SMA Sunny Island MULTICLUSTER BOX 6.3 User manual

MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 | 98-2012310 | Version 1.0 EN
Sunny Island Multicluster System
MULTICLUSTER BOX 6.3 / 12.3
Installation Guide

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 3
Table of Contents
1 Notes on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Area of Validity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Appropriate Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Delivery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1.1 Multicluster Box 6.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.1.2 Multicluster Box 12.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1.3 Multicluster Piggy-Back (optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Identifying the Multicluster Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4 Mounting and installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1 Multicluster Box 6.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.1 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.2 Mounting Multicluster Box 6.3 on the wall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 Multicluster Box 12.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.1 Selecting the installation location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.2 Transporting the Multicluster Box 12.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.3 Installing the Multicluster Box 12.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1 System overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Overview of the Connection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.1 Interior view of the Multicluster Box 6.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.2 Interior view of the Multicluster Box 12.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
4 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
5.2.3 Bottom view of the Multicluster Box 6.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.2.4 Bottom view of the Multicluster Box 12.3 (without base) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.3 Preparing the cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.4 Connecting the cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.4.1 Connecting the generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.4.2 Connecting Consumer Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.4.3 Connecting the PV System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.4.4 Connecting Sunny Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.4.5 Connection to Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.5 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.5.1 Guiding the cables into the Multicluster Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.5.2 Connecting the control and sensor cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.5.3 Connecting the communication cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6 Commissioning the Multicluster Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
7 Opening and Closing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.1 Opening the Multicluster Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.2 Closing the Multicluster Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
8 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.1 Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.1.1 Disassembling the Multicluster Box 6.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.1.2 Disassembling the Multicluster Box 12.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.2 Storing the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.3 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
10 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
11 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

SMA Solar Technology AG Notes on this Manual
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 5
1 Notes on this Manual
This manual describes the installation / location and mounting of the Multicluster Box. Store this
manual where it can be accessed at all times.
1.1 Area of Validity
This manual is valid for the type 6.3 and 12.3 Multicluster Box.
1.2 Target Group
The activities described in this manual may be performed only by qualified electricians who have
participated in the intensive seminar "Island grid supply with Sunny Island" by SMA Solar Technology.
1.3 Additional Information
You can find more information on the Sunny Island Multicluster System and the configurable
parameters in the manual of the Sunny Island 5048.

Notes on this Manual SMA Solar Technology AG
6 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
1.4 Symbols Used
The following types of safety precautions and general information are used in this manual:
DANGER!
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in certain death
or serious injury.
WARNING!
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION!
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE!
NOTICE indicates a situation that can result in property damage if not avoided.
Information
Information provides tips that are valuable for the optimal installation and operation of
your product.

SMA Solar Technology AG Security
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 7
2 Security
2.1 Appropriate Usage
The Multicluster Box is a component of a Sunny Island Multicluster System. It is used to build island
grids with several Sunny Island 5048 units. The Multicluster Box is an AC distribution to which you
can connect the Sunny Island, the consumers, the generator or the grid and an additional generator
as well as a photovoltaic system or wind turbines system.
Principle of a Sunny Island Multicluster System with a Multicluster Box 6.3
Connection requirements
The Multicluster Box is suitable only for connection to TN grids.

Security SMA Solar Technology AG
8 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
You may operate the Multicluster Box only in connection with island grid inverters of the type Sunny
Island 5048. The Sunny Island Master of the Main Cluster evaluates the data recorded in the
Multicluster Box and coordinates all switching operations.
Do not exceed the maximum connection power of the individual outgoing lines, for example the
maximum AC PV power to be connected for the Multicluster Box 6.3 or 55 kW.
The Multicluster Box is designed for use at elevations up to 2,000 m above mean sea level. If you
would like to use the Multicluster Box at elevations above 2,000 m, contact SMA Solar Technology
(see chapter 11”Contact” (page45)).
Do not use the Multicluster Box for purposes other than those described here. Alternative uses,
modifications, and the installation of components void the warranty claims and operation permit.
2.2 Safety Precautions
DANGER!
Electric shock due to high voltages in the Multicluster Box when connecting the
device. Death or serious injuries.
• All work on the Multicluster Box must be carried out by qualified personnel.
• Work on the Multicluster Box should only be carried out as described in this manual.
• All listed safety instructions must be followed.
Problems while performing the described activities
If you have problems while performing any of the activities described in this manual,
contact SMA Solar Technology (see chapter 11”Contact” (page45)).

SMA Solar Technology AG Delivery
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 9
3 Delivery
3.1 Packing List
Check the delivery for completeness. Check the packaging and the Multicluster Box for externally
visible damage. Contact your supplier in case of damage to the packaging. Please contact your
dealer if you find any damage to the Multicluster Box or if the delivery is incomplete.
3.1.1 Multicluster Box 6.3
Object Quantity Description
A 1 Multicluster Box
B 1 Switch cabinet key
C 1 Communication cable (5 m, black)
D 3 Control and sensor cable (5 m each, red)
E1Installation guide
F 8 4 sealing rings and 4 washers (diameter: 6 mm)
G 8 4 sealing rings and 4 washers (diameter: 8 mm)

Delivery SMA Solar Technology AG
10 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
3.1.2 Multicluster Box 12.3
Object Quantity Description
A 1 Multicluster Box
B 1 Switch cabinet key
C 1 Communication cable (5 m, black)
D 3 Control and sensor cable (5 m each, red)
E1Installation guide
F 8 4 sealing rings and 4 washers (diameter: 6 mm)
G 8 4 sealing rings and 4 washers (diameter: 8 mm)
H 2 1 cable clip and 1 counter well (22 - 28 mm)
I 2 1 cable clip and 1 counter well (52 - 58 mm)
J 6 3 cable clips and 3 counter wells (58 - 64 mm)

SMA Solar Technology AG Delivery
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 11
3.1.3 Multicluster Piggy-Back (optional)
The number of Multicluster Piggy-Back units, RJ45 cables and termination resistors depends on your
ordering option.
3.2 Identifying the Multicluster Box
Identify the Multicluster Box by the serial number and the device type (type/model) on the type label.
The type plate is on the right side of the housing.
Object Quantity Description
A 2 - 4 Multicluster Piggy-Back
B 2 - 4 RJ45 cable (5 m, yellow)
C 2 - 4 RJ45 cable (5 m, gray)
D2 - 4Grounding cable
E 4 - 8 Termination resistor
F1Technical Description

Mounting and installation SMA Solar Technology AG
12 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
4 Mounting and installation
4.1 Multicluster Box 6.3
4.1.1 Selecting the Mounting Location
Observe the following conditions during mounting:
• The mounting location and mounting method must be suitable for the weight and dimensions.
• Mounting on a solid surface.
• The mounting location must be accessible at all times.
• The ambient temperature must be between –25 °C and +50 °C to guarantee optimal
operation.
• Mounting is vertical; the connection area must point downwards.
DANGER!
Risk of explosion or fire during the installation of the Multicluster Box in non-
permissible areas. This can result in death or serious burns.
Despite careful construction, a fire can occur with electrical devices.
• Do not mount the Multicluster Box on flammable construction materials.
• Do not mount the Multicluster Box near highly flammable materials.
• Do not mount the Multicluster Box in potentially explosive areas.

SMA Solar Technology AG Mounting and installation
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 13
4.1.2 Mounting Multicluster Box 6.3 on the wall
1. Mark the position of the drill holes.
2. Drill the holes (recommended diameter: 6 mm) at the marked position.
3. Open the Multicluster Box with the switch cabinet key supplied.
CAUTION!
The Multicluster Box may fall down as a result of improper transportation.
Physical injury and damage to the Multicluster Box.
• Take the Multicluster Box's weight (approx. 60 kg) into account.

Mounting and installation SMA Solar Technology AG
14 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
4. Attach the Multicluster Box to the wall using
suitable screws and washers.
5. Check that the unit is securely in place.
☑ The Multicluster Box is mounted on the wall.
NOTICE!
Intrusion of dust and moisture due to a faulty seal. Damage to the Multicluster
Box.
• Observe the following order for mounting:
– Apply sealing ring (C).
– Apply washer (B).
– Fix the sealing ring and the washer
with a suitable screw (A).

SMA Solar Technology AG Mounting and installation
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 15
4.2 Multicluster Box 12.3
4.2.1 Selecting the installation location
Observe the following conditions during installation:
• Install the product on a solid surface, e.g. a concrete base.
• The installation location must be accessible at all times.
• Comply with the corresponding minimum passage widths and escape routes
• Installation is vertical.
Properties of the foundation
The foundation must guarantee solid and safe positioning of the Multicluster Box. When selecting the
foundation, take the Multicluster Box's weight (140 kg) into account. You may not install the
Multicluster Box at an incline. Correct any existing unevenness or depression.
DANGER!
Risk of explosion or fire during the installation of the Multicluster Box in non-
permissible areas. This can result in death or serious burns.
Despite careful construction, a fire can occur with electrical devices.
• Do not install the Multicluster Box on flammable construction materials.
• Do not install the Multicluster Box near highly flammable materials.
• Do not install the Multicluster Box in potentially explosive areas.

Mounting and installation SMA Solar Technology AG
16 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
4.2.2 Transporting the Multicluster Box 12.3
Transport possibilities
The Multicluster Box is delivered on a pallet. To lift the Multicluster Box from the pallet, you can use
the following means of transportation:
• Forklift or pallet truck
• Crane with appropriate fork
WARNING!
The Multicluster Box may fall down as a result of improper transportation.
Physical injury and damage to the Multicluster Box.
• The means of transportation must be suitable for the weight of the Multicluster Box.
• Transport the Multicluster Box only upright.
• Take the Multicluster Box's center of gravity into account. It is in the top third of the
Multicluster Box.

SMA Solar Technology AG Mounting and installation
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 17
Transportation procedure
1. Remove all fixing screws of the base panel in the front and the rear.
2. Place the screws aside. The screws will be needed later to reattach the base panels.
3. Remove the base panels and set them aside.
4. Push the fork of the lift truck, pallet truck, or crane under the Multicluster Box and transport the
Multicluster Box to the installation location.
☑ The Multicluster Box is standing at its installation location.
4.2.3 Installing the Multicluster Box 12.3
The Multicluster Box is fastened to the base on the foundation. In addition, you can attach the
Multicluster Box to a wall to hold it fast.
Proceed as follows:
1. Mark the position of the drill holes for fastening the base.

Mounting and installation SMA Solar Technology AG
18 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
2. Mark the position of the drill holes for fastening the rear panel.
3. Drill holes at the marked positions.
4. Insert the wall anchors.
5. Place the Multicluster Box on the foundation and against the wall.
6. Attach the Multicluster Box to the wall using four suitable screws.
7. Attach the Multicluster Box to the foundation using four suitable screws.
☑ The Multicluster Box is installed and protected against falling over.

SMA Solar Technology AG Electrical Connection
Installation Guide MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 19
5 Electrical Connection
5.1 System overview

Electrical Connection SMA Solar Technology AG
20 MC-BOX-6_12-IEN093610 Installation Guide
5.2 Overview of the Connection Area
5.2.1 Interior view of the Multicluster Box 6.3