If using a MultiFlex analog output or 4AO board
to drive a Control Techniques VSD, you MUST use
shielded cable between the analog point and the VSD
drive speed input. Refer to Section 4.2. for specified
cable types.
On the end of the analog output cable connected
to the VSD input, connect the shield wire to an earth
ground. On the I/O device end, clip the shield wire at
the point of exposure - do NOT connect this end of
the shield wire to a terminal on the I/O device or to
an earth ground.
Figure 7-3 shows proper grounding for a Multi-
Flex I/O board and analog output cabling for a device
connected to a VSD.
7.5. Echelon Cable Ground-
ing
The shield wires for Echelon cable should be
connected to the 0V (center pin) of each Echelon net-
work connector. At each node and at each break in
the shield, connect the 0V terminals to earth ground.
Use 16AWG or 18AWG wire for the 3.81mm Eche-
lon connectors and 14AWG or greater for the 5mm
Echelon connectors, and limit the ground wire length
to six inches or less.
At the E2, it is recommended the shield wire be
connected to a separate earth ground outside of the
E2 enclosure instead of connected to the 0V terminal
on the E2’s Echelon connector.
7.5.1. EMI-Resistant Echelon Net-
work Grounding (For High-
EMI Environments)
If the Echelon network must be in contact with
noise-generating devices or be installed in a high-
EMI environment, the same practices used for
grounding RS485 networks may be used to ground
Echelon networks. Refer to Section 7.3., EMI-Resis-
tant RS485 Network Grounding Practices and follow
the same practices for Echelon shield grounding as
are shown in this section for RS485 shield ground-
ing.
Figure 7-3 - MultiFlex and AO Cable Grounding
MULTIFLEX
EARTH GROUND
(CHASSIS)
SHIELD
14AWG
VSD
CLIP
SHIELD EARTH
GROUND
EARTH GROUND
(CHASSIS)

Page 1 of 2
Control Techniques Drives Ltd.
TECHNICAL NOTIFICATION T080101
Title: Commander SK Size 3 Earth Leakage Current
Product: Commander SK Issue Date: 14-January-2008
Variant: N/A Date Codes:
Category: General Manuals affected: Yes
Issued By: Dominic Sim Priority: Normal
SUMMARY
It has been highlighted that not all users are following the advice given in the Commander SK
manuals, with respect to hazards of unrestricted access to the control circuits, if they are not
earthed/grounded.
Failure to comply with this advice may result in an electric shock.
MORE INFORMATION
There is a voltage present between 0V and ground/earth, which is due to capacitive coupling
between the power and control circuits in the inverter.
The stray capacitance between the power and control circuits results in a high frequency leakage
current flowing (when the drive is running). The current flow is dependant on the level of
capacitance present. Note that due to the high frequency content, it cannot be measured
accurately by a DVM.
The size 3 has a relatively high capacitance compared to size 2 and the current can cause a
painful shock, which is not directly hazardous, but could lead to an accident.
The leakage current present on the Commander SK size 3 can cause interference with the Serial
Communications on the drive, due the leakage current being present on the Serial
Communications 0V connection. Therefore contact with exposed communication cable
connections should be avoided.