TAP and Gateway Communication Cable Guide

A communication cable is used to connect the Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) with the TAP (Tigo Access Point) or Gateway.

"TAP" and "Gateway" serve the same function, TAP is the latest version of Tigo's communication antenna, and Gateway is the previous version. For Gateway requirements, see the article: Gateway Communication Cable. To identify which device you are using, see TAP vs Gateway.

TAP & Gateway Cable Requirements

• 4 conductor communication wire.
• Minimum conductor size 22AWG (0.33 mm²)
• Maximum cable outside diameter (OD) of 0.35 inches (9 mm)

See also the article Opening and Closing TAP.

Depending on type of raceway/conduit in use and local jurisdiction requirements the cable may also need to be:

• Outdoor rated and/or UV resistant and/or direct burial.

Notice: it is typically easier to find these type of cables when searching for non-shielded cables, however both shielded and non-shielded cables can be used.

See the Interactive Installation and Safety Manual for guidance on connecting the cables to the CCA and TAP.

Recommended Cables

For the capability to run the TAP/Gateway cable in the same conduit as PV wire, Omni Cable's 600V 18AWG 4-Conductor Tray Cable, P/N A21804  or Omni Cable's 600V 18AWG 2-Pair Tray Cable, P/N L21802 is recommended. This eliminates the need for the installation of a separate conduit for the TAP.

Distance Guidelines

The table below calculates the maximum wire run for the gauge of wire and the how many TAPs are connected to the CCA.The table lists length in feet, with meters in parentheses.

Using CAT5/6 Cables

On residential systems, outdoor rated CAT5 cable can be used to make the connection between the CCA (or CC or MMU) and TAP(s)/Gateway(s).  See the table above for run length guidelines.  With TAP, there are two options for CAT5/6 cables, triple twisted leads or the TAP quick connectors.

On commercial systems however, using outdoor rated CAT5 cable is not recommended as cable lengths generally tend to be longer (see details in the table above).

Using CAT5 cables for more than two TAPs or longer runs (triple twisted leads)

If you are using more than two TAPs or your runs will be longer than the limits in the table for the quick connectors, use the method shown above where three CAT5/6 wires are twisted together for the positive and negative leads.  Use the terminal blocks only for this type of CAT5/6 wiring, not the quick connectors described below.

Using the Designated CAT5/6 Quick Connector Terminals in the TAP

For small residential systems with up to two TAPs, the designated quick connector terminals can be used with CAT5/6 wiring without stripping the ends.  This method may be used for up to two TAPs in a chain or system.  If you have anything more than that, you should use the terminal blocks and twist 3 wires together for each of the positive and negative leads as shown above.  The remaining two leads can be used for the A and B signal terminals.

The quick connectors in the TAP are designed for 20-32 AWG wire.  Do not attempt to use them with anything larger than 20 AWG wire.  Use the main terminal blocks for anything larger.

First, cut 3cm (1-1/4") from the outer sheathing.

Next, open the TAP and identify the terminal block that will receive the connections.

Now remove the terminal block.  If you need to, you can pry it gently with a screwdriver and a twisting motion.

Next, put the CAT5 cable through the gland.  Feed the wires past the terminal block posts.

Now use a screwdriver to push the leads into the quick connector terminals.  Push one lead into each terminal.

Push the remaining leads into the quick connector terminals.  Tighten the gland and close the TAP.  Here are instructions for Opening and Closing the TAP.