12
Sep, 2023

I discover the Power Boost EM112 from Carlo Gavazzi

Here is the beast:

It takes a little fear with its 10 screw connectors and its large screen full of numbers.

What to do with an EM112?

I am embarking on the purchase of an electric vehicle, i.e. a Wallbox, and in order to prevent the charging of the car from blowing up the circuit breaker when the heating, boiler and washing machine are on the way, Wallbox advises placing a module of this type at the head of the electricity grid (explained below). He checks the consumption of the whole house and informs the Wallbox (via 3 data cables) what he still needs to use.

Attention, several versions

I studied the subject well before ordering it because Carlo Gavazzi is a joker, he grouped us under the same name: EM112 several devices with very different applications and dialogue modes.

In the Wallbox Documentation, I read that if you want to use the Eco-Smart device that allows the use of solar panels, not all versions of EM112 are compatible.

The instructions for use of EM112 show all the versions and options that exist:

I had the secret hope that Wallbox Pulsar would use the Mdbus protocol (on port RS485) to be able to interface with it one day, that’s it. The version I received is indeed in ‘S1’.

I order a PowerBoost EM112

In the multitude of sites and references, I am afraid to make a bet. I therefore eliminate all sites that sell an EM112 without indicating compatibility with the Pulsar Wallbox.

  • To my surprise, I see on the Norauto website offers a version for €110 on the day I write this Retex. It is well mentioned ‘for Wallbox’, I imagine it is the right reference but neither the image nor the description gives the reference of the product sold, so I hesitate.
  • The Carplug website Also sells one, mentioned for Wallbox also at 108 €. The site I don't know seems specialized and well provided. A diagram and videos illustrate how it works, good job. It is a Belgian site, I invite Belgian friends to take an interest in it.
  • Finally, as always, I look if Amazon does not happen to have what I am looking for. Well, if it is even better, it is the Wallbox brand directly, so it is impossible to be mistaken in reference. 110€. Certainly I can send it back if it is not the right one or if it does not work, I place an order.

 

I received my Power Boost EM112

Ordered on Sunday, I have the package in my box on Tuesday.

This is the version EM112-DIN.AV0.1.X.SI.PFB So perfect.

The packaging is of the Wallbox brand, the module is a Carlo Gavazzi.

I place the PowerBoost in my electrical installation

Here is the diagram of the doc, the PowerBoost must be able to measure the totality the power consumption of the installation.

I connect the PowerBoost to the Wallbox

Childish and very well explained in the doc, the RS485 bus (ModBus) is composed of 2 data terminals D+ and D- as well as a GND mass terminal.

So we connect the terminal 3 and the terminal 5 of the PowerBoost then via a cable of 3 wires minimum, we will connect to the Wallbox.

For those who have disruptions or a lot of length, I learned from Dimitri that there are Modbus cables for this type of link, so look for …

I activate the termination resistance on the Wallbox

Do not forget to close the bus by moving the small switch on the Wallbox

I check that the communication between EM112 and the Wallbox is active

I activate the PowerBoost in the Wallbox app

In order for the PowerBoost to be taken into account and manage the Wallbox well, it must be declared in the Wallbox application.

I do well to update the application if it is proposed to me.

Then I go to Upgrades

Then on Power Boost

Activate Power Boost and specify max power (32A at home)

The next step will therefore be:

 

Bibliography, references