SMA SUNNY MINI CENTRAL 4600A User manual

SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 | IME-SMC50A_60A | Version 8.1
EN
PV Inverter
SUNNY MINI CENTRAL 4600A / 5000A / 6000A
Installation Manual

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 3
Table of Contents
1 Information on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Intended Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Explanation of Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1 Scope of Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Identifying the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.3 Mounting the Inverter using the Wall Mounting Bracket . . . . . 17
5 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 Overview of the Connection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.1 Exterior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.2 Interior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2 Connection to the Electricity Grid (AC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2.1 Conditions for the AC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2.2 Connecting the Inverter to the Electricity Grid (AC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.2.3 Additional Earthing of the Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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4 SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 Installation Manual
5.3 Setting the Display Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.4 Connecting the PV Array (DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.4.1 Conditions for DC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.4.2 Assembling the DC Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5.4.3 Opening the DC Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.4.4 Connecting the PV Array (DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.5 Connecting the SMA Power Balancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.5.1 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.5.2 Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.5.3 Function Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.6 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.7 Setting the Grid and Country Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.7.1 Setting the Installation Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.7.2 Setting the Stand-Alone Grid Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.7.3 Additional Country Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.1 Commissioning the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.2 Only for Italy: Self-Test in Accordance with CEI 0-21. . . . . . . . 45
6.2.1 Starting the Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.2.2 Abortion of the Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.2.3 Restarting the Self-Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.3 Display Messages During the Start-up Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7 Opening and Closing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.2 Opening the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.3 Closing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8 Maintenance and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.1 Cleaning the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.2 Checking Heat Dissipation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 5
8.2.1 Cleaning the Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.2.2 Checking the Fans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8.2.3 Cleaning the Ventilation Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
8.3 Checking the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) for Wear . . . . . . . 57
9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.1 Blink Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.2 Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.3 Red LED is Permanently Glowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.3.1 Checking the PV Array for Earth Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
9.3.2 Checking the Function of the Varistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
10 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
10.1 Dismounting the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
10.2 Packing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
10.3 Storing the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
10.4 Disposing of the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
11 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
11.1 DC/AC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
11.1.1 Sunny Mini Central 4600A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
11.1.2 Sunny Mini Central 5000A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
11.1.3 Sunny Mini Central 6000A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
11.2 General Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
11.3 Protective Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
11.4 Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
11.5 Climatic Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
11.6 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
11.7 Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
11.8 Torques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
11.9 Earthing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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6 SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 Installation Manual
12 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
13 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

SMA Solar Technology AG Information on this Manual
Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 7
1 Information on this Manual
1.1 Validity
This installation manual describes the assembly, installation, commissioning, maintenance and
troubleshooting of the following SMA inverters:
• Sunny Mini Central 4600A (SMC 4600A, SMC 4600A-11)
• Sunny Mini Central 5000A (SMC 5000A, SMC 5000A-11)
• Sunny Mini Central 6000A (SMC 6000A, SMC 6000A-11)
Store this manual where it will be accessible at all times.
1.2 Target Group
This manual is for the use of electrically skilled persons. The tasks described in this manual must be
performed by electrically skilled persons only.
1.3 Additional Information
You will find further information on special topics, such as the design of a miniature circuit-breaker or
the description of the operating parameters, in the download area at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Refer to the user manual provided for detailed information on how to operate the inverter.

Information on this Manual SMA Solar Technology AG
8 SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 Installation Manual
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 death or
serious injury.
WARNING!
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can 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 which, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
Information
An Information block provides valuable hints for the efficient installation and operation of
your product.
☑ This symbol indicates the result of an action.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 9
2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
The Sunny Mini Central is a PV inverter which converts the direct current of the PV array to alternating
current and feeds it into the power distribution grid.
Principle of a PV plant with Sunny Mini Central
The Sunny Mini Central may only be operated with PV arrays (PV modules and cabling) of protection
class II. Do not connect any energy sources other than PV modules to the Sunny Mini Central.
When designing the PV plant, ensure that the permitted operating range of all components is
complied with at all times. The free design software "Sunny Design" (www.SMA-Solar.com) will assist
you. The manufacturer of the PV modules must have approved the modules for use with this
Sunny Mini Central. You must also ensure that all measures recommended by the module
manufacturer for the long-term maintenance of the module properties are taken (see also Technical
Information "Module Technology" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to modify the product or install components that are not explicitly
recommended or distributed by SMA Solar Technology AG.

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
10 SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 Installation Manual
2.2 Safety Precautions
DANGER!
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
• All work on the inverter must be carried out by skilled persons only.
CAUTION!
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
• Do not touch the enclosure body during operation.
• Only touch the enclosure lid during operation.
NOTICE!
Water- and dust intrusion can damage the inverter.
Once the Electronic Solar Switch has been pulled out, the inverter only provides protection
rating IP21. The inverter is thus no longer protected against water- and dust intrusion. In
order that the degree of protection IP65 is also maintained during temporary
decommissioning, proceed as follows:
• Release and disconnect all DC connectors.
• Open all DC connectors and remove the cables.
• Close all DC inputs using the corresponding DC connectors and the supplied sealing
plugs.
• Firmly re-connect the Electronic Solar Switch.
NOTICE!
Damage to the inverter due to moisture and dust intrusion
If the Electronic Solar Switch is not plugged in or incorrectly plugged in during operation,
moisture and dust can penetrate the inverter.
If the Electronic Solar Switch is not correctly plugged in, this can cause contacts to wear in
the Electronic Solar Switch or the Electronic Solar Switch might fall out. This can result in
yield loss and damage to the Electronic Solar Switch.
Always plug in the Electronic Solar Switch as described in the following:
• Do not tighten the screw in the Electronic Solar Switch.
• Firmly plug in the Electronic Solar Switch until it is flush with the enclosure.
• Ensure that the maximum distance between the Electronic Solar Switch and the
enclosure is 1 mm.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 11
2.3 Explanation of Symbols
This section gives an explanation of all the symbols found on the inverter and on the type label.
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter
Earthing of the PV array
Comply with the local regulations for earthing the modules and the PV array.
In order to maintain the best possible protection for both the PV plant and human life,
SMA Solar Technology AG recommends connecting together the PV array frame and other
electrically conductive surfaces and earthing them.
Symbol Explanation
Operation display
Indicates the operating state of the inverter
Earth fault or varistor defective
Read Section 9.3 "Red LED is Permanently Glowing" (page63).
Error or fault
Read Section 9 "Troubleshooting" (page58).
You can operate the display by tapping the enclosure lid.
• Tapping once: the backlight switches on or the display scrolls to the
next display message.
• Tapping twice in quick succession: The inverter shows the display
messages from the start-up phase again (see Section 6.3 "Display
Messages During the Start-up Phase" (page47)).
DC load disconnection unit Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
• When the Electronic Solar Switch is plugged in, the DC electric
circuit is closed.
• To interrupt the DC electric circuit and safely disconnect the
inverter when under load, you must first remove the
Electronic Solar Switch and then all DC connectors .
QR Code® for SMA bonus programme
You will find information on the SMA bonus programme at
www.SMA-Bonus.com.

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
12 SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 Installation Manual
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label
Symbol Explanation
Beware of hazardous voltage
The inverter operates at high voltages. All work on the inverter must be
carried out by skilled persons only.
Beware of hot surface.
The inverter can get hot during operation. Avoid contact during operation.
Observe all documentation that accompanies the inverter.
The inverter must not be disposed of together with the household waste.
For more information on disposal, see Section 10.4 "Disposing of the
Inverter" (page69).
CE marking
The inverter complies with the requirements of the applicable EC directives.
The inverter has a transformer.
Direct current (DC)
Alternating current (AC)
Outdoor
The product is suitable for outdoor installation.
Degree of protection: IP65
The inverter is protected against dust intrusion and water jets from any
angle.
RAL quality mark for solar products
The inverter complies with the requirements of the German Institute for
Quality Assurance and Labelling.

SMA Solar Technology AG Unpacking
Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 13
3 Unpacking
3.1 Scope of Delivery
Check the delivery for completeness and any visible external damage. Contact your specialist dealer
if anything is damaged or missing.
Object Quantity Description
A1 Sunny Mini Central
B1 Ventilation grid (right/left)
C1 Wall mounting bracket
D1 DC load disconnection unit Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
E8 DC connectors (4 x positive, 4 x negative)
F8 Sealing plug for the DC connectors
G1 Cable gland for AC connection
H1 Counter nut for cable gland at AC connection
I1 Clamping bracket for additional earthing
K2 Conical spring washers:
1 x for enclosure lid screws (replacement), 1 x for earth terminal
L2 Cheese-head screws (M6x16):
1 x for enclosure lid (replacement), 1 x for earth terminal
M2 Jumpers (1 x for fan test, 1 x for the SMA Power Balancer wiring)
N2 Cylinder head screws (M6x8) for securing the inverter to the wall mounting
bracket
O1 Silicone tube for insulating the SMA Power Balancer connection cable
P1 Installation manual
Q1User manual

Unpacking SMA Solar Technology AG
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3.2 Identifying the Inverter
You can identify the inverter by the type label. The type label is located on the right-hand side of the
enclosure.
The inverter serial number (Serial No.), the type (Type/Model) and other device-specific
characteristics are specified on the type label.
R1Set of documents with explanations and certificates
S1 Supplementary sheet with inverter default settings
Object Quantity Description

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Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 15
4 Assembly
4.1 Safety
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location
Take the following requirements into consideration when selecting the mounting location:
• The mounting method and location must be suitable for the inverter's weight and dimensions
(see Section 11 "Technical Data" (page70)).
• Mount on a solid surface.
• The mounting location must be clear and safely accessible at all times without the use of
additional aids such as scaffolding or lifting platforms. If this is not the case, service work may
be restricted.
• Mount vertically or tilted backwards by max. 45°.
• The connection area must face downwards.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to fire or explosions
Despite careful construction, electrical devices can cause fires.
• Do not mount the inverter on flammable construction materials.
• Do not mount the inverter in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.
• Do not mount the inverter in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
CAUTION!
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter
• Take the inverter's weight of approx. 63 kg into account when mounting.

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• Never mount the device with a forward tilt.
• Never mount the device with a sideways tilt.
• Do not mount horizontally.
• Mount at eye level in order that operating states can be read at all times.
• The ambient temperature should be below 40°C to ensure optimum operation.
• Do not expose the inverter to direct solar irradiation as this could cause power derating due to
overheating.
• In order to avoid audible vibrations in living areas, do not mount the unit on plasterboard walls
or similar. When in operation, the inverter emits noise which may be perceived as annoying in
living areas.
• Observe the minimum clearances to walls, other
inverters and objects as shown in the diagram in
order to ensure sufficient heat dissipation and to
have sufficient space for removing the
Electronic Solar Switch.
Multiple inverters installed in areas with high ambient temperatures
There must be sufficient clearance between the individual inverters to ensure that the
cooling air of the adjacent inverter is not drawn in.
If necessary, increase the clearances and make sure there is enough fresh-air supply to
ensure sufficient cooling of the inverters.
500 mm
300 mm 300 mm
50 mm
300 mm

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Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 17
4.3 Mounting the Inverter using the Wall Mounting Bracket
1. Mark the position of the drill holes using the wall mounting bracket and drill the holes. Use at
least 2 of the 6 holes, 1 hole on the left- and right-hand sides respectively.

Assembly SMA Solar Technology AG
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2. Secure the wall mounting bracket to the wall using
appropriate screws and washers.
3. Hang the inverter onto the wall mounting bracket
using the mounting recess in the rear of the
enclosure.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter
The inverter weighs approx. 63 kg.
• Attach the wall mounting bracket using the corresponding mounting material
(dependent on the surface).
• Use the side handles above and below
or a steel rod (maximum diameter of
30 mm) for transport and mounting. The
rod must be pushed through the
enclosure openings.

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Installation Manual SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 19
4. Screw the inverter onto the wall mounting bracket
on both sides using the screws (M6x8) provided.
Only tighten the screws hand-tight.
5. Check to ensure that the inverter is securely in
place.
6. Close the recessed grips using the ventilation grids
supplied. To help you identify the sides, the
ventilation grids are marked on the inside with
"rechts/right" and "links/left".
The ventilation grids prevent intrusion of dust
and insects, and can be reordered from
SMA Solar Technology AG as required
(see Section 13 "Contact" (page80)).
Optional Anti-Theft Protection
To protect the inverter against theft, the back
panel can be secured to the wall at the bottom
using two "safety screws".
The other two holes are spares.

Electrical Connection SMA Solar Technology AG
20 SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81 Installation Manual
5 Electrical Connection
5.1 Overview of the Connection Area
5.1.1 Exterior View
The following figure shows the assignment of the individual connection areas on the underside of the
inverter.
NOTICE!
Electrostatic discharge can damage the inverter
Internal components of the inverter can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic
discharge.
• Earth yourself before touching a component part.
Object Description
ADC connectors for connecting the PV strings
BSocket for connecting the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) DC switch disconnector
CCable glands for optional communication via RS485 (PG16)
DCable gland for connection to the electricity grid (AC) (12 mm ... 25 mm)
ECable glands for the SMA Power Balancer