2. Installation and configuration
2.1. AC wiring
2.1.1. Configuration options
The configuration option of either Grid Meter, PV Inverter, Generator or AC Meter is set in the GX device. For details on GX device configuration see the GX device configuration chapter. This selection will affect how the system should be wired and how the information received from the meter is displayed on the screen.
See the below diagrams for the different wiring options. Note that wherever the word "Fuse" appears in the diagrams, a 315 mA fuse should be used, if required by local law.
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Grid Meter - Wiring when used as a grid meter
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PV Inverter - Wiring when used to measure PV inverter or AC Genset
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AC Meter - Wiring when used to measure AC output of an Inverter/Charger
2.1.2. System examples
Example diagram
In this example configuration, a single ET112 is configured as a Grid Meter and will measure the grid import/export of an ESS system with a AC PV inverter. While the exact production of the AC PV inverter will not be seen, this is still a useful configuration as it allows the AC PV production to first flow to the non-essential loads on that same circuit.
A surplus will be used to charge the batteries (seen as export and attempt to reduce to grid set point eg 0).
A deficiency will trigger a discharge of the batteries (seen as import and attempt to reduce to grid set point).
This can be useful if the Victron ESS system is installed as a retrofit to an existing AC Solar inverter installation with some larger loads that aren't wired through the Multiplus.
If you wanted to see PV production separately, you could use the “single phase dual function mode” of the ET340.
2.2. Connection to a GX device
2.2.1. Wired connection to a GX device
Connect the ET112 to the GX device using the RS485 to USB interface.
The RS485 to USB interface cable between the GX device and the Energy Meter can be extended up to 100 meters; make sure that the extensions of the Data+ (orange) and Data- (yellow) wires form a twisted pair.
The table below shows the colors of the wires and their connection to the terminals of the ET112, as well as the colors to be used for a CAT5 extension cable.
RS485 to USB | RS485 Signal | ET112 terminal number | Suggested wire color CAT5 extension cable |
|---|---|---|---|
Orange | Data + | 4 | Orange |
Yellow | Data - | 5 | Orange/White |
Black | GND | 6 | Brown |
The red, green and brown wire coming out of the RS485 to USB cable are not used. Cut them off or bend them back and isolate them.
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ET112 wired connection to a Cerbo GX using the RS485 to USB interface
Note
You can attach an RJ45 plug that can be plugged into the front of one of the two RJ45 sockets of the energy meter and has the same pin assignment.
To ensure signal integrity and robust operation, particularly ensure that:
The extension cabling complies with the minimum cross-sectional area specifications in the RS485 to USB interface data sheet.
The extension cabling has appropriate shielding and twisted pair cores.
The original cable attached to the Victron RS485 USB interface is reduced to a maximum length of 20cm for installations where the total cable length exceeds 10m or where installation/site specific interference occurs - in this case, a suitable/quality cable should be used for the entire cable length and not only for the extension length.
Cabling is installed separated/away from the main DC or AC power cabling.
All wiring is properly terminated (including unused wires) and properly isolated from weather/water ingress.
RS485 networks are traditionally terminated at both ends with 120Ω terminators. This is not required if the cable length is short and you are using the Victron supplied RS485 to USB lengths, but may be required if the cable length is modified.
For detailed wiring/installation notes and specifications refer to the Victron RS485 to USB interface cable ‘Datasheet’.
2.2.2. Zigbee connection to a GX device
The ET112 can also be wirelessly connected to a GX device via our Zigbee to USB converter & Zigbee to RS485.
The Zigbee to USB converter is connected to the GX device and the Zigbee to RS485 converter is connected to the ET112.
Connect the Zigbee to USB converter to the GX device using the supplied USB cable.
A few seconds after connecting, the active LED should be on and the TX/RX LED should be blinking (the converter takes its power from the GX device, so the GX device needs to be switched on as well).
Connect the Zigbee to RS485 converter to the ET112 energy meter according to the table below:
Zigbee to RS485
ET112 terminal number
Color
GND
6
Black
A
4
Orange
B
5
Yellow
In case you have several Zigbee devices installed, make sure only one Zigbee device is powered up right now: the Zigbee to USB converter connected to the GX device. Power down all others. If you don't do this, the Zigbee to RS485 converter may be connected permanently to another Zigbee device.
Connect the 12V DC power supply to the Zigbee to RS485 converter. When the power is switched on, check the LEDs again.
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Energy Meter wireless Zigbee connection to a Cerbo GX
Note on old and new Zigbee converters
Please note that there is a new Zigbee converter available now, that is not backwards compatible with the old converters. See table below for old versus new part numbers. If you have a non compatible set, please ask your supplier for a correct version.
old/new | Victron part number | Zigbee to RS485 converter part number |
|---|---|---|
old | ASS300400100 | DRF2619C |
old | ASS300400100 | DRF2618A |
new | ASS300420100 | DRF2659C |
new | ASS300420200 | DRF2658C |
Note on GX firmware versions
For the new type Zigbee converters, Venus OS v2.54 is the minimum required software version.
2.3. GX device configuration
After proper connection and powering up, the meter(s) will be visible on the GX device in the Settings → Energy meters menu:
 Single Energy Meter in the Energy meters menu |  Two Energy Meters in the Energy meters menu |
After selecting an Energy Meter, you have to set the Role and Phase type. Press the space bar or right click to get to the Phase type and Role menu:
 For the ET112 only Single phase option is displayed |  Depending on the application, the role is set here |
Select either Role or Phase type and press the space bar to make changes:
 Select the Role according to the application |  Selection menu for Single and Multi phase type |
Single-phase, single function and single-phase, dual function mode setup:
 Single-phase, single function |  Single-phase, dual function to measure grid on L1 and a PV Inverter on L2. Note that this only applies to the EM540 and ET340. |
After all settings have been made, the Energy Meter now appears with the relevant data in the device list of the GX device:
 Energy meter set to measure AC loads on the AC output of the inverter/charger |  Or configured to measure energy consumption from the grid |
Right-click or press the spacebar to get to the Energy Meter overview with all relevant data on energy consumption and its generation in all phases. At the bottom of the menu, the role of the Energy Meter can be set via the Setup menu. The data used for communication can be read out via the Device menu. You can also set up a custom name for the Energy Meter there:
 Detailed overview page of a 3-phase Grid meter |  Always be informed about all details, to the second |
 Custom name configuration |  Quickly change roles |
2.4. Multiple Energy Meters in one system
To connect multiple Energy Meters, wire each meter to a separate RS485 to USB interface, which are then each plugged into a separate USB socket on the GX device.
Connecting multiple meters to the same RS485 to USB interface cable is not possible.
Please note that you can connect the ET112 in parallel, but need to change the modbus address to another number using the UCS Desktop configuration software from the supplier, which is free to download from the Carlo Gavazzi Web site.