SMA MULTICLUSTER BOX 36 User manual

MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 | Version 2.0 ENGLISH
Operating Manual
MULTICLUSTER BOX 36

Legal Provisions SMA Solar Technology AG
2 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
Legal Provisions
The information contained in this document is the property of SMA Solar Technology AG. Publishing its content, either partially or
in full, requires the written permission of SMA Solar Technology AG. Any internal company copying of the document for the
purposes of evaluating the product or its correct implementation is allowed and does not require permission.
SMA Factory Warranty
The current warranty conditions come enclosed with your device. These are also available online at www.SMA-Solar.com and can
be downloaded and are available on paper from the usual sales channels if required.
Trademarks
All trademarks are recognized even if these are not marked separately. Missing designations do not mean that a product or brand
is not a registered trademark.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by
SMA Solar Technology AG is under license.
QR Code® is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.SMA.de
E-mail: [e-mail]
© 2004 to 2013 SMA Solar Technology AG. All rights reserved

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of contents
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 3
Table of contents
1 Information on this Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Skills of Qualified Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Scope of Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 Additionally Required Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1 Multicluster Box 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.2 Type Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1 Choosing a Mounting Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2 Preparing the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.3 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.3.1 Transport Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.3.2 Attaching the Lifting Lugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.3.3 Transporting and Mounting the Multicluster Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.1 Overview of the Connection Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.1.1 Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.1.2 Cable Entries in the Floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.1.3 Grounding Busbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7.2 Opening the Multicluster Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7.3 Removing Protection against Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.4 Inserting and Preparing the Connection Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.5 Connecting the Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.6 Connecting the Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.7 Connecting the PV Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.8 Connecting the Sunny Island Inverters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Table of contents SMA Solar Technology AG
4 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
7.9 Grounding the Multicluster System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7.10 Connecting the Control, Measuring and Data Cables . . . . . . . . . . . 34
7.11 Mounting the Contact Hazard Protection Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.12 Protecting the Door Seals from Freezing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.13 Mounting the Kick Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
8 Commissioning the Multicluster Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
9 Disconnecting the Multicluster System from
Voltage Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
10 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
11 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
11.1 Disassembling the Multicluster Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
11.2 Storing the Multicluster Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
11.3 Disposing of the Multicluster Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
12 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
13 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

SMA Solar Technology AG 1 Information on this Document
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 5
1 Information on this Document
Validity
This document is valid for the device type MC-BOX-36.3-11 (Multicluster Box 36).
Target Group
This document is intended for qualified persons. Only persons with the appropriate skills are allowed
to perform the tasks described in this document (see Section2.2 "Skills of Qualified Persons", page8).
Additional Information
You can find more information on the SMA multicluster technology and the configurable parameters
of the Sunny Island in the documentation of the Sunny Island 5048 / 6.0H / 8.0H.
Symbols
Nomenclature
Symbol Explanation
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in death
or serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in minor
or moderate injury
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, can result in property damage
Information that is important for a specific topic or goal, but is not
safety-relevant
 Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific goal
 Desired result
✖ A problem that might occur
Complete designation Designation in this document
Multicluster Box 36 Multicluster Box
Sunny Island multicluster system Multicluster system

1 Information on this Document SMA Solar Technology AG
6 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Designation Explanation
AC Alternating Current -
DC Direct Current -
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility -
MSL Mean Sea Level -
PV Photovoltaics -
SOC State of Charge State of charge of the battery
SOH State of Health Battery capacity available for consumption

SMA Solar Technology AG 2 Safety
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 7
2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
The Multicluster Box is a component of the SMA multicluster technology for off-grid systems. The
Multicluster Box is a main AC distribution board to which you can connect up to twelve three-phase
clusters. Each cluster consists of three Sunny Island inverters of the same device type with parallel
DC-side connection.
Figure1: Circuitry principle
Connection requirements
The Multicluster Box is designed for connection to TN systems. The Multicluster Box must
be grounded prior to commissioning (see Section7.9, page33).

2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
8 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
Do not exceed the maximum AC connection power of the Multicluster Box.
Only operate the Multicluster Box in conjunction with Sunny Island inverters of type Sunny Island
5048 / 6.0H / 8.0H. Always take the maximum AC connection power and the permitted
Sunny Island combinations into account.
Permitted Sunny Island combinations
Α Only Sunny Island inverters of the same device type are permitted to operate in one cluster.
Α Different clusters may be equipped with different device types.
The Multicluster Box is designed for use at altitudes of up to 2,000 m above mean sea level. If you
wish to use the Multicluster Box at altitudes above 2,000 m, contact SMA Solar Technology AG
(see Section13 "Contact", page44).
The product is designed for indoor use only.
The product is designed for EMC environment A* . In EMC environment B*, the product can cause
undesired electromagnetic interference.
Α If the product is operated in EMC environment B, take protective measures against
electromagnetic interference in accordance with the locally applicable standards and
directives.
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 for this product.
The type label must be permanently attached to the product.
Use this product only in accordance with the enclosed documentation and with the local standards
and directives. Any other application may cause personal injury or property damage.
The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product.
Α Read and observe the documentation.
Α Keep the documentation in a convenient place for future reference.
2.2 Skills of Qualified Persons
The tasks described in this document must be performed by qualified persons only. Qualified persons
must have the following skills:
Α Training in off-grid systems from SMA Solar Technology AG
Α Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and operating
electrical devices and batteries
Α Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices
Α Knowledge of and adherence to the local standards and directives
Α Knowledge of and adherence to this document and all safety precautions
* in accordance with IEC 61439-1:2011

SMA Solar Technology AG 2 Safety
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 9
2.3 Safety Precautions
This section contains safety precautions that must be observed at all times when working on or with
the product.
To prevent personal injury or property damage and to ensure long-term operation of the product, read
this section carefully and follow all safety precautions at all times.
Danger to life due to electric shock
High voltages are present in the Multicluster Box. Touching live components results in death or
serious injury due to electric shock.
Α Disconnect the Multicluster Box from all voltage sources before carrying out any work.
Α Switch off all loads.
Α Switch off the master of the main cluster.
Α Disconnect all Sunny Island inverters in the Multicluster Box and secure against
reconnection.
Α Disconnect the PV main distribution board and secure against reconnection.
Α Shut down the generator and secure against unintentional reconnection.

3 Scope of Delivery SMA Solar Technology AG
10 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
3 Scope of Delivery
Check the scope of delivery for completeness and any external damage. Contact your distributor if
the scope of delivery is incomplete or damaged.
Figure2: Components included in the scope of delivery
Object Number Description
A1Multicluster Box
B 1 Switch cabinet key
C4Lifting lug
D 1 Data cable: 10 m, black
E 3 Control and measuring cable: 10 m, red
F 15 Cable clamp with counter sleeve (26 mm to 30 mm)
G 3 LV/HRC fuse link 500 A
H 1 Operating manual
I 1 Document "Installation - Circuitry Overview"
K 2 Set with adhesive web for marking the cables

SMA Solar Technology AG 4 Additionally Required Materials
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 11
4 Additionally Required Materials
Material Number of units Explanation
Screws and screw anchors 4 For securing the base of the
Multicluster Box
Terminal lugs M12 12 For connecting the generator, PV plant
and loads
Connection cables, installation
and cable-laying material
‒ For connecting the generator, PV plant
and loads
Distribution board with protection
units
2 One distribution board each for the PV
plant and the loads
LV/HRC fuse link, as required 6 The fuse links for the generator and the
loads must be dimensioned to match the
system. 500 A LV/HRC size 3 fuse links
are installed in the fuse switch by
default.
Cable tie ‒ To retain the Sunny Island connection
cables
Agent to counteract freeze damage
to seals (e.g., talcum, petroleum jelly
or wax)
‒ To protect door seals from freezing

5 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
12 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
5 Product Description
5.1 Multicluster Box 36
The Multicluster Box is a component of the SMA multicluster technology for off-grid systems.
The Multicluster Box is a main AC distribution board to which you can connect up to twelve
three-phase clusters. Each cluster consists of three Sunny Island inverters of the same device type with
parallel DC-side connection.
Functions of the Multicluster Box:
Α Main AC distribution board for the Sunny Island inverters, one generator and one PV plant
ΑLoad shedding
Α Automatic bypass for the generator
Α Active anti-islanding
Α Reverse current monitoring
5.2 Type Label
The type label clearly identifies the product. The type label is located on the right-hand outside of the
enclosure. You will find the following information on the type label:
Α Address of SMA Solar Technology AG
Α Date of manufacture (Date)
Α Standards underlying the CE marking
Α Device type (Type)
Α Serial number of the Multicluster Box (Serial No.)
Α Article number (Art No.)
Α Device-specific characteristics
You will require the information on the type label to use the product safely and when seeking customer
support from the SMA Service Line.

SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Product Description
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 13
Symbols on the Type Label
Symbol Explanation
Danger to life due to high voltages
The product operates at high voltages. All work on the product must be
carried out by qualified persons only.
Risk of burns due to hot surfaces
The product can get hot during operation. Avoid contact during operation.
Allow the product to cool down sufficiently before carrying out any work.
Wear personal protective equipment such as safety gloves.
Observe the documentation.
Observe all documentation that is supplied with the product.
CE marking
The product complies with the requirements of the applicable EU
directives.
WEEE designation
Do not dispose of the product together with the household waste but in
accordance with the locally applicable disposal regulations for electronic
waste.
Degree of protection
The product is protected against interior dust deposits and splash water
from all angles.

6 Installation SMA Solar Technology AG
14 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
6 Installation
6.1 Choosing a Mounting Location
Requirements for the mounting location:
 A firm, even foundation, e.g., a concrete surface, must be available for mounting.
 The mounting location must be suitable for the weight and dimensions of the Multicluster Box
(see Section12 "Technical Data", page41).
 The mounting location must be clear and safely accessible at all times without any need for
auxiliary equipment.
 The mounting location must not hinder access to disconnection devices.
 All local requirements concerning minimum passage widths and escape routes must be
observed.
 Climatic conditions must be met (see Section12 "Technical Data", page41).
 The mounting location must be below 2,000 m above MSL. For altitudes over 2,000 m above
MSL, contact the SMA Service Line.
Danger to life due to fire or explosion
Despite careful construction, electronic devices can cause fires if they are not installed properly.
This may result in death or serious injury.
Α Do not install the Multicluster Box on flammable construction materials.
Α Do not store any highly flammable materials or products in the vicinity of the Multicluster Box.
Α Do not install the Multicluster Box in potentially explosive areas.
Optimum mounting location
The ambient temperature of the Multicluster Box influences the tripping threshold of the
circuit breakers for the Sunny Island inverters. The higher the temperature, the earlier the
circuit breakers will trip. At high ambient temperatures, the derating function of the
Sunny Island inverters inhibits premature tripping of the circuit breakers.
Α To ensure optimum operation, mount and install the Multicluster Box and the
Sunny Island inverters at the same location.

SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Installation
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 15
Observe minimum clearances:
Figure3: Minimum clearances
Observe the permitted mounting position:
Figure4: Permitted and prohibited mounting positions

6 Installation SMA Solar Technology AG
16 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
6.2 Preparing the Mounting Location
Figure5: Outside base measurements and dimensions of the drill holes
Additionally required mounting material (not included in the scope of delivery):
 Four suitable screw anchors to fasten the Multicluster Box
Procedure:
1. On the mounting surface, mark the position of the four drill holes for fastening the base.
2. Drill holes at the marked positions.
3. Insert the screw anchors.

SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Installation
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 17
6.3 Transport
6.3.1 Transport Options
Figure6: Transport options
The Multicluster Box is delivered on a Euro pallet. You can use the following means of transport to lift
the Multicluster Box off the Euro pallet:
Α Forklift truck or pallet truck
Α Crane with suitable fork
Α Crane with suitable hoist
6.3.2 Attaching the Lifting Lugs
To transport the Multicluster Box using a crane with hoist, attach the supplied lifting lugs to the
Multicluster Box.
Procedure:
1. Remove the four screws from the corners of the
Multicluster Box (AF 19). Retain the sealing discs
for the lifting lugs.

6 Installation SMA Solar Technology AG
18 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
2. In each corner, attach one lifting lug with one
sealing disc (torque: 10 Nm to 35 Nm).
6.3.3 Transporting and Mounting the Multicluster Box
Danger of crushing if the raised Multicluster Box tips over, falls, or sways during lifting
The Multicluster Box can topple or fall if it is lifted and transported carelessly or hastily. This may
result in death or serious injury.
Α When transporting the Multicluster Box, always keep it as close to the ground as possible.
Α Use means of transportation which are adequate for the weight of the Multicluster Box
(max. 400 kg).
Α Transport the Multicluster Box in an upright position.
Α Keep a safe distance from the Multicluster Box at all times during transport.
Α Observe the center of gravity of the
Multicluster Box. The center of gravity of the
Multicluster Box is located approximately in the
center of the cabinet and is marked on the
enclosure with the center of gravity symbol.
Α When using lifting lugs, remember to maintain a
minimum angle of 45° between the cable pull
and the Multicluster Box.

SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Installation
Operating Manual MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 19
Requirement:
 When using a crane with hoist, the four lifting lugs must be attached (see Section6.3.2,
page17).
Additionally required mounting material (not included in the scope of delivery):
 Four suitable screws to attach the Multicluster Box
Procedure:
1. Remove all fastening screws from the kick plates at the front and rear. Use a wrench with a
TX 30 attachment.
2. Remove the kick plates and set them aside.
3. Retain the kick plates and the fastening screws for later use.
4. When using a forklift truck or pallet truck, slide the fork underneath the Multicluster Box and
transport the Multicluster Box to the mounting location.
5. When using a crane with fork, slide the crane fork underneath the Multicluster Box and transport
the Multicluster Box to the mounting location.
6. When using a crane with hoist, proceed as follows to transport the Multicluster Box:
– Attach the hoist to all four lifting lugs on the Multicluster Box.
– Raise the crane hook slowly until the hoist is taut.
– Ensure that the hoist is attached correctly.
– Raise the Multicluster Box and transport to the mounting location.
7. Attach the Multicluster Box to the foundation using four suitable screws.
Damage to the Multicluster Box due to inappropriate transport
If the Multicluster Box is set down on uneven surfaces, it may cause buckling so that the doors will
no longer close properly. This can lead to moisture and dust penetrating the Multicluster Box.
Α Never place the Multicluster Box on a non-reinforced, uneven surface.
Α Never transport the Multicluster Box with mounted kick plates.

7 Electrical Connection SMA Solar Technology AG
20 MC_BOX_36-BE-en-20 Operating Manual
7 Electrical Connection
7.1 Overview of the Connection Area
7.1.1 Terminals
Figure7: Position of the terminals
Object Description
AFuse switch =MC-F1 Generator for connecting the line conductors of the generator
B Busbar =MC-X1 for connecting the neutral conductor of the generator
C Busbar =MC-X2 for connecting the neutral conductor of the loads
DFuse switch =MC-F2 Generator for connecting the line conductors of the loads
E Grounding busbar for connecting the grounding conductors of the generator, the loads
and the PV plant
F Cable support rail