2024-11-01

Wire Communication Connection from Gateway 3 to Powerwall 3

Warning

Before terminating any conductors inside Powerwall 3, ensure that the Enable switch is turned OFF to de-energize the system. Confirm lack of voltage at the AC and PV terminals before proceeding.

Choose one of the following options to run the communication wiring to Gateway 3:
- Use PVC MC cable with integrated communication wiring (enters Gateway 3 via a single knockout)
- Run the communication wiring through the same conduit as the Powerwall 3 AC conductors (enters Gateway 3 via a single knockout)
- Run communication wiring by itself through conduit or cable gland (enters Gateway 3 via its own knockout)
Note
Installer preference, Utility, and/or AHJ requirements will dictate how communication wiring is run.
Wire the 4-conductor communication cable to the Gateway 3 connector:

CAUTION
Always wire the Gateway 3 connector before plugging it in to Gateway 3. The force exerted to lock each terminal can potentially damage Gateway 3, so wires must be placed and terminals locked before plugging the connector into Gateway 3.
1. Strip the communication wire jacket about 3 inches. Do not strip the individual communication wires.
  
  Note
  The communication connector is insulation displacing, meaning it pierces the insulation of the unstripped wires to make strong electrical contact. Stripping the individual wires may result in wires jamming the connector.
2. Cut back the drain wire. The drain wire should be terminated at the Powerwall 3 ground terminal only.
3. Insert a cabinet tip or electronics tip slotted screwdriver (up to 3/32-inch or 3 mm) to open each connector lever.
4. Insert each conductor as far as possible into the terminal and then use the screwdriver to close the connector lever.
Note
Reference Gateway 3 Communication Wiring for the correct wire order in the Gateway 3 connector.
Plug the connector into the corresponding connector socket labeled "Powerwall" in the Gateway 3.
Route the communication cable up and around the internal panelboard. Do not route the cable across the internal panelboard, as it could impede door installation.
Wire the 4-conductor communication cable to the Gateway 3 Communication connector in the Powerwall 3 enclosure:
1. Strip the communication wire jacket so that it does not extend past the edge of the fan duct. This ensures the individual conductors lie flat, leaving room for the front cover to be installed.
2. Strip each conductor 5/16 inch (8 mm).
3. Route the four conductors to the connector as shown below, using the wire management tab to prevent them from blocking the Tesla Asset Controller.
  
  CAUTION
  Tesla recommends routing the communication wiring into the left side of the enclosure; always use the wire management tabs to ensure wires do not block the Tesla Asset Controller. Do not route loose wires through the front of the enclosure.
4. Insert a cabinet tip or electronics tip slotted screwdriver (up to 3/32-inch or 3 mm) into each screwdriver slot to open the terminal.
5. Insert each conductor as far as possible into the terminal and remove the screwdriver from the screwdriver slot to close the terminal.
  
  CAUTION
  Excessive force may damage the connector; do not apply more force than is necessary to open the terminal and insert the conductor (do not lean on connectors when prying them open).
6. Wrap the communication cable drain wire around the equipment grounding conductor lead and insert the wires in the equipment grounding terminal. Tighten the screw to 40 in-lb (4.5 Nm).
Note
See Plan Cable Length Between Components for the maximum distance between components.