STEP 7: Install System Shutdown Switch

Powerwall+ can be wired to a System Shutdown Switch that manually initiates Rapid Shutdown (RSD), disabling solar output. The System Shutdown Switch is wired through a low voltage, 12 V DC, 1 A control circuit connected to the Powerwall+ RSD ports. For more information on the function of the System Shutdown Switch, see Appendix E: Solar Assembly Rapid Shutdown.

Note

Beginning with Powerwall software version 21.39.1, all shutdown switches (including the external System Shutdown Switch described here) will shut down all CAN-connected components when activated. The following table defines System Shutdown Switch behavior for systems on software version 21.39.1 or later; for systems on software versions earlier than 21.39.1, see Rapid Shutdown Initiation

Note

Turning the Enable switch on each Powerwall+ OFF will also shut down all equipment.

Table 1. System Shutdown Switch Function
Action	System Behavior
Turn Switch to OFF (open) Position	Solar Rapid Shutdown (RSD) is initiated and solar output is disabled for any unit connected to the switch All Powerwall+ battery assemblies and Powerwall 2 batteries go idle
Turn Switch to ON (closed) Position	The solar assembly performs a system self-test and then resumes operation
Turn Switch to ON (closed) Position	AC Grid Present: Normal system operation will resume shortly	AC Grid Not Present (Off-grid or AC Grid is Down): Battery operation may only resume when the grid is back or a 12V jump start is provided to the Backup Gateway 2

Note

The System Shutdown Switch can also be wired to the Backup Gateway AUX terminals, but this method does not meet RSD requirements. For system behavior when the switch is wired to the Backup Gateway, see System Shutdown Switch Connected to Backup Gateway.

CAUTION

Before performing maintenance on the system, use a multimeter to check for voltage after shutting down equipment to ensure the system is in a safe state.

Install the System Shutdown Switch

Remove the factory-installed jumper from the RSD IN / RSD Out ports on the Powerwall+ solar assembly. See Appendix B: Wiring Reference for a detailed wiring reference.
Using minimum 24 AWG conductors, with wiring methods according to code, connect the RSD ports to a suitable DC switch (requirements below).

Switch Requirements

System Shutdown Switches shall meet the following requirements.

Listed or Recognized as "Emergency Stop Button", "Emergency Stop Device", "Emergency Stop Unit", meeting one of the following standards:
- UL 508 "Industrial Control Equipment"
- UL 60947-1 "Low-voltage switchgear and control gear- Part 1: General Rules" AND Part 5-1: Control Circuit Devices and Switch Elements - Electromechanical Control Circuit Devices" AND UL 60947-5-5: Mechanical and functional performance requirements
Rated for at least 12 V, 1 A
Outdoor rated (NEMA 3R or higher)
Terminals must accept 24 AWG wire or larger

Recommended Switch Components

The following products (composed of parts listed below) meets all above requirements for this application:


Emergency Stop Button Option 1: Eaton	Eaton M22-PVT	Emergency Stop Button
	Eaton M22-I1-PG	Emergency Stop Enclosure
	Eaton M22-K01PV6	Emergency Stop Contactor Block (240V, 6A)
Emergency Stop Button Option 2: Schneider	Schneider XALD01H7	Emergency Stop Enclosure
	Schneider ZB5AT84	Emergency Stop Button
	Schneider ZB5AZ009	Emergency Stop Collar
	Schneider ZBE102	Emergency Stop Contact Block
	Schneider ZBZ1605	Emergency Stop Guard Yellow
	Schneider ZBZ1602	Emergency Stop Guard Black
Low voltage communication wire (Powerwall+ communication cable preferred)
½ inch Strain Relief or equivalent
(4) Fasteners and anchors for the 5/16 inch (8 mm) mounting holes on the enclosure

Installation Guidelines for the System Shutdown Switch

Installed externally in a readily accessible location, preferably near utility meter
Maximum low voltage wire run from switch does not exceed 150 ft (45 m)
Control circuit must be installed as Type TC-ER or within an appropriate raceway