Electrical Connection
SMA America, LLC
32
SB8-10TL-IUS103811
Installation Guide
6.5.1 AC cable requirements
Cable sizing
Use the free design programs "Solar Design Tools" at www.SMA-America.com to determine the
correct string configuration.
The maximum cable lengths relative to the conductor cross-section are shown in the following table.
Connection requirements of the utility operator
Always observe the connection requirements of your grid operator.
Conductor cross-
section
Maximum cable length
SB 8000TL-US
SB 9000TL-US
SB 10000TL-US
2 AWG (35 mm²),
194 °F (90 °C)
copper cable
184 ft (56 m)
164 ft (50 m)
148 ft (45 m)
4 AWG (25 mm²),
194 °F (90 °C)
copper cable
115 ft (35 m)
103 ft (31 m)
92 ft (28 m)
6 AWG, (16 mm²),
194 °F (90 °C)
copper cable
72 ft (22 m)
65 ft (20 m)
58 ft (18 m)
Use only solid or stranded wire but not fine stranded wire.
• Ambient temperature
The higher the ambient temperature, the higher are the power
losses. Use cables with a large cross-section at installations with
high ambient temperatures.
• Routing method
The cables heat up during operation. If there are several cables in
a cable conduit, the temperature of all cables increases. Use
cables with a large cross-section if you lay several cables in one
cable conduit.
Position
Name
Value
A
Coductor cross-section
6 … 2 AWG (16 … 35 mm²)
B
Strip insulation
3
⁄
4
in. (18 mm)
