Combiner Boxes for Solar Photovoltaic Installations - Eaton Canada

Connecting the
Power of the Sun
Combiner Boxes for
Solar Photovoltaic installations
Combiner Boxes for
solar photovoltaic installations

Combiner Boxes Defined
Combiner boxes are used in solar installations to combine
the inputs from multiple strings of solar panels into one
output circuit. If viewed on a one-line diagram, combiner
boxes would look like a “reverse-fed panelboard.” Meaning
that instead of one feeder being broken into multiple branch
circuits, the combiner takes multiple branch feeds from
solar strings and groups them into one output.
An "array" may be one PV panel or many in series, and may
range from a single 12 volt panel up to multi panel high
voltage arrays for grid tie systems. Solar PV Grid tied
systems are typically 600 volts DC.
String Combiners, often referred to as source combiners,
are located closest to the “strings” of solar panels. Since
each string of PV panels are connected in series, the
maximum current potential tends to be less than 15A per
string. At Eaton we utilize individual fuse holders capable
of accepting up to a 30A fuse. There are normally between 4
and 12 strings connected to each combiner box. They may
be grouped together using copper bus which is tied to a set
of outgoing terminals.
Combination String Combiner
In most solar installations it is advisable that a load break
DC switch be included in order to isolate the individual
string fuses for safe removal. At Eaton, we have combined
our DC Disconnect along with our individual string inputs
into a CSA Approved Combination String Combiner.
Array combiners provide the next level of connection. An
array combiner is made up of larger incoming connection
points (100A-200A fuse blocks or DC breakers) and allows
for the grouping of multiple string combiner outputs into a
single set of outgoing terminals. You will normally only
find array combiners on a large projects above 100kW and
they are often provided as part of the inverter assembly
although it is not uncommon to see multiple array
combiners used on a large scale project.
Smart Combiners
With income generation tied to Solar PV production it is not
uncommon for owners to demand that performance
monitoring be included. At Eaton we offer a scalable string
monitoring solution that will allow for monitoring up to 15
strings in a single combiner box. Eaton’s string monitoring
package is capable of providing antitheft control and solar
PV analysis (DC V,A and W metering). Modbus
communication is standard and may include a smart energy
management box with built in web sever.
Combination and Non-combination
String Combiners
Solar Photovoltaic installations
Features
• Suitable for NEC article 690 applications to UL 1741
• CSA certified to C22.2 No. 107.1 and assembled in Ontario
• Range 60, 100, 200Ampere 600VDC, single pole safety
switch available as fusible or non fusible main disconnect,
with 4 to 24 string circuit, 30Ampere, 600VDC, finger-safe
fuse holders
• Continuous duty rated
• Main Disconnect load break rated.
• Main fuse is isolated when switch is in OFF position.
• Class R fuse clips standard for the main disconnect and
midget class finger-safe fuse holders for the string circuits.
Fuses not included.
• Main disconnect is single pole and suitable for switching one
circuit
• Multi-position isolated negative ground
• Short circuit withstand rating 10kA @600VDC
• Standard offering type 12/3R enclosure electrostatic coated
painted steel ASA 61 grey (Optional 4X stainless)
• Highly visible, electrical shock warning label for line and
load terminals mounted on front door of switch.
• Highly visible ON / OFF marking on enclosure.
• Operation temperature: -30ºC to +50ºC
• Multi-position equipment ground and separate single
conductor lay in lug for continuous ground #4 –14 awg.
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 2

Product Offering
Compact Source Combiners (SCC)
Residential Combiners
Source Combiner Boxes (SC)
Non-combination Source Combiners
Combination Source Combiners with Main Disconnect (Fusible and Non-fused)
Combination Source Combiners with Main Moulded Case Circuit Breaker
Array Combiners (AC)
Non-combination Array Combiners with fusible circuit inputs
Non-combination Array Combiners with Breaker inputs *
Combination Array Combiners with Main Moulded Case Circuit Breaker and Breaker Inputs *
* Note: Breaker Type Array Combiners are assembled in 600VDC panelboard and switchboard configurations to suit any
Solar PV application. Contact your Eaton representative for further information.
Solar PV Combiner Catalogue Configurator
Max Output
Current Rating
No. of String
Inputs Disconnect Type
Disconnect
Ampere
max
Enclosure
Type Options
Type
SCC = Source Combiner
60 2 2 N = N/A (none) R = 3R (std)
Compact w/o disconnect 3
SCCD = Dual Output 4
D = 12/3R
SC = Source Combiner
100 8 8 N = N/A (none)
(std) R = 3R M1 (std) M1 = basic string monitoring **
without disconnect 200 12 W = 4X M2 M2 = enhanced string monitoring **
16 S = Surge protection
20
24
D = 12/3R
P = MC4 pre-wired connection plate
SC = Source Combiner
60 4 4 KF = Fusible 60 D (std) = 12/3R M1 (std) M1 =basic string monitoring **
with DC disconnect 100 8 8 KU =Non-fusible 100 W = 4X M2 M2 = enhanced string monitoring **
150* 12 B = Breaker 150* S = Surge protection
160* 16 160* P = MC4 pre-wired connection plate
200 20 200
250* 24 250*
AC1F = Array Combiner 400 4
4
D = 12/3R
D (std) = 12/3R (std)
100A max Fusible Inputs 600 6 6 N = N/A (none) S = Type 1
AC2F = Array Combiner 800 8
200A max Fusible Inputs 1000 10
AC1B = Array Combiner 1200
150A max Breaker Inputs 1600
AC2B = Array Combiner 2000
250A max Breaker Inputs
*Source combiner with 150A & 250A output disconnect = breaker type. 160A = Fusible / non-Fusible type.
**Maximum number of string inputs is 15 when string monitoring used, the 16th circuit requires a 2nd master module
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 3

Residential Solar PV Combiner Boxes
Eaton’s Compact Residential combiner box allows grouping of up to 4 Solar PV strings, reducing the number of long cable runs.
This product is available in a standard type 3R enclosure. It is CSA approved and manufactured in Ontario.
Options:
• Custom Configurations available
Enclosure Ratings:
• Type 3R
• Powder Coated Painted Steel
INPUT SCC SCCD = DUAL OUTPUT*
Input Voltage [Vdc] 600 600
Max. Idc current for each string [A] 30 30
Max. combined input current [A] 60 60
String cable size #6 to #14 #6 to #14
Number of string inputs 2,3 or 4 2 string inputs per side (4 total)
OUTPUT
Max. output current rating [A] 60 2 x 30A output terminals
Output DC cable size #8-1/0 AWG #8-1/0 AWG (per output)
Grounding connection cable #4-14AWG #4-14AWG (2)
ENCLOSURE INFORMATION
Size (height x width x depth) [in] 11.5h x 6.5w x 4d 11.5h x 6.5w x 4d
Enclosure Type 3R 3R
DUAL OUTPUT: Contains 2 x 2 circuit combiners in one enclosure. The Dual Output Combiner is ideally suited for a 10kW
system utilizing 2 x 5kW inverters.
Residential Combiner
SCC604NR
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 4

Non-combination Solar PV Combiner Boxes
Eaton’s non-combination combiner boxes allow for grouping of Solar PV strings when a DC Output disconnect device is not
required. This product is available in a standard type 3R enclosure. It is CSA approved and manufactured in Ontario.
Options:
•A wide variety of monitoring and communications are available – including DC Voltage and Current monitoring. RS485
communications are standard.
•Custom Configurations available
Enclosure Ratings:
• Type 3R
• Powder Coated Painted Steel
INPUT
Input Voltage [Vdc] 600 600
Max. Idc current for each string [A] 30 30
Max. combined input current [A] 100 200
String cable size #6 to #14 #6 to #14
Number of string inputs 8, 12, 16 16, 20, 24
OUTPUT
Max. output current rating [A] 100 100, 200
Output DC cable size #6-300MCM #6-300MCM
Grounding connection cable #4-14AWG #4-14AWG
ENCLOSURE INFORMATION
Size (height x width x depth) [in] 16.5h 14.38w, 5d 29h 14.38w, 5d
Enclosure Type 3R 3R
COMMUNICATION (optional)
MONITORED DATA DC Volts,Amps & Watt metering
1 Local Bus Manager required for each 15 string circuits
Non-combination String Combiner
SC10016NR
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 5

Combination Solar PV Combiner Boxes with Output DC Disconnect
Eaton’s combination combiner boxes allow for grouping of Solar PV strings when a DC Output disconnect device is required to
provide for load break isolation. The load break disconnect device allows for safer replacement of string fuses. It also allows for
single switch isolation of the Solar PV array from the load. This product is available in a standard type 12/3R enclosure. It is CSA
approved and assembled in Ontario.
Options:
•A wide variety of monitoring and communications are available – including DC Voltage and Current monitoring. RS485
communications are standard.
•Custom Configurations available
Enclosure Ratings:
• Type 12/3R
• Powder Coated Painted Steel
INPUT
Input Voltage [Vdc] 600 600 600 600
Max. Idc current for each string [A] 30 30 30 30
Max. combined input current [A] 60 100 160 200
String cable size #6 to #14 #6 to #14 #6 to #14 #6 to #14
Monitoring String cable size (option) #6 to #14 #6 to #14 #6 to #14 #6 to #14
Number of string inputs
OUTPUT
8, 12 8, 12, 16 12, 16, 20, 24 12, 16, 20, 24
Max. output current rating [A] 60 100 160 200
Output DC cable size #14 - #2 #14 to 1/0
#6 to
300MCM
#6 to
300MCM
Grounding connection cable #14-4 Awg #14-4 Awg #14-4 Awg #14-4 Awg
DC Output Switch Rating (Fused or Unfused) [A]
ENCLOSURE INFORMATION
60 100 160 200
19hx12.25w. 25h x 15.5w 34.5h x 23.5w 34.5h x 23.5w
Size (height x width x depth) [in]
x 10.25d x 10.25d x 11.5d x 11.5d
Enclosure Type
COMMUNICATION (optional)
12/3R 12/3R 12/3R 12/3R
MONITORED DATA
1 Local Bus Manager required for each 15 string circuits
DC Volts, Amps & Watt metering
Combination String Combiner
SC10012KF100D
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 6

Combination Solar PV Combiner Boxes with Output DC Moulded Case Circuit Breaker
Eaton’s combination combiner boxes allow for grouping of Solar PV strings when a DC Output breaker is required to provide for
load break isolation. The output breaker is operated by a rotary handle mounted on the outside of the enclosure door. The compact
breaker design allows for safer replacement of sting fuses by providing a single handle isolation of the Solar PV array from the
load. This product is available in a standard type 3R enclosure. It is CSA approved and assembled in Ontario.
Options:
•A wide variety of monitoring and communications are available – including DC Voltage and Current monitoring. RS485
communications are standard.
•Custom Configurations available
Enclosure Ratings:
• Type 3R
• Powder Coated Painted Steel
INPUT
Input Voltage [Vdc]
Max. Idc current for each
600 600 600 600
string [A] 30 30 30 30
Max. combined input current [A] 150 150 250 250
String cable size #6 to #14 #6 to #14 #6 to #14 #6 to #14
Number of string inputs
OUTPUT
4,8 12 12 16,24
Max. output current rating [A] 150 150 250 250
Output DC cable size 4/0 4/0 300MCM 300MCM
Grounding connection cable #4 #4 #4 #4
DC Output Breaker Rating [A]
ENCLOSURE INFORMATION
150max 150max 250max 250max
Size (height x width x depth) [in] 20.2h 12.5w x8d 20.2h 12.5w x8d 29.5h 30h x 20w 14w x 8d 29.5h 30h x 20w 14w x 8d
Enclosure Type
COMMUNICATION (optional)
12 3R / 3R 12 3R / 3R 12 3R / 3R 12 3R / 3R
MONITORED DATA DC Volts,Amps & Watt metering
1 Local Bus Manager required for each 15 string circuits
Source Combiner with
Breaker Output
SC15012B150D
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 7

Solar PV Fusible Array Combiner Boxes (AC_F)
Eaton’s PV Array combiner boxes allow further grouping of inputs to reduce the number of long cable runs. Multiple source
combiner box outputs may be run into the array combiner. The output can then be taken directly to the inverter input. This
product is available in a standard type 3R enclosure. It is CSA approved and assembled in Ontario.
Options:
•Custom Configurations available
Enclosure Ratings:
• Type 3R
• Powder Coated Painted Steel
INPUT
Input Voltage [Vdc]
Max. Idc current for each array input
600 600 60 6000 60 6000
[A] 100 100 20 200 0 20 2000
Max. combined input current [A] 400 / 600 800 / 1000 800 / 1200 1600 / 2000
Array input cable size #12-2/0 #12-2/0 #6 – 350 MCM #6 – 350 MCM
Number of combiner inputs
OUTPUT
4 / 6 8 / 10 4 / 6 8 / 10
Max. output current rating [A] 400 / 600 800 / 1000 800 / 1200 1600 / 2000
Output DC cable size 2 x 500MCM 4 x 500MCM 4 x 500MCM 6 x 750MC
Grounding connection cable
ENCLOSURE INFORMATION
300MCM 300MCM 300MCM 300MCM
Size (height x width x depth) [in] 30hx24wx8d 42hx30wx12d 42hx30wx12d 54hx36wx12d
Enclosure Type 12 3R / 3R 12 3R / 3R 3R 12 / 3R 3R 12 / 3R
Fusible Type Array Combiner
AR2F8004ND
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 8

Solar PV 600Vdc Breaker Type Array Combiner Boxes (AC_B)
Eaton’s PV Array combiner boxes allow further grouping of inputs to reduce the number of long cable runs. Multiple source
combiner box outputs may be run into the array combiner. The output can then be taken directly to the inverter input. Breaker
type Array Combiners allow you to take advantage of lower watt losses vs equivalent fuse sizes. It is CSA approved and
assembled in Ontario.
Options:
•Custom Configurations available
Enclosure Ratings:
• Type 3R, Type 1
• Powder Coated Painted Steel
INPUT
Input Voltage [Vdc] 600 600 600 600
Max. Idc current for each array input [A] 150 150 250 250
Max. combined input current [A] 800 1200 1200 2000
#6 – 350 #6 – 350
Array input cable size #6-4/0 #6-4/0 MCM MCM
Number of combiner inputs
OUTPUT
4, 6 8,10 4,6,8 8,10
Max. output current rating [A] 800 1200 1200 2000
4 x
4 x 4 x 6 x
Output DC cable size
500MCM 500MCM 500MCM 750MCM
Grounding connection cable
ENCLOSURE INFORMATION
300MCM 300MCM 300MCM 300MCM
58h x24w 75h x38w 78h x38w 96h x38w
Size (height x width x depth) [in]
x12d x12d x12d x31d
Enclosure Type 12 3R / 3R
12 3R / 3R 3R 3R
Breaker Type Array Combiner
AR2B20008ND
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 9

SMART SOURCE COMBINERS
Basic and Enhanced Communications:
All systems are comprised of individual modular elements that, when interacting with one another, provide efficient local
control to the solar plant. Whether it’s a small/medium power or high power plant, you are assured there is effective
information management. An optional communications box is available that controls and supervises the whole
installation and provides information in a quick and automatic fashion via the internet, so the data is available wherever
you are.
System Components
The BASIC system is specifically developed to be integrated in either a small or medium size photovoltaic park where all
the most significant data are transmitted via RS485 Modbus to the local PV Energy
Management System. An essential working tool is represented by a freeware software
which allows the user to easily configure and check the communication wiring and
remotely read the available measurement data.
BASIC Master Communications Module: RS485 communications port
(Modbus). 1 required for each 15 circuits of string monitoring units
BASIC String Monitoring Unit: Comes with Integrated fuse protection;
measures DC string Current and Voltage
The ENHANCED system allows for greater flexibility and control of the PV plant and
allows for the use of optional modules to greatly expand the amount of available
information. Multicolor LEDs provide immediate feedback on variables, alarms, fuse
status and communication, showing the relevant details on the display.
ENHANCED Master Communications Module: In addition
to the Basic System features above, the enhanced module
includes data logging and stamping, 2 digital inputs and 2
temperature inputs.
ENHANCED String Monitoring Unit: Comes with Integrated
fuse protection. Measured string variables include DC voltage,
current and active power and energy. Reports alarms, anti-theft
control and blown fuse detection back to the master module.
Optional Modules:
Environmental Monitoring Unit: Measures PV module
temperature, sun irradiation and wind speed.
Input/Output Module: Includes 2 relay outputs and 2 digital
inputs.
Optional Web Box
Complete with built-in web server that controls and supervises the whole installation, acquiring information from
array groups; inverters; energy meters; interface protection. The Communications Box provides information in a
quick and automatic fashion via the internet, so the data is available
wherever you are. Features include display of all managed
information such as: DC V, A, kW, kWh, sun-irradiation, cell
temperature, air temperature and wind speed. Includes 15years data
storage, data export, 4 RS485 ports, 1 Ethernet port, 3 USB ports
and a 100 to 240VAS power supply. The box may be wall or DINrail
mounted.
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 10

SMART COMBINER SYSTEM SELECTION
The table below is designed to assist you with identifying which system is right for you. Once you determine which
monitoring options are important for your installation, you can quickly identify which components you require in your
SMART COMBINER BOX.
String Monitoring
Module Communication Options
12 to 28VDC power supply
RS485 communication port (max. 115.2 kbit/s
Programming of communication speed and address
Local display with programming pushbutton
Measurement of single string current from VMU-S only
Alarm management on measured variables
Local bus-configuration errors control
Current string control
Power string control
String efficiency
Event-logger: variables, functions and system alarms
Data-logger; V, A, W, Wh, PV cell temp., air temp., irradiation
First digital input (energy counting)
First temperature input or temperature input: Pt100/PT1000 (3-wire)
Second digital input or temperature input: Pt100/PT1000 (3 wire)
Clock
Local status monitoring by means of LED
6-DGT data format for energy
4-DGT data format for instantaneous variables
Integrated fuse holder
String voltage measurement up to 1000V (0.5%RDG)
String current measurement up to 16A (0.5%RDG)
String power measurement (1.0%RDG)
String energy measurement (class 1)
Antitheft function
Fuse blown control
Fuse temperature control
Wrong connection (reverse current or voltage)
Configuration errors control
Basic Enhanced
String Control unit Local Bus Management unit
Environment
Measuring
Unit
Inputs/Outputs
unit
Irradiation sensor input: max. 120mV
First temperature probe input: PT100/PT1000 (3 wire)
Short/open circuit on probe inputs
Second temperature probe input: PT100/PT1000 (3 wire)
Wind speed sensor measuring input
Configuration errors control
First relay output activated by local alarm
First relay output managed as remote command
Second relay output activated by local alarm
Second relay output managed as remote command
First digital input
Second digital input
Configuration errors control
Master Module String Monitor
Module
I/O Module
Measuring Unit
PA08323011K www.eatoncanada.ca/solar 11

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Tel: 1-800-268-3578
www.eatoncanada.ca
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Printed May in Canada 2010
Publication No. PA08323011K
May 2010
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