BRConnect Gateway Instruction Manual

Table of Contents (Summary)

• 1. Scope of Delivery
• 2. Safety Instructions (General, Electrical Specialists, End User)
• 3. Product Overview (Assembly, Intended Use, LED Overview)
• 4. Montage/Installation
• 5. Power Manager App
• 6. Operation and Maintenance
• 7. Replacement and Repair
• 8. Disposal
• 9. Product Compliance and Contact

1. Scope of Delivery

The package includes:

• BRConnect Gateway
• Wall mount
• Power supply
• Instruction manual
• Mounting kit

2. Safety Instructions

A) General

The BRConnect must only be operated in accordance with its intended use and specified technical data. Applicable local laws, regulations, directives, and standards must be prioritized. The safety instructions in this manual are supplementary.

B) Electrical Specialists

All work must be performed by qualified electricians who comply with national and regional regulations. Follow all instructions carefully. Electrical work must adhere to the 5 safety rules of electrical engineering. Only install an intact BRConnect with all included accessories. Do not modify the BRConnect. Ensure string cables are voltage-free during assembly to prevent electric shocks.

C) End User

Do not perform any work on the BRConnect yourself. Do not open the housing. Keep the instruction manual for future reference.

3. Product Overview

A) Structure / Assembly

The BRConnect gateway has the following components:

• LED Indicator
• 24V DC Connection
• Reset Button
• Ethernet LAN Socket
• Cable Bushing for String 1 (B1-, B1+)
• Cable Bushing for String 2 (B2-, B2+)
• Cable Bushing for String 3 (B3-, B3+)

B) Intended Use

The BRConnect gateway, in conjunction with the M600-M and BRC Power Manager, monitors photovoltaic system data at the module level. Data is transmitted via powerline communication over DC cables to the BRConnect for processing. The end user can view this data via the BRC Power Manager App. A fixed installation by a qualified electrician is required. The BRConnect is rated IP40 and intended for indoor use, protected from liquids, humidity, heat sources, and direct sunlight. It operates within ambient temperatures of -20°C to +55°C and up to 2,000m above sea level. It features Ethernet and WiFi interfaces.

WiFi Standard: WiFi 4; 802.11n

WiFi Frequency Range: 2.4 GHz

Deviating use is considered improper use, for which the manufacturer assumes no liability. Limited product warranty information is available at https://brc-solar.de/downloads/.

C) LED Overview

The LED indicator provides status information:

• No light: No power or defective. Check power supply or contact support.
• Lights up blue: Immediately after startup (approx. 7-8 seconds), then switches to Bluetooth connection mode. After successful configuration, it indicates normal state via the Power Manager App.
• Slowly flashes blue: Waiting for Bluetooth connection with phone/tablet. Open the Power Manager App and follow instructions up to step 6. Search for BRConnect is active.
• Lights up green: Bluetooth connection with phone/tablet established. Set string information in Power Manager App. Enter IP address and WiFi settings or connect via Ethernet.
• Slowly flashes green: Establishing connection to local network. If the status persists, check local network connection.
• Quickly flashes green: Network connection active, establishing connection to cloud. If the status persists, check internet connection.
• Lights up yellow: Warning, limited functionality. Disconnect and reconnect BRConnect to restart. Contact support if the signal persists.
• Lights up red: Error, BRConnect may be defective. Disconnect and reconnect BRConnect to restart. Contact support if the signal persists.

4. Montage / Installation

1. Attach the wall mount: Mark position with a pencil and spirit level, drill 4 holes (6mm), insert 4 dowel pins, and mount the wall mount with 4 screws and washers using a screwdriver.
2. Clip BRConnect onto wall mount: Press evenly on both sides until a click is heard.
3. Pass string cable through cable bushing: Ensure the string cable is voltage-free. Observe the correct connection order of string cables to prevent errors. Note the sticker on top. Connect the string cable to the inverter with the DC switch off, paying attention to polarity. Connect the string cable to the PV system, then switch on the DC-side of the inverter.
4. Connect 24V and Ethernet: The BRConnect LED will briefly light up blue, then flash slowly blue, waiting for Bluetooth connection.

5. Power Manager App

Install the App: Available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Setup: Register, log in, and click the plus symbol to set up a new installation. An internet connection is required.

Fill in information: Enter general and owner information.

Enter component data: Input solar module and inverter data, and specify if a battery storage or wallbox is integrated.

Create string plan: Use drag & drop to create the string plan and place optimizers. Optimizer search will begin.

Connect to Internet: Connect the BRConnect to the internet via WiFi or Ethernet. The app will search for available optimizers.

Configuration complete: Successful setup. The owner will receive an email invitation.

6. Operation and Maintenance

Clean the BRConnect only with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use cleaning agents or solvents. The BRConnect is maintenance-free; contact support if a problem persists.

7. Replacement and Repair

Dismounting steps must be performed in the reverse order of installation (see Chapter 4). Ensure the DC-side of the inverter is switched off, string cables are voltage-free, and the power supply is removed. Remove the Ethernet cable, release string cables from bushings, and dismount the BRConnect from the wall mount. No repairs should be carried out.

8. Disposal

Transport packaging can be recycled locally. Dispose of the BRConnect and associated components as electronic waste according to applicable country laws.

9. Product Compliance and Contact

BRC Solar GmbH, located at Gehrnstraße 7, D-76275 Ettlingen, Germany, declares that the BRConnect product complies with basic requirements of national directives when installed and used as intended. A complete declaration of conformity is available on the BRC Solar GmbH website (www.brc-solar.de).

Additional Resources

Video instructions for assembly and app setup: Available via QR code or at www.brc-solar.de.

Free webinar and newsletter signup: Available via QR codes.