enphase IQ System Controller - User Manual

TECHNICAL BRIEF - North America
Tech Brief on Enphase System Shut down
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Use Enphase System Shutdown for Bypass ................................................................................ 2
a) Working of the Enphase System Shut down ................................................................................. 3
b) Wiring the Enphase System Shut down ........................................................................................ 3
c) Enphase Energy System Shut down as Rapid Shutdown for PV ................................................. 4
d) Activating Enphase System Shutdown ......................................................................................... 5
e) Deactivating Enphase System Shutdown ..................................................................................... 5
2. System Controller Manual Override Procedure for servicing Enphase Energy systems
components ............................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Manual Transfer Switch for Bypass .............................................................................................. 7
4. Scenarios for using different switches ......................................................................................... 9

Summary

Use Enphase System Shutdown for Bypass

Working of the Enphase System Shut down

Details the system layout and function of the Enphase Energy System shutdown switch.

Wiring the Enphase System Shut down

Explains the installation and wiring process for the Enphase Energy System shutdown switch.

Enphase Energy System Shut down as Rapid Shutdown for PV

Describes the system's role in meeting NEC rapid shutdown requirements for PV installations.

Activating Enphase System Shutdown

Provides instructions on how to activate the Enphase Energy System Shutdown switch.

Deactivating Enphase System Shutdown

Details the procedure for returning the Enphase Energy System Shutdown switch to its operational state.

System Controller Manual Override Procedure for servicing Enphase Energy systems components

Manual Override Procedure for System Controller 1

Step-by-step instructions for initiating and exiting manual override on System Controller 1.

Manual Override Procedure for System Controller 2

Step-by-step instructions for initiating and exiting manual override on System Controller 2.

Manual Transfer Switch for Bypass

Normal Mode Operation

Diagram and explanation of the manual transfer switch in its normal operating configuration.

Override Mode Operation

Diagram and explanation of the manual transfer switch when used for system override.

Scenarios for using different switches

System Shutdown Switch vs. Manual Override vs. Manual Transfer Switch

Compares applicable system controller versions, users, and scenarios for each switch type.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document describes the Enphase Energy System Shutdown, a critical component for managing and maintaining Enphase Energy systems. It details various methods for overriding these systems, ensuring safety, and facilitating maintenance for homeowners, installers, and emergency personnel. The primary focus is on the Enphase Energy System Shutdown switch, manual override procedures for the System Controller, and the use of a manual transfer switch for bypass.

Function Description

The Enphase Energy System Shutdown switch, identified by SKU EP200G-NA-02-RSD, serves as a single-point disconnection device for the Enphase Energy system. Its primary function is to isolate the home from the Enphase Energy system and connect it directly to the grid. This isolation is crucial for safety during maintenance or emergencies, ensuring that no power is supplied from any source (grid, solar, storage, or generator) to the home, or that no back-feed occurs to the grid.

When activated, the IQ System Controller, in conjunction with the shutdown switch, opens relays controlling the IQ Battery, Solar, Generator, and auto transformer, while keeping the MID relay closed. This action effectively disconnects all energy sources from the home and establishes a direct connection to the grid. This functionality also fulfills the Rapid Shutdown requirements mandated by the NEC for PV installations, de-energizing PV arrays and cables to ensure safety for firefighters and electrical technicians.

The System Controller Manual Override Procedure provides a more comprehensive method for de-energizing Enphase products (IQ System Controller, IQ Battery, and IQ Combiner) for maintenance. This procedure involves a series of steps, including opening breakers, turning off DC switches on IQ Battery units, disabling generators, and manipulating a manual override toggle. This ensures complete de-energization of the Enphase components, making it safe for Enphase Trained Technicians to perform detailed maintenance.

A Manual Transfer Switch offers an alternative bypass method, particularly useful for existing IQ System Controller smart switches. It allows the backed-up loads power supply to be switched between the IQ System Controller's load lugs/breaker and a direct supply from the grid. This ensures that power is only available to the backed-up loads via a single current path, preventing parallel current paths that could violate code requirements. While the IQ System Controller remains connected to the utility grid, the Enphase storage system is effectively bypassed from the homeowner's perspective.

Usage Features

The Enphase Energy System Shutdown switch is designed for ease of use, particularly for third-party technicians who may not be trained in operating Enphase systems. Its simple rotary handle allows for quick activation by moving it from the ON to the OFF position. This action immediately activates the system shutdown and rapid shutdown functionality. The switch also includes a safety option to lock it in the OFF position, preventing inadvertent activation. It can be used whether the system is grid-tied or in grid-independent microgrid mode. Deactivation is equally straightforward, requiring the handle to be moved back to the ON position, after which the System Controller attempts to reconnect to the main grid or form a microgrid if the grid is absent.

The manual override procedures for System Controller 1 (Enpower R1) and System Controller 2 (Enpower R2) are detailed with specific steps. For System Controller 1, this involves opening breakers for Encharge, Mains, and Auto Transformer, turning off DC switches on Encharge units, disabling the generator, waiting for two minutes, removing a sticker and plastic cover to access a manual override toggle, and then turning the toggle to the left to close the MID relay. For System Controller 2, the process begins with putting the remote rapid shutdown switch to OFF, opening breakers for PV, Encharge, Generator, and NFT, and then opening the cover of the manual override switch to turn the toggle to the LEFT to close the MID relay. These procedures are intended for Enphase Installers or Technicians due to their complexity.

The Manual Transfer Switch provides a one-step electrical bypass procedure. Homeowners or installers can simply move a lever to connect the backed-up loads to the grid while breaking the current path from the backed-up loads to the IQ System Controller. This method simplifies the bypass process compared to the manual override sequence, making it more accessible for general home maintenance or grid maintenance scenarios.

Maintenance Features

The Enphase Energy System Shutdown switch is a key feature for facilitating maintenance. It provides a simple, single point of shutdown that is easily accessible and identifiable, allowing third-party technicians (utility technicians, firefighters, emergency first responders, and electricians) to disconnect Enphase systems from the home and the grid. This is particularly useful for home maintenance where no power should be supplied from any source, grid maintenance where no back-feed is allowed, or for general maintenance of Enphase system components. Labels are provided with the SKU EP200G-NA-02-RSD to help identify the Rapid Shut down switch/Enphase Energy System Shutdown, and these labels must be affixed within 3ft (1m) of the IQ System Controller or as specified by authorities.

The System Controller Manual Override Procedure is specifically designed for servicing Enphase products themselves. While the shutdown switch isolates the Enphase systems from the grid and home, the manual override ensures complete de-energization of the IQ System Controller, IQ Battery, and IQ Combiner. This is a crucial step for technicians performing repairs or detailed maintenance on these components. The procedure includes steps for both initiating and exiting the manual override, ensuring a safe return to normal operation. It is emphasized that these steps should only be performed by an Enphase Trained Technician.

The Manual Transfer Switch, while physically larger, offers a robust and straightforward bypass for maintenance. It ensures that during service of the IQ System Controller, the home's backed-up loads can still receive power directly from the grid. This allows for continuous power supply to the home while the Enphase system is being serviced, minimizing disruption. This method is suitable for home maintenance and grid maintenance, providing a reliable bypass mechanism that adheres to code requirements by preventing parallel current paths. The document also provides recommendations for various 200A and 100A manual transfer switches, including their dimensions and wire ranges, to assist with installation and compatibility.

enphase IQ System Controller Specifications