TAP and Gateway Communication Cable Guide

A cable with 2 twisted pairs is needed to connect the Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) with the Tigo Access Point (TAP). RS-485 cables are of the sheathed, unshielded, twisted-pair type, (UTP), with a characteristic impedance of 120 ohms and 22–24 AWG. Shielding is optional and should be grounded at the CCA end, only. A detailed discussion is available at https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/design/technical-documents/tutorials/7/763.html

Physical Requirements:

• Cable must have at least 2 twisted pairs, 1 pair for power, and the other pair for signaling.
  • Twisting provides some resistance to External Magnetic Interference and Radio Frequency Interference.
  • Minimum wire diameter: 22 American Wire Gauge (AWG) (0.33 mm²)
  • Maximum cable jacket outside diameter (OD) of 0.35 inches - (9 mm)
    • No larger will fit through the weatherproofing gland.
    • Always install with gland at the lowest point, so water will run past it, and not into it.
• RS-485 compliant cable is recommended
  • If the cable length to the most distant TAP is less than 120 feet from MMU to that TAP, and using only 2 TAP's - then Ethernet cable may be used.
• If not installed in conduit, UV resistant rated cable must be used.
  • Conduit installation recommended for protection from animal damage.
• Depending on type of raceway/conduit used, and jurisdictional authority requirements, the cable may also need to be:
• Outdoor rated, i.e. UV resistant, etc.
• And/or Direct Burial rated.
• Notice: it is easier to find UV/Direct burial cables that are not shielded.
• Shielded cable is preferable for every installation: residential or commercial/office.
  • Un-shielded cables can be used, but recommend they do not exceed 120 feet in length, to the most distant TAP from the CCA.
  • Example: 70 feet to the first TAP, and 50 feet from first to second TAP is 120 feet total cable length.
•  

• To eliminate the need for the installation of a separate conduit for communication cable, installation in the PV string cabling conduit can be done if the cable meets NEC and local authority specifications. The following cables may be used in many installations:
  • Non-twisted: Omni Cable part number A21804

    • VNTC – PVC / Nylon Insulation – PVC Jacket – 18 AWG

  • Twisted Pairs: Cable part number L21802:

    • VNTC - Multiple Pairs - Overall Shield - 16 AWG & 18 AWG

       
      MUST READ: Directions for Opening and Closing TAP.

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

"TAP" and "Gateway" differences:

Both devices serve the same function of providing radio communication for Tigo Maximizers and Optimizers (generically Module Level Panel Electronics (MLPE) devices.

• Tigo Access Point (TAP) is the latest version of Tigo's wireless communication device.
• Gateway is the legacy product.
• How to identify which device you are using: TAP vs Gateway.

Recommended Cables Gauge depends on distance to the most distant TAP

Distance Guidelines

The following table specifies the maximum cable lengths to be used for reliable communications.

Ethernet cables - larger gauge always recommended:

• Cat 5e specification cable usually has a wire gauge of either 24 or 26 AWG.
• Cat 6 and Cat 6A specification cable usually has a wire gauge of either 22 or 26 AWG.

Maximum distance to the TAP is dependent on the gauge of the wires used in the cable,
AND number of  TAPs that are connected to the same cable.

Larger gauge wire (which has a smaller AWG number) provides for longer distances.

This table lists lengths in feet, and meters (in parentheses).

Using Ethernet CAT5/6 cable.

For residential, and some commercial/office, systems, Ethernet cable can be used

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).

More than 2 TAPs, or longer runs, Use 3 pairs for power.

If you are using more than two TAPs, or your runs will be longer than the limits in the table for an individual wire gauge, twist 3 wires from each pair together for use as the power wires, as shown  belw:

ONLY Use the terminal connectors for multiple pair twisted~

Using the CAT5/6 Insulation Displacement (punch-down) terminals (TAP only)

For small residential systems with up to 2 TAPs total Ethernet cable may be connected without stripping the ends.  Insulation Displacment Connection using punch-down terminals are provided on TAPS.

IF MORE THAN 2 TAPS per cable, use the connector blocks and twist 3 wires together for both of the power wires, as shown above.  The remaining pair is used for the data signaling (A and B signal).

The quick connectors in the TAP are designed for 20-32 AWG wire.

Do not attempt to use IDC Punch Down with wire larger than 20 AWG!.
 They will break!

• Use the wire connector blocks for 18 gauge, or larger diameter.

ETHERNET INSTALLATION STEPS:

1. Remove 1-1/4" of jacket without NICKING the inner wires.
   • If you NICK any insulation at all, no matter how small, cut off the end of the cable and repeat step 1.
2. Next, open the TAP and identify connectors.
   • Wire Terminals are indicated by the RED Arrow.
   • IDC punch-down terminals are to the immediate left.
   • The Left side connector, shown at the bottom in the following picture, is normally used for the cable to the CCA.
   • The Right side terminals (top of picture) are normally used for either
     • 120 ohm termination resistor
     • Cable going to next CCA in chain.
       • Remove resistor first, and save it for the day when a resistor is needed.
       • The last TAP in the chain of TAPS must ALWAYS have a termination RESISTOR installed.

3. Remove the wire terminal connector by careful gentle prying, using a blade type screwdriver. Insert blade between the PCB and connector, and twist the screwdriver to loosen the connector, as shown below:

4. Insert the cable through the cable gland. Feed the wires past the terminal block posts.

5. Now use a IDC punch down tool, or a bladed screwdriver, to push the leads into the quick connector terminals.  Push one lead into each terminal. Make sure the leads are fully seated in the bottom of the terminal:

6. Tighten the gland

7. lose the TAP completely, fully latched at each latch.  Review this article Opening and Closing the TAP.

8. Run GATEWAY TEST on the CCA, CC or MMU device to test data communications.