Install Manual
Manage the Cabling
A ) Use cable clips or tie wraps to attach the
cable to the racking. The cable must be
supported at least every 1.8 m (6 feet).
B ) Dress any excess cabling in loops so
that it does not contact the roof. Do not
form loops smaller than 12 cm (4.75
inches) in diameter.
Create an Installation Map
Create a paper installation map to record microinverter serial numbers
and position in the array.
A ) Peel the removable serial number label from each microinverter
and afx it to the respective location on the paper installation map.
B ) Peel the label from the IQ Gateway and afx it to the installation
map.
C ) Always keep a copy of the installation map for your records.
Mount the Microinverters
A ) Mount the microinverter horizontally bracket side up or vertically. Always
place it under the PV module, protected from direct exposure to rain, sun,
and other harmful weather events. Allow a minimum of 1.9 cm (3/4”)
between the roof and the microinverter. Also allow 1.3 cm (1/2”) between
the back of the PV module and the top of the microinverter.
For vertical mount, also maintain > 30 cm (12”) clearance from the edges of
the PV module to protect the microinverter from direct exposure to rain, UV,
and other harmful weather events.
B ) Torque the mounting fasteners (1/4-inch or 5/16-inch) as follows. Do
not over torque.
•
6 mm (1/4 inches) mounting hardware: 5 N m (45 to 50 in-lbs)
•
8 mm (5/16 inches) mounting hardware: 9 N m (80 to 85 in-lbs)
•
When using UL 2703 mounting hardware, use the manufacturer’s
recommended torque value
3
5
4
INSTALLATION
Position the Enphase IQ Cable
A ) Plan each cable segment to allow connectors on the Enphase IQ Cable
to align with each PV module. Allow extra length for slack, cable turns,
and any obstructions.
B ) Mark the approximate centers of each PV module on the PV racking.
C ) Lay out the cabling along the installed racking for the AC branch circuit.
D ) Cut each segment of cable to meet your planned needs.
1
Position the Junction Box
A ) Verify that AC voltage at the site is within range:
Service Type and Voltage: L1 - L2
240 V single phase 211 to 264 VAC
208 V single phase 183 to 229 VAC
B ) Install a junction box at a suitable location on the racking.
C ) Provide an AC connection from the junction box back to the electricity
network connection using equipment and practices as required by local
jurisdictions.
2
Afx serial number labels
Connect the Microinverters
A ) Connect the microinverter. Listen for a click as the connectors
engage.
B ) Cover any unused connectors on the AC cable with Enphase
Sealing Caps. Listen for a click as the sealing caps engage.
To remove a sealing cap or AC connector, you must use an Enphase
disconnect tool.
Cable clip
WARNING: Install sealing caps on all unused AC connectors as
these connectors become live when the system is energized.
Sealing caps are required for protection against moisture ingress.
WARNING: When transitioning between rows, secure the cable to
the rail to prevent cable or connector damage. Do not count on the
connector to withstand tension.
WARNING: Install the microinverter under the PV module to avoid
direct exposure to rain, UV, and other harmful weather events. Do
not mount the microinverter upside down.
Terminate the Unused End of the Cable
A ) Remove 13 mm (1/2”) of the cable sheath from
the conductors. Use the terminator loop to measure.
B ) Slide the hex nut onto the cable. There is a grommet inside of the
terminator body that should remain in place.
C ) Insert the cable into the terminator body so that each of the two
wires land on opposite sides of the internal separator.
D ) Insert a screwdriver into the slot on the top of the terminator to
hold it in place, and torque the nut to 7
Nm.
E ) Hold the terminator body stationary
with the screwdriver and turn only
the hex nut to prevent the conductors
from twisting out of the separator.
F ) Attach the terminated cable end to the
PV racking with a cable clip or tie wrap
so that the cable and terminator do
not touch the roof.
Connect the PV Modules
A ) If required, attach the Enphase DC bulkhead adapters to the microin-
verters. Make sure they are fully seated. Do not reverse the adapter
connections.
B ) Connect the DC leads of each PV module to the DC input connectors
or adapters of the microinverter.
C ) Check the LED on the connector side of the microinverter. The LED
ashes six times when DC power is applied.
D ) Mount the PV modules
above the microinverters.
ACTIVATE MONITORING AND CONTROLS
DANGER! Electric shock hazard. The DC conductors of
this PV system are ungrounded and may be energized.
7
WARNING: The terminator can not be re-used. If you
unscrew the nut, you must discard the terminator.
After you have installed the microinverters, follow the procedures in the
Enphase IQ Gateway Quick Install Guide to activate system monitoring,
set up grid management functions, and complete the installation.
•
Connecting the IQ Gateway
•
Detecting devices
•
Connecting to Enphase Installer Platform
•
Registering the system
•
Building the virtual array
Energize the System
A ) Turn ON the AC disconnect or circuit breaker for the branch circuit.
B ) Turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. Your system will start
producing power after a ve-minute wait time.
C ) Check the LED on the connector side of the microinverter:
LED Indicates
Flashing green Normal operation. AC grid function is normal and there is
communication with the IQ Gateway.
Flashing
orange
The AC grid is normal but there is no
communication with the IQ Gateway.
Flashing red The AC grid is either not present or not within specication.
Solid red
There is an active “DC Resistance Low, Power Off” condition. To
reset, refer to the Enphase IQ Gateway Installation and Operation
Manual at: http://www.enphase.com/support.
9
10
Terminator Body
13mm
Complete Installation of the Junction Box
A) Connect the Enphase IQ Cable into the junction box.
B) The IQ Cable uses the following wiring color code:
Wire Colors
Black – L1
Red – L2
8
Enphase Connector Rating
Enphase Connectors on the cable assemblies in the following table have a maximum
current of 20 A, a maximum OCPD of 20 A, and maximum ambient temperature of
-40° to +79° C (-40° to +174.2° F) and are rated for disconnection under load.
Part Number Model Maximum Voltage
840-00387 Q-12-10-240 250 VAC
840-00388 Q-12-17-240 250 VAC
840-00389 Q-12-20-200 250 VAC
840-00385 Q-DCC-2 100 VDC
Internal View
Enphase Customer Support: enphase.com/en-us/support/contact
SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THIS INFORMATION. This guide contains
important instructions to follow during installation of the
Enphase IQ8, IQ8+, IQ8A, IQ8H, and IQ8M microinverters.
WARNING: Hot surface.
WARNING: Refer to safety instructions.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock.
Refer to manual
Double-Insulated
General Safety
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Do not use
Enphase equipment in a manner not specied
by the manufacturer. Doing so may cause death
or injury to persons, or damage to equipment.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Be aware that
installation of this equipment includes risk of
electric shock.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. The DC
conductors of this photovoltaic system are
ungrounded and may be energized.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Always de-en-
ergize the AC branch circuit before servicing.
Never disconnect the DC or AC connectors
under load.
Microinverter Safety
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Do
not attempt to repair the Enphase Microinverter;
it contains no user-serviceable parts. If it fails,
contact Enphase customer service to obtain
an RMA (return merchandise authorization)
number and start the replacement process.
Tampering with or opening the Enphase
Microinverter will void the warranty.
+
DANGER: Risk of re. The DC conductors of
the PV module must be labeled “PV Wire”
or “PV Cable” when paired with the Enphase
Microinverter.
*
WARNING: You must match the DC operating
voltage range of the PV module with the
allowable input voltage range of the Enphase
Microinverter.
*
WARNING: The maximum open circuit voltage
of the PV module must not exceed the specied
maximum input DC voltage of the Enphase
Microinverter.
Refer to the Enphase Compatibility Calculator
at: https://enphase.com/en-us/support/
module-compatibility to verify PV module
electrical compatibility with microinverter. Use
IQ8 Series microinverters only with compatible
PV modules as per Enphase compatibility
calculator. Using electrically incompatible PV
module voids Enphase warranty
*
WARNING: Risk of equipment damage. Install
the microinverter under the PV module to avoid
direct exposure to rain, UV, and other harmful
weather events. Always install the microinverter
bracket side up. Do not mount the microinverter
upside down. Do not expose the AC or DC con-
nectors (on the Enphase IQ Cable connection,
PV module, or the microinverter) to rain or
condensation before mating the connectors.
Microinverter Safety, continued
*
WARNING: Risk of equipment damage. The
Enphase Microinverter is not protected from
damage due to moisture trapped in cabling
systems. Never mate microinverters to cables
that have been left disconnected and exposed to
wet conditions. This voids the Enphase warranty.
*
WARNING: Risk of equipment damage. The
Enphase Microinverter functions only with a
standard, compatible PV module with appropriate
ll-factor, voltage, and current ratings. Unsup-
ported devices include smart PV modules, fuel
cells, wind or water turbines, DC generators, and
non-Enphase batteries, etc. These devices do not
behave like standard PV modules, so operation
and compliance is not guaranteed. These devices
may also damage the Enphase Microinverter by
exceeding its electrical rating, making the system
potentially unsafe.
;
WARNING: Risk of skin burn. The chassis of the
Enphase Microinverter is the heat sink. Under
normal operating conditions, the temperature
could be 20°C above ambient, but under
extreme conditions the microinverter can reach
a temperature of 90°C. To reduce risk of burns,
use caution when working with microinverters.
✓
NOTE: The Enphase Microinverter has
adjustable voltage and frequency trip points that
may need to be set within grid prole, depending
upon local requirements. Contact Enphase
customer service to request a new custom
grid prole If there is no pre-existing grid prole
meeting local AHJ requirements.
Enphase IQ Cable Safety
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Do not install
the Enphase IQ Cable terminator while power
is connected.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re.
When stripping the sheath from the Enphase
IQ Cable, make sure the conductors are not
damaged. If the exposed wires are damaged,
the system may not function properly.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re.
Do not leave AC connectors on the Enphase
IQ Cable uncovered for an extended period.
You must cover any unused connector with a
sealing cap.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Make
sure protective sealing caps have been installed
on all unused AC connectors. Unused AC
connectors are live when the system is energized.
*
WARNING: Use the terminator only once. If
you open the terminator following installation,
the latching mechanism is destroyed. Do not
reuse the terminator. If the latching mechanism
is defective, do not use the terminator. Do
not circumvent or manipulate the latching
mechanism.
*
WARNING: When installing the Enphase IQ
Cable, secure any loose cable to minimize
tripping hazard
✓
NOTE: When looping the Enphase IQ Cable,
do not form loops smaller than 12 cm (4.75
inches) in diameter.
✓
NOTE: If you need to remove a sealing cap, you
must use the Enphase disconnect tool.
Safety Symbols
+
DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation,
which if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
*
WARNING: Indicates a situation where failure
to follow instructions may be a safety hazard
or cause equipment malfunction. Use extreme
caution and follow instructions carefully.
;
WARNING: Indicates a situation where failure to
follow instructions may result in burn injury.
✓
NOTE: Indicates information particularly
important for optimal system operation.
General Safety, continued
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re.
Only use electrical system components
approved for wet locations.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re.
Only qualied personnel should troubleshoot,
install, or replace Enphase Microinverters or the
Enphase IQ Cable and Accessories.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re.
Ensure that all AC and DC wiring is correct and
that none of the AC or DC wires are pinched or
damaged. Ensure that all AC junction boxes are
properly closed.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re. Do
not exceed the maximum number of microin-
verters in an AC branch circuit as listed in this
guide. You must protect each microinverter AC
branch circuit with a 20A maximum breaker or
fuse, as appropriate.
+
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Risk of re.
Only qualied personnel may connect the
Enphase Microinverter to the utility grid.
*
WARNING: Risk of equipment damage. Enphase
male and female connectors must only be mated
with the matching male/female connector.
*
WARNING: Before installing or using the
Enphase Microinverter, read all instructions and
cautionary markings in the technical descrip-
tion, on the Enphase Microinverter System, and
on the photovoltaic (PV) equipment.
*
WARNING: Do not connect Enphase Microin-
verters to the grid or energize the AC circuit(s)
until you have completed all of the installation
procedures and have received prior approval
from the electrical utility company.
*
WARNING: When the PV array is exposed to
light, DC voltage is supplied to the PCE.
✓
NOTE: To ensure optimal reliability and to meet
warranty requirements, install the Enphase
Microinverters and Enphase IQ Cable according
to the instructions in this guide.
✓
NOTE: Provide support for the Enphase IQ Cable
at least every 1.8 m (6 feet).
✓
NOTE: Perform all electrical installations in
accordance with all applicable local electrical
codes, such as the Canadian Electrical Code,
Part 1 and NFPA 70 (NEC).
✓
NOTE: Protection against lightning and resulting
voltage surge must be in accordance with local
standards.
PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment
(PVRSE)
This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down
Equipment and conforms with NEC-2014 and NEC-2017
section 690.12 and C22.1-2015 Rule 64-218 Rapid
Shutdown of PV Systems, for AC and DC conductors,
when installed according to the following requirements:
• Microinverters and all DC connections must be
installed inside the array boundary. Enphase further
requires that the microinverters and DC connections
be installed under the PV module to avoid direct
exposure to rain, UV, and other harmful weather
events.
• The array boundary is dened as 305 mm (1 ft.) from
the array in all directions, or 1 m (3 ft.) from the point
of entry inside a building.
This rapid shutdown system must be provided with an
initiating device and (or with) status indicator which
must be installed in a location accessible to rst
responders, or be connected to an automatic system
which initiates rapid shutdown upon the activation of
a system disconnect or activation of another type of
emergency system.
The initiator shall be listed and identied as a
disconnecting means that plainly indicates whether it is
in the “off” or “on” position. Examples are:
• Service disconnecting means
• PV system disconnecting means
• Readily accessible switch or circuit breaker
The handle position of a switch or circuit breaker is
suitable for use as an indicator. Refer to NEC or CSA
C22.1-2015 for more information.
Additionally, in a prominent location near the initiator
device, a placard or label must be provided with a
permanent marking including the following wording:
’PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID
SHUTDOWN’ The term ‘PHOTOVOLTAIC’ may be
replaced with ‘PV.’
The placard, label, or directory shall be reective, with all
letters capitalized and having a minimum height of 9.5
mm (3/8 in.) in white on red background.
Status
LED
AC connector
DC connector
DC connector
AC connector
Horizontal mount:
Vertical mount:
6