Wiring The Inverter - General Requirements; Protecting Wire - Conduit Box; Wiring Requirements; Wire Routing - Sensata Magnum Energy MS Series Owner's Manual

2.3 Wiring the Inverter – General Requirements
This section describes the requirements and recommendations for wiring the MS Series inverter/
charger. Before wiring the MS Series inverter/charger, carefully read all instructions.
Wiring should meet all local codes and standards and be performed by qualifi ed personnel
such as a licensed electrician.
The NEC (National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70) for the United States and the CEC (Canadian
Electrical Code) for Canada provide the standards for safe wiring. The NEC/CEC lists requirements
for wire sizes, overcurrent protection, and installation methods/standards.
Inverter/charger systems involve power from multiple sources (inverter, generator, utility, batteries,
solar arrays, etc.) which make the wiring more hazardous and challenging.
The input and output AC and DC circuits are isolated from the inverter chassis. The inverter system
grounding is the responsibility of the installer in accordance with the NEC/CEC and local codes.
WARNING: Ensure all sources of DC power (i.e., batteries, solar, wind, or hydro) and
AC power (utility power or AC generator) are de-energized (i.e., breakers opened, fuses
removed) before proceeding—to prevent accidental shock.
2.3.1 Protecting Wire – Conduit Box
The AC and DC wires to and from the inverter must be protected as required by code. This can be
done by using jacketed wires or by feeding the wires through conduit. Sensata off ers DC conduit
boxes (ME-CB), a single inverter enclosure (MMP Series), and a multiple inverter enclosure (MP
Series) that include the necessary AC and DC inverter breakers that allow both the AC and DC
conduit to be connected to the inverter.
Info: Remove strain reliefs and replace with 3/4" grommets if using a conduit box or
MMP/MP enclosure, and the AC wires are individual conductors (i.e., not jacketed).
2.3.2

Wiring Requirements

• All conductors must be protected by conduit, tape, or placed in a raceway.
• The conductor insulation must be of a type that is approved for the voltage, operating
temperature, and location of use.
• Always check for existing electrical, plumbing, or other areas of potential damage prior to
making cuts in structural surfaces or walls.
• Do not mix AC and DC wiring in the same conduit or panel unless specifi cally approved/
designed for both AC and DC wiring. Where DC wiring must cross AC or vice-versa, try to
make the wires at the crossing point perpendicular (90 degrees) to one another.
• Both AC and DC overcurrent protection must be provided as part of the installation.
• The inverter requires a reliable negative and ground return path directly to the battery.
• Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C (194°F).
2.3.3

Wire Routing

Before connecting any wires, determine all wire routes to and from the inverter. Conductors
passing through walls, bulkheads, etc., must be protected to minimize insulation damage, such
as chafi ng. Typical routing scenarios are:
• AC input wiring from the main AC panel to the inverter
• AC input wiring from a generator (optional) to the inverter
• DC input wiring from the batteries to the inverter
• AC output wiring from the inverter to the AC sub-panel or to dedicated circuits
• Battery Temperature Sensor cable from the inverter to the batteries
• Remote control cable (optional) to the inverter
• AC and DC ground wiring to and from the inverter
2.3.4

Torque Requirements

Torque all AC wiring connections to 16 in-lbf (1.8 N-m). Torque DC cable connections from 10 to
12 ft lbf (13.6 to 16.3 N-m).
© 2016 Sensata Technologies
Installation
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