FRO­NIUS Symo 12.0-3 208-240 User manual

Installation
Instructions
Fronius Symo - Installation
10.0-3 208-240
12.0-3 208-240
10.0-3 480
12.5-3 480
15.0-3 480
15.0-3 208
17.5-3 480
20.0-3 480
22.7-3 480
24.0-3 480
42,0426,0202,EA 018-16052022
EN-US Installation instructions

Table of contents
Safety 5
General 5
Electrical installations 5
Installation location and position 6
Explanation of safety instructions 6
Safety 6
Intended Use 7
Location Selection 8
Installation position of the inverter 9
General Location Selection 10
Example: Installation of several inverters 11
Do not ground the solar modules. 11
Preparation 13
Attaching the Mounting Bracket 15
Safety 15
Selecting Dowels and Screws 15
Screw recommendation 15
Opening the Inverter 15
Installing the Mounting Bracket on a Wall 16
Installing the Mounting Bracket on a Mast or Beam 17
Attaching the mounting bracket to a metal carrier 17
Do not warp or deform the mounting bracket 18
Knockouts 19
Safety 19
General 19
Knocking or Drilling Out Knockouts 20
AC~ 23
Suitable Grids 25
Connecting the inverter to the public grid (AC side) 26
Safety 26
Permitted Cables 27
Preparing Aluminum Cables for Connection 29
Monitoring the grid 30
Fronius Symo 15.0-3 208 – ferrite ring 30
Connecting the Inverter to the Public Grid (AC) 30
Maximum AC fuse protection 31
Additional external AC and/or DC disconnect 33
DC= 35
Notes on the Multi-MPP Tracker inverter 37
Multi MPP Tracker – Inverter 37
Connecting solar module strings to the inverter 38
Safety 38
String fuses 39
Permitted Cables 40
General Information about Solar Modules 42
Connecting Aluminum Cables 43
Connecting Solar Module Strings to the Inverter 44
Laying Solar.Net Cables 47
Data communication 49
Lay data communication cables 49
Installing Datamanager in the Inverter 50
Finally... 53
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EN-US

Seal Conduits 55
Clipping the Inverter onto the Mounting Bracket 56
Clipping the Inverter onto the Mounting Bracket 56
Using for the first time 59
Using the Inverter for the First Time 59
Options 61
USB Stick as a Data Logger and for Updating Inverter Software 63
USB Flash Drive as a Data Logger 63
Data on the USB stick 63
Data Amount and Memory Capacity 64
Buffer Memory 65
Suitable USB Thumb Drives 65
USB Stick for Updating Inverter Software 66
Removing the USB Stick 66
Options 67
Options 67
OPTION 'ShadeCover' 67
Care and maintenance 69
Notes on Maintenance 71
Maintenance 71
Cleaning 71
4

Safety
General This manual contains important instructions for the inverter that must be fol-
lowed during installation and maintenance of the inverter.
The inverter is designed and tested according to international safety require-
ments. Due to its electrical and electronic components, certain precautions must
be taken when installing and operating the inverter.
In order to reduce the risk of injury to persons and to ensure safe installation and
operation of the inverter, be sure to read these Operating Instructions carefully
and follow all instructions and safety instructions.
Failure to observe the Operating Instructions and safety instructions can void
the warranty and/or cause damage to the inverters or other property damage!
Electrical in-
stallations
All electrical installations must be carried out in accordance with the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and any other codes and regulations applicable
to the installation site.
For installations in Canada, the installations must be done in accordance with
applicable Canadian standards.
5
EN-US

Installation location and position
Explanation of
safety instruc-
tions
WARNING!
Indicates a potentially dangerous situation.
▶Death or serious injury may result if appropriate precautions are not taken.
CAUTION!
Indicates a potentially harmful situation.
▶Minor injury or damage to property may result if appropriate precautions are
not taken.
NOTE!
Indicates a possibility of flawed work results and possible damage to the equip-
ment.
Please pay special attention when one of the symbols from the "Safety rules"
chapter appears in these instructions.
Safety WARNING!
Danger from incorrect operation and work that is not carried out properly.
This can result in severe personal injury and damage to property.
▶Only qualified staff are authorized to commission the inverter and only with-
in the scope of the respective technical regulations.
▶Read the Installation Instructions and Operating Instructions before install-
ation and commissioning.
WARNING!
Danger from work that is not carried out properly.
This can result in damage to property and severe personal injury.
▶The surge protection device should only be installed and connected by li-
censed electricians.
▶Observe the safety rules!
▶Prior to all installation and connection work, disconnect the AC and DC sup-
ply to the inverter.
6

Fire Prevention
CAUTION!
Danger due to faulty or incorrect installation.
This may result in damage to inverters and other current-carrying parts of a
photovoltaic system.
Faulty or improper installation may cause overheating of cables and terminals as
well as the formation of arcs. This could cause thermal damage, which in turn
may lead to fires.
Please note the following when connecting the AC and DC cables:
▶Securely tighten all terminals using the proper torque listed in the Operating
Instructions
▶Securely tighten all grounding terminals (PE/GND) using the proper torque
listed in the Operating Instructions, even for free grounding terminals
▶Do not overload cables
▶Check cables for damage and correct wiring
▶Follow all safety instructions, Operating Instructions, and any local connec-
tion regulations
▶Always secure the inverter to the mounting bracket with fixing screws using
the torque specified in the Operating Instructions.
▶Only put the inverter into operation with the fixing screws securely tightened.
Notice! Fronius will not bear any costs for production downtimes, or for installa-
tions, etc., which may arise due to a detected electric arc and its consequences.
Fronius accepts no liability for fires which may break out despite integrated arc
detection/interruption (e.g., due to a parallel arc).
Notice! Before an inverter can be reset following a detected electric arc, check
the entire affected photovoltaic system for any damage.
The manufacturer's specifications for connection, installation, and operation
must be observed. You must carefully follow all installation steps and make all
connections in accordance with specifications and regulations to minimize any
risk of danger.
The tightening torques for the respective terminals are listed in the Installation
Instructions for the devices.
Intended Use The inverter is designed exclusively to convert direct current from solar modules
into alternating current and feed this power into the public grid.
The following are deemed to be not in conformity with its intended purpose:
-Utilization for any other purpose, or in any other manner
-Alternations to the inverter are not expressly recommended by Fronius
-Installation of components that are not expressly recommended or sold by
Fronius.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage resulting from improper use.
All warranty claims are considered void in such cases.
Proper use also means
-carefully reading and obeying the instructions and all the safety and danger
notices in the Operating and Installation Instructions
-compliance with the maintenance operations
-installation as specified in the Installation Instructions
7
EN-US

When configuring the photovoltaic system, make sure that all components are
operating completely within their permitted operating range.
All measures recommended by the solar module manufacturer for maintaining
solar module properties must be followed.
Follow all grid operator regulations regarding grid power feed and connection
methods.
Location Selec-
tion
Please note the following criteria when choosing a location for the inverter:
The inverter is suitable for indoor installation.
The inverter is suitable for outdoor installation.
Because of its NEMA 4X protection class, the inverter is not sus-
ceptible to hose water on any side and can also be operated in
moist environments. However:
In order to keep inverter heating as low as possible, do not ex-
pose the inverter to direct sunlight. The inverter should be in-
stalled in a protected location, e.g., near the solar modules or
under an overhanging roof.
10.0-3 - 12.0-3 208-240
UDC max
0 - 11154 ft.
(0 - 3400 m)
ft. (m)
600 V
1000 V
0 - 6561 ft.
(0 - 2000 m)
> 8202 - 9842 ft.
(> 2500 - 3000 m)
> 6561 - 8202 ft.
(> 2000 - 2500 m)
> 9842 - 11154 ft.
(> 3000 - 3400 m)
950 V
900 V
850 V
UDC max
ft. (m)
10.0-3 - 24.0-3 480
> 11154 ft.
> 3400 m
IMPORTANT! The inverter must not be installed or operated
above an altitude of 11,154 ft. (3400 m).
The maximum permissible DC voltage of the inverter depends
on the altitude.
UDCmax at an altitude of:
Symo 10.0-3 – 12.0-3 208–240
0 to 11,154 ft ( 0 to 3400 m). = 600 V
Symo 10.0-3 – 24.0-3 480
0 to 6561 ft ( 0 to 2000 m). = 1000 V
6531 to 8202 ft (2000 to 2500 m). = 950 V
8202 to 9842 ft (2500 to 3000 m). = 900 V
9842 to 11,154 ft (3000 to 3400 m). = 850 V
The output power reduces when the device temperature is too
high, and this may occur earlier than normal at increased alti-
tudes.
NH3
Do not install the inverter:
-where it may be exposed to ammonia, corrosive gases, acids,
or salts
(e.g., fertilizer storage areas, vent openings for livestock
stables, chemical plants, tanneries)
8

During certain operating phases the inverter may produce a
slight noise. For this reason, it should not be installed in an oc-
cupied living area.
Do not install the inverter in:
-areas where there is an increased risk of accidents from
farm animals (horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, etc.)
-Stables or adjoining areas
-storage areas for hay, straw, chaff, animal feed, fertilizers,
etc.
The inverter is designed to be dustproof in principle. However, in
areas of high dust accumulation, the cooling surfaces can be-
come dusty, which can impair the thermal performance. In this
case, the dust must be removed regularly. We therefore recom-
mend that installation is not carried out in areas and environ-
ments with high dust accumulation (e.g., iron filings) as this can
cause damage to the inverter.
Do not install the inverter in:
-Greenhouses
-Storage or processing areas for fruit, vegetables, or viticul-
ture products
-Areas used in the preparation of grain, green fodder, or an-
imal feeds
Installation posi-
tion of the in-
verter
The inverter is suitable for vertical installation on a vertical wall
or column.
The inverter is suitable for a horizontal installation position.
The inverter is suitable for installation on a sloping surface.
Do not install the inverter on a sloping surface with the connec-
tions upwards.
9
EN-US

Do not install the inverter in a sloping position on a vertical wall
or column.
Do not install the inverter in a horizontal position on a vertical
wall or column.
Do not install the inverter with the connections upwards on a
vertical wall or column.
Do not install the inverter overhanging with the connections up-
wards.
Do not install the inverter overhanging with the connections
downwards.
Do not install the inverter on the ceiling.
General Location
Selection
Please note the following criteria when choosing a location for the inverter:
4 in.
100 mm
4 in.
100 mm
8 in.
200 mm
-40 °F - +140 °F
-40 °C - +60 °C
0 - 100 %
10

Only install on a solid, non-flammable surface
Max. ambient temperatures: -40 °F/+140 °F (-40 °C/+60 °C)
Relative humidity: 0–100%
The air flow direction within the inverter is from right to top (cold air intake on
the right, hot air outflow at the top). The waste air may reach a temperature of
up to 70 °C.
When installing the inverter in a switch cabinet or similar closed environment,
it is necessary to make sure that the hot air that develops will be dissipated by
forced-air ventilation
If you wish to install the inverter on the outer walls of cattle stables, it is im-
portant to keep a minimum clearance of 2 m between all sides of the inverter
and air vents and other openings.
The place of installation should not be exposed to ammonia, corrosive gases,
salts, or acids.
Example: Install-
ation of several
inverters
Do not ground
the solar mod-
ules.
+
-
+-
The inverter is designed exclusively for
connection to and use with non-groun-
ded solar modules. The solar modules
must not be grounded at either the
positive or negative pole.
11
EN-US

12

Preparation
13

14

Attaching the Mounting Bracket
Safety WARNING!
Danger of residual voltage from capacitors.
An electric shock can be fatal.
▶Wait until the capacitors have discharged. Discharge takes 5 minutes.
CAUTION!
Danger due to soiling or water on the terminals and contacts in the connection
area.
This may result in damage to the inverter.
▶When drilling, make sure that terminals and contacts in the connection area
do not become soiled or wet.
▶The mounting bracket without integrated inverter does not correspond to the
degree of protection according to the data sheet. For this reason do not
leave the mounting bracket exposed to environmental influences without the
inserted inverter.
▶Protect the mounting bracket from soiling and moisture during installation.
NOTE!
Protection class NEMA4X is only ensured when the inverter is mounted and
firmly screwed into the mounting bracket.
The mounting bracket without inverter and ventilation channel has no NEMA pro-
tection.
Selecting Dowels
and Screws
Important! Depending on the surface, different mounting materials may be re-
quired for installing the mounting bracket. These mounting materials are not part
of the scope of delivery for the inverter. The installer is responsible for selecting
the proper mounting materials.
Screw recom-
mendation
For the installation of the inverter we recommend steel or aluminum screws with
a diameter of 0.2–0.3 in. (6–8 mm).
Opening the In-
verter WARNING!
Danger due to inadequate ground conductor connection.
This can result in severe personal injury and damage to property.
▶The housing screws provide an adequate ground conductor connection for
grounding the housing and should not be replaced under any circumstances
by other screws that do not provide a reliable ground conductor connection.
15
EN-US

ON
OFF
Lock
1 2
3
lb
4
Installing the
Mounting Brack-
et on a Wall
The mounting bracket must be secured in at least four places.
NO NEMA
ENCLOSURE TYPE
1 2
16

3
Installing the
Mounting Brack-
et on a Mast or
Beam
For installation of the inverter on a
mast or beam, Fronius recommends
using the "Pole clamp" (order no.
SZ 2584.000) mast mounting kit from
Rittal GmbH.
The kit can be used to mount the in-
verter on round or rectangular masts
with the following diameters: Æ from
40 to 190 mm (round mast), ÿfrom 50
to 150 mm (rectangular mast)
Attaching the
mounting brack-
et to a metal car-
rier
NOTE!
When mounted on metal supports, the inverter must not be exposed to rainwa-
ter or splashing water from the rear.
Provide suitable rainwater protection or splash water protection.
The mounting bracket must be secured in at least four places.
17
EN-US

1
Do not warp or
deform the
mounting brack-
et
Notice! When attaching the mounting bracket to the wall or to a column, make
sure that the mounting bracket is not warped or deformed.
18

Knockouts
Safety CAUTION!
Danger of short circuit from loose metal parts from knockouts.
Loose metal parts in the inverter may cause short circuits when the inverter is
powered up. When removing knockouts, make sure that
▶no loose metal parts fall into the connection area of the inverter,
▶any metal pieces that do fall into the connection area are removed immedi-
ately.
NOTE!
When using the cable inlets at the back, take care to seal them according to pro-
tection class NEMA4X before operating outdoors.
NOTE!
When installing outdoors, only use waterproof conduit fittings and conduits.
Conduit fittings and conduits are not part of the scope of supply for the inverter.
General
1 1/4 in.1 1/4 in. 1 in.1 in.
Conduit size
1/2 in. / 3/4 in. / 1 in.
*
Conduit size
1/2 in. / 3/4 in. / 1 in. / 1 1/4 in.
**
1/2 in. ... DATCOM
3/4 in. - 1 1/4 in. ... AC ~ / DC =
*
*
** **
*
*
*
*
METAL EMPOSSING
Remove parts fallen
into the connection area before
hanging the inverter to the wall
bracket!
** **
METAL EMPOSSING
Remove parts fallen
into the connection
area before hanging the
inverter to the wall
bracket!
The wall bracket contains several knockouts of different sizes. When knocked
out, the openings are used for the inputs of various wires.
19
EN-US

1/2 in. for data communication cable (DATCOM)
3/4 in.
- 1 1/4
in.
for AC and DC cables
* A grounding electrode terminal (GET) may be required depending on local
regulations.
The cable for the grounding electrode terminal can be fed through the
designated opening on the underside of the wall bracket.
IMPORTANT! The knockouts on the rear of the wall bracket are made of metal.
Knocking or
Drilling Out
Knockouts
IMPORTANT! The knockouts on the underside of the mounting bracket may be
knocked out using a hammer or screwdriver, drilled out using a step drill, or
opened using a hole punch. The side knockouts and the knockouts at the back
may only be drilled out with a step drill or opened with a hole punch.
IMPORTANT! You should only remove the minimum number of knockouts re-
quired for the available cables.
Use suitable eye protection when knocking/drilling out the
knockouts.
Only knock out knockouts using a hammer or screwdriver
from the inside outwards.
Only use suitable step drills to drill out the knockouts.
Do not use spiral drills for drilling out!
Only drill out knockouts using a step drill from the outside
inwards.
When drilling out using a step drill, ensure that the inside of
device (e.g. connection block) is not damaged.
*
When drilling out the knockouts at the back, place the
mounting bracket on an even surface with the back upwards
so that shavings and pieces of metal can fall out of the
mounting bracket.
Attach appropriate conduits to all knocked/drilled out knock-
outs.
In the event of installation outside, only use watertight con-
duits and conduit fittings.
Conduits and conduit fittings are not included with the in-
verter.
If necessary, deburr the number of knockouts required with a
suitable tool.
20