Using Shelly Pro 3EM and Contactors for 240v Appliances

In today’s world, we’re often conscious of energy management and electrical  efficiency, which leads me to  the combination of Shelly Pro 3EM energy meters and contactors – this setup presents a sophisticated solution for controlling 240v appliances. This post shares the detailed instruction set for integrating two Shelly Pro 3EM energy meters with Shelly Pro 3EM Switch Add-On modules to effectively control 60-amp contactors. I used this setup for my pool pump and heater, but it will work for any set of 240v circuits in close proximity.

Understanding Shelly Pro 3EM: The Shelly Pro 3EM is a cornerstone of this setup. It’s a passive measurement device known for its class B accuracy and factory calibration. To ensure accurate measurements, each channel of the Pro 3EM requires a minimum load of 500 watts. It’s vital to note that if the total load on the device is under 30va, the meter won’t update data until the load increases. The Pro 3EM comes in two configurations: 120 amp and 400-amp CT, catering to diverse electrical requirements.

Power and Wiring Considerations: A critical aspect of this setup is the power connection. The Shelly Pro 3EM should be connected via line connection to terminal C for single-phase use. For split single phase or two-phase systems, use terminals A and C, and for three-phase systems, employ terminals A, B, and C. When it comes to wiring, 10 AWG gauge wire is recommended for the contactors. However, ensure that the wire gauge is appropriate for your load, as larger gauges may necessitate bigger terminal blocks and enclosures.

Assembly and Connection Guide: The assembly process involves specific materials and steps, starting from mounting strain relief/cable glands to setting up din rails and mating the Pro 3EM meters with the Switch Add-on units. The detailed process includes the proper arrangement of contactors, Pro 3EM meters, and Pro 3EM Switch Add-on modules, along with the strategic placement of terminal blocks and jumper connections using Dinkle components.

Connecting the Shelly Pro 3EM and Contactor: Connections form the backbone of this setup. The process begins with identifying the meter, contactor, and terminal blocks for each circuit, followed by bridging din rail bars and connecting various terminals (A2, N, R3, A, R2, R1, C, R4, and I) as per the circuit requirements. The detailed instructions ensure a seamless connection between the Shelly Pro 3EM, the contactor, and the corresponding terminal blocks.

Final Thoughts: Incorporating Shelly Pro 3EM and contactors for managing 240v appliances is a testament to the advancements in electrical management technology. While the setup requires meticulous attention to detail, the outcome is a highly efficient and accurate system. For further details on specifications and compatibility, refer to the Shelly Pro 3EM product pages and ensure your circuit’s characteristics align with the Pro 3EM’s capabilities.

Specification Pages:

Conclusion: Adopting the Shelly Pro 3EM and contactors for your 240v appliances not only enhances energy efficiency but also provides a high degree of control and accuracy in electrical management. Whether you’re a professional electrician or an enthusiast in smart home technology, this guide offers the foundational knowledge to embark on this sophisticated installation. Remember, always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process.

Materials:

  1. Integra Enclosures, H12104HLL, qty 1
  2. Integra Enclosures, DIN10, qty 1
  3. Dinkle SS2N, qty 8
  4. Dinkle DK10N-PE, qty 2
  5. Dinkle DK10NC-PE, qty 2
  6. Dinkle DK10N, qty 4 –
  7. Dinkle DK10N-C, qty 2
  8. Dinkle DK10N-BK, qty 8
  9. Dinkle DK10N-RD, qty 6
  10. Dinkle DSS10N-03P, qty 2
  11. Dinkle DSS10N-02P, qty 4
  12. Phoenix Contact 3200548, qty 16 (10 AWG Ferrule)
  13. Phoenix Contact 3200580, qty 24 (14 AWG Ferrule)
  14. Heyco Products M4848, qty 4 (1 inch strain relief)

Assembly:

  1. Drill and mount four 1-inch strain relief/cable glands.
  2. Mount two 35mm din rails, 10 inches.
  3. Mate two Pro 3EM meters with Pro 3EM Switch Add-on units prior to mounting.
  4. On the top row, mount contactors, Pro 3EM meters, and Pro 3EM Switch Add-on modules, as pictured.
  5. Mount SS2N spacer blocks on the top row, establishing 10mm spacing between components and securing them in place.
  6. Mount terminal blocks as pictured, with SS2N spacer blocks on the top row, securing terminal blocks in place.
  7. Using DSS10N-02P, jumper two Dinkle DK10N terminal blocks, circuit 1
  8. Using DSS10N-02P, jumper two Dinkle DK10N-RD terminal blocks, circuit 1
  9. Using DSS10N-03P, jumper three Dinkle DK10N-BK terminal blocks, circuit 1
  10. Using DSS10N-02P, jumper two Dinkle DK10N terminal blocks, circuit 2
  11. Using DSS10N-02P, jumper two Dinkle DK10N-RD terminal blocks, circuit 2
  12. Using DSS10N-03P, jumper three Dinkle DK10N terminal blocks, circuit 2

Connections:

  1. Identify the meter, contactor, and terminal blocks paired for circuits 1 and 2.
  2. Bridge the two din rail bars using green jacketed wire connecting the two DK10NC-PE blocks.
  3. Using 14 AWG wire, connect the A2 terminal on the contactor for circuit 1 to neutral via one of the DK10N terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  4. Connect the N terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM for circuit 1 to the other DK10N terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  5. Connect the R3 terminal on the contactor for circuit 1 to incoming phase B via one of the DK10N-RD terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  6. Connect the A terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM for circuit 1 to the other incoming phase B DK10N-RD terminal block for circuit 1.
  7. Connect the R2 terminal on the contactor for circuit 1 to outgoing phase B via the DK10N-RD terminal block for circuit 1.
  8. Connect the R1 terminal on the contactor for circuit 1 to incoming phase A via one of the DK10N-BK terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  9. Connect the C terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM for circuit 1 to the second incoming phase A DK10N-BK terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  10. Connect the R4 terminal on the contactor for circuit 1 to outgoing phase A via the DK10N-BK terminal block for circuit 1.
  11. Connect the I terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM Switch Add-On for circuit 1 to the remaining incoming phase A DK10N-BK terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  12. Connect the N terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM for circuit 2 to the other DK10N terminal blocks for circuit 2.
  13. Connect the R3 terminal on the contactor for circuit 2 to incoming phase B via one of the DK10N-RD terminal blocks for circuit 1.
  14. Connect the A terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM for circuit 2 to the other incoming phase B DK10N-RD terminal blocks for circuit 2.
  15. Connect the R2 terminal on the contactor for circuit 2 to outgoing phase B via the DK10N-RD terminal block for circuit 2.
  16. Connect the R1 terminal on the contactor for circuit 2 to incoming phase A via one of the DK10N-BK terminal blocks for circuit 2.
  17. Connect the C terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM for circuit 2 to the second incoming phase A DK10N-BK terminal blocks for circuit 2.
  18. Connect the R4 terminal on the contactor for circuit 2 to outgoing phase A via the DK10N-BK terminal block for circuit 2.
  19. Connect the I terminal on the Shelly Pro 3EM Switch Add-On for circuit 2 to the remaining incoming phase A DK10N-BK terminal blocks for circuit 2.

 

Automate Your Water Heater or Other 240v Appliance

Electric water heaters are a common appliance in many households. They provide hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and laundry. However, they can also be a significant source of energy consumption, particularly if they are left on for long periods of time. Automating an electric water heater can help reduce energy consumption, save money on electricity bills, and make the appliance more convenient to use.

Continue reading “Automate Your Water Heater or Other 240v Appliance”