Clipsal Bus Couplers

Two Channel (SLC5102BCLEDL) and Four Channel (SLC5104BCL)

for Use with C-Bus Wired Systems
Instruction Bulletin
Retain for future use.

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

HAZARD CATEGORIES AND SPECIAL SYMBOLS

Read these instructions carefully and look at the equipment to become
familiar with the device before trying to install, operate, service, or maintain
it. The following special messages may appear throughout this bulletin or on
the equipment to warn of potential hazards or to call attention to information
that clarifies or simplifies a procedure.
The addition of either symbol to a Danger or Warning safety label
indicates that an electrical hazard exists which will result in personal injury if
the instructions are not followed.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.

Danger indicates an immediately hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, can result in death or serious injury.

Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, can result in minor or moderate injury.

Caution, used without the safety alert symbol, indicates a potentially

hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in property
damage or improper operation.

NOTE: Provides additional information to clarify or simplify a procedure.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

PLEASE NOTE
Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained
only by qualified personnel. This document is not intended as an instruction
manual for untrained persons. No responsibility is assumed by Square D for
any consequences arising out of the use of this manual.

Class B FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

INTRODUCTION
The Clipsal Two Channel (SLC5102BCLEDL) and the Four
Channel (SLC5104BCL) Bus Coupler units are key input devices
that allow voltage free mechanical switches, such as reed, pressure,
micro or other switches, to be connected to the C-Bus Network.
They transmit messages to output devices to control load states and
provide all C-Bus switching commands, including: on, off, toggle,
timer and dimming functions, etc. The Bus Couplers are designed to
fit into typical wall boxes along with voltage free mechanical
switches.
The Two Channel (SLC5102BCLEDL) Bus Coupler units may be
wired to external LED to indicate the state of operation. The Four
Channel (SLC5104BCL) Bus Coupler has built-in LED indicators on
the front of the unit to indicate the state of operation.
The Learn Mode feature is also incorporated in these units, allowing
a quick and easy way to program mechanical switches, to achieve
various control functions such as: on/off, dimmer or timer.
A spring return type switch, such as a momentary contact switch, is
recommended for dimming operations.

Before Your Begin

Before installing the Two Channel and Four Channel Bus Couplers,
verify that your order is complete by comparing the contents of the
package with the appropriate list in the table below. Also verify that
the catalog number on the box label matches your order.
Table 1: Contents of the Box

Part Number

Description

Quantity

SLC5102BCLEDL

Two Channel Bus Coupler

SLC5104BCL

Four Channel Bus Coupler

Bootlace Terminals

1 bag (for C-Bus wiring connections)

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This section contains important safety precautions that must be
followed before attempting to install or maintain electrical
equipment. Carefully read and follow the safety precautions below.

HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, OR ARC FLASH

Apply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and

follow safe electrical work practices. See NFPA 70E.

This equipment must be installed and serviced by qualified

electrical personnel.

Turn off all electrical power supplying this equipment before

working on or inside the equipment.

Always use a properly rated voltage sensing device to confirm

that power is off.

Replace all devices, doors, and covers before turning on power

to this equipment.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or
serious injury.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

Megger Testing
Do not Megger test C-Bus data cabling or terminals. Megger
testing of data cabling or terminals can degrade the performance of
the C-Bus network.

HAZARD OF C-BUS NETWORK PERFORMANCE

DEGRADATION
Do not Megger test C-Bus data cabling or terminals as it can
degrade the performance of the C-Bus network.
Failure to follow this instruction will result in damage to the
C-Bus network.

Transient Voltage Surge Protection

Use this unit only within the limits of the design specifications. Each
unit incorporates transient protection circuitry. Additional external
power surge protection devices should be used to enhance system
immunity to power surges. It is strongly recommended that
appropriate transient voltage surge protection be installed at all
service equipment.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

INSTALLATION
Follow the procedures in this section to properly install Two Channel
and Four Channel Bus Couplers. Before installing the Bus Couplers,
verify that wall boxes will accommodate both the switches and the
Bus Couplers.
Network Considerations
The Bus Couplers draw 18 mA from the C-Bus network. Verify that
an adequate number of C-Bus Power Supply Units are installed on
the C-Bus Network to support the connected devices.

Configuration Options
The installer can program the unit in two ways:

Using a personal computer

Using Learn Mode.

Whichever method is used, each Bus Coupler must be assigned a

unique unit address. A group address must be assigned for each
channel on all bus coupler units.
When the units are being installed as part of a large or complex
network, it is most efficient to perform the basic configuration before
the units are physically installed. However, the units can be
configured before or after physical installation.

Configuring with a Personal Computer

The following components are typically required to configure a Bus
Coupler (specific items and product numbers can vary according to
the C-Bus unit and network).

PC with the C-Bus Toolkit software installed

Bus Coupler Unit (SLC5102BCLEDL or SLC5104BCL)

C-Bus PC Interface (SLC5500PC) or C-Bus Ethernet gateway

(SLC5500CN)

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

Configuring without a Personal Computer using Learn Mode

The Bus Coupler is a C-Bus Input unit that allows users to set the
relationships between Output Units and the Input Unit without a
computer.
Note: Each output unit which is to be associated with the Bus
Coupler in this way must be a C-Bus unit as well.
Learn Mode provides a quick and simple way to program the C-Bus
Input units to provide basic functions.
To program the Bus Coupler using Learn Mode to turn on loads,
connect each channel of the Bus Coupler to a conventional switch.
Then do the following for each channel:
1. Enter Learn Mode by holding down a local override button on a
C-Bus output unit for 10 seconds. The Unit and C-Bus indicators
will begin to flash alternately.
2. Select the local override buttons on the output unit associated
with the loads you want to control. The selected indicators will
illuminate.
3. Place the (non C-Bus) switch you want to associate with the
selected load in the ON position. The light on the Bus Coupler
associated with this switch will light.
4. Exit Learn Mode by pressing any local override button on an
output unit for 2 seconds.
Identifying the C-Bus Units and Their Locations
The location of each C-Bus unit must be tracked. Two
recommended methods are given below, one for when the units are
configured before installation (see section Labeling the C-Bus
Units), the other for when the units are configured after installation
(see section Recording Each Units Location).
Labeling the C-Bus Units
When C-Bus units are configured before physical installation, it is
important to label them to indicate where they are to be placed. One
method for doing this would be to write each units address directly
on it.
NOTE: Verify that each configured unit has been marked to indicate
where it should be placed in an enclosure or a building or site.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

Recording Each Unit's Location

In order to track C-Bus units that will be configured after physical
installation, they must be identified and their location must be
recorded at the time they are installed.
NOTE: If a unit has already been configured and assigned a
location on a site map, it is not necessary to make another record of
its location.

HAZARD OF UNEXPECTED OR IMPROPER SYSTEM BEHAVIOR

Properly record the physical location of each unit using the liftand-peel label provided on the box and a site plan or location
log.

Retain location records and provide them to the person(s)

responsible for configuring and commissioning the network.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in unexpected or
improper system behavior.
Before installing a unit, use the following guidelines to record its
location. Recording each unit's location is required for configuration
with the C-Bus Toolkit software.
Each unit is identified by a unique serial number found on the box
label (see the figure Box Label with Lift-and-Peel Section). The
serial number provides important information for recording a unit's
location.
Figure 1: Box Label with Lift-and-Peel Section
KEY:
A. Serial number
B. Bar code
C. Lift-and-peel section

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

The box label also has a bar code that can be read by an infrared
scanner and used for a record of a specific units location. A liftand-peel section of the box label duplicates the box labels
information (see Box Label with Lift-and-Peel Section diagram).
To record the location of a unit, remove the lift-and-peel section
from the box label and attach it to a site plan or other document.
The lift-and-peel section now provides a record of the physical
location where that unit is installed. When installing multiple units of
one kind in an area or enclosure, such as six four-channel DIN
dimmers in an enclosure, verify that the document or site plan
indicates the relative position of each specific unit.
Connecting Bus Couplers to the C-Bus Network
Installation requires connection to the unshielded twisted pair C-Bus
Network cable. Use a Category 5 data cable. Use the insulated
bootlace terminals provided. Tighten the C-Bus Network terminal
screws securely. The recommended torque for tightening terminal
screws is 12 lb-inch (1.4 Nm). Do not exceed this torque.
NOTE: The C-Bus network connection is polarity sensitive. The
polarity is clearly marked on the front of the unit
One loop-in removable terminal block is provided for easy wiring
installation and maintenance.

Figure 2: C-Bus Terminal Block, Front View

KEY:
A. Terminal block connectors
(front view)
B. Neutral (-) terminal
(orange/white - blue/white wires)
C. Positive (+) terminal (blueorange wires)
D. Bootlace terminal

NOTE: The recommended torque

for tightening terminal screws is
12 lb-inch (1.4 Nm). Do not
exceed this torque value.

10

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

Table 2: Category 5 Data Cable Connections

RJ Pin

C-Bus Connection

Color

Remote ON*

Green/White

Remote ON*

Green

C-Bus Neg (-)

Orange/White

C-Bus Pos (+)

Blue

C-Bus Neg (-)

Blue/White

C-Bus Pos (+)

Orange

Remote OFF*

Brown/White

Remote OFF*

Brown

*Not used

Figure 3: C-Bus Wiring Connections

KEY:
A. C-Bus positive (+): blue + orange
B. C-Bus negative (-): blue/white + orange/white
C. Remote OFF: brown + brown/white
D. Remote ON: green + green/white

HAZARD OF C-BUS NETWORK PERFORMANCE

DEGRADATION
Do not Megger test C-Bus data cabling or terminals as it can
degrade the performance of the C-Bus network.
Failure to follow this instruction will result in damage to the
C-Bus network.
Bus Couplers do not have Remote Override (On/Off) functions.
However, correct connections must be maintained for these
services across the C-Bus Network.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

11

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

Connecting Bus Couplers to Remote Switches and LEDs

The Two Channel Bus Couplers (SLC5102BCLEDL) with remote
LED feedback and the Four Channel (SLC5104BCL) Bus Couplers
enable the use of a wide range of conventional dry contact switch
mechanisms to indirectly switch C-Bus loads.
The Bus Couplers are designed to fit within the wall box behind
switches. Verify that the wall box will accommodate both the switch
and the Bus Coupler. A small length of wire is used to connect these
switches to the input terminals of the Two or the Four Channel Bus
Couplers or remote LEDs to the input terminals of the Two Channel
Bus Couplers (the Four Channel Bus Couplers do not offer remote
LED indication).
Any type of appropriately rated insulated copper wire (solid or
stranded) no greater than 12 AWG (3.1mm) or less than 24 AWG
(0.2mm) may be used to connect between remote LEDs
(SLC5102BCLEDL only), voltage free or dry contact switches or
channel inputs (both SLC5102BCLEDL and SLC5104BCL). The
maximum cable length is 39 in. (1m) per channel; however the total
length of cable connecting the Bus Couplers to the remote switches
in a single network should be kept to a maximum of 32.8 ft. (10m) to
maintain communications across the C-Bus network.
Example:

10 channels at 39 in. (1m) or 20 channels at 19.68 in. (500mm).

If longer connections are required for the Two Channel or Four

Channel Bus Couplers it is recommended that you use a Square D

Clipsal DIN Mounted Auxiliary Input (SLCLE5404AUX), which has

input isolation. The Auxiliary Input Unit is specifically designed for
that type of application. However, the Auxiliary Inputs do not offer
remote LED indication.

HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, OR ARC FLASH

Isolate switch input and LED connection wires from all other
electrical power source wiring, electrical noise sources, and
grounded metal structures. Do not enclose bus couplers in multigang style wall boxes with switches wired to external power sources.
Failure to follow this instruction will result in death, serious
injury, and damage to the C-Bus network.

12

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

When connecting remote LEDs, use only those with a minimum

current rating of 10mA.
Table 3: Wiring Terminal Descriptions
Two Channel Bus Coupler
(SLC5102BCLEDL)

Four Channel Bus Coupler

(SLC5104BCL)

Wire Clip
(Terminal)

Description

Wire Clip
(Terminal)

Description

Channel 1 input

Channel 1 input

Switched input
(common*)

Switched input (common*)

Channel 2 input

Channel 2 input

Switched input
(common*)

Switched input (common*)

1A

LED 1 Anode (A)

Channel 3 input

1K

LED 1 Cathode (K)**

Switched input (common*)

2A

LED 2 Anode (A)**

Channel 4 input

2K

LED 2 Cathode (K)

Switched input (common*)

*The switched input "common" is internally connected to C-Bus negative (-).

** The 1K and 2A outputs are linked internally.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

Making the Electrical Wiring Connections

HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, OR ARC FLASH

This equipment must be installed and serviced by qualified

electrical personnel.

Apply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and

follow safe electrical work practices. See NFPA 70E.

Turn off all electrical power supplying this equipment before

working on or inside the equipment.

Always use a properly rated voltage sensing device to confirm

that power is off.

Replace all devices, doors, and covers before turning on power

to this equipment.

The two and four channel inputs of the Bus Couplers are not
isolated from the C-Bus network. Verify that all cables connected
to the C-Bus network are well separated from the external
electrical power source.

Connect external switches to no other power source

Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or
serious injury.
Follow the instructions below to connect the Two Channel and Four
Channel Bus Couplers to the remote wall switch. Install Bus
Couplers in accordance with the National Electrical Code and
applicable local codes. Use copper wire only [#12 AWG - 24 AWG
(0.2mm - 3.1mm)].
1. Refer to the applicable wiring diagram to connect either Two
Channel (SLC5102BCLEDL) or Four Channel Bus Couplers
(SLC5104BCL) to the wall switch.
2. Use a #12 AWG - 24 AWG (0.2mm - 3.1mm) copper wire to
make the electrical wiring connections. Remove .375 in. (9.52
mm) of the wire insulation.
3. Lift up on the spring-loaded wire clip on the Bus Coupler (see
the diagram "Making the Electrical Wiring Connections") and
insert the copper wire into the wire clip.

14

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

4. Release the spring-loaded wire clip. Pull firmly on the wire to

verify that the wire is secure.
5. Carefully place the Bus Coupler along with the electrical wires
and C-Bus cables into the wall box. Push them gently toward the
back of the wall box.
6. Mount the wall switch in the wall box.

Figure 4: Making the Electrical Wiring Connections

KEY:
A. Spring-loaded wire clip
B. Insert the wire [#12 AWG - 24 AWG
(0.2mm - 3.1mm)]

Wiring the Two Channel Bus Coupler (SLC5102BCLEDL)

KEY:
(A.) To C-Bus Network
(B.) LED Anode/Cathode wiring
(1.) Anode - A (+)
(2.) Cathode - K (-)

Follow the guidelines listed below.

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

Use only remote LEDs with a minimum current rating of 10mA

The LED output connections must be made and maintained

correctly for the unit to operate.

Flashing LEDs are not compatible with this product

Wiring the Four Channel Bus Coupler (SLC5104BCL)

Figure 5: Wiring Diagram - SLC5104BCL Four Channel Bus Coupler
KEY:
(A.) To C-Bus Network
(B.) Channel indicator

16

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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11/2008

Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

Wiring a Shared Common

A single shared common wire can be used to minimize the amount
of wire. Follow the wiring diagram that applies to the bus coupler
you are using.

Figure 6: Common Neutral Wiring Schemes

KEY:
(1.) Two Channel Bus
Coupler
(2.) Four Channel Bus
Coupler

(A.) To C-Bus Network

(B.) Switch connections
(C.) LED indicators

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

63249-420-236A2
11/2008

STANDARDS
The Two Channel and Four Channel Bus Couplers complies with
the following Standards:
Table 4: U.S. and Canadian Product Safety Standards and U.S.
FCC Regulations
Standards/Regulations

Title

CSA C22.2 No. 205

Signal Equipment

UL916

Energy Management Equipment

FCC Part 15

Class B Digital Device for Home or Office Use

SPECIFICATIONS
Table 5: SLC5102BCLEDL Specifications
Parameter

Description

Catalog Number

SLC5102BCLEDL Two Channel Bus Coupler with Remote

LEDs

C-Bus Supply Voltage

15-36V DC @ 18mA required for normal operation

depending on LED output configuration (See table below
for minimum operating voltages). Does not source current
to the C-Bus Network.

Current Drain

18 mA

Voltage across Input when external switch opens

5V DC

Voltage across Input when external switch closes

0V DC

Switch closed current

Less than 50A

Max cabling distance

10 channels at 39 in. (1m) or 20 channels at 19.68 in.

(500mm)

Isolation between inputs

Not isolated

Isolation between inputs and C-Bus

Not isolated

Operating Temperature

32-113F (0 45C)

Operating Humidity Range

95% RH non-condensing

Removable C-Bus Terminals Wire Size

Category 5 data cable (insulated)

Channel Input/Output Side (Spring Loaded

Terminals) Wire Size

Appropriately rated insulated copper wire (solid or

stranded) no greater than 12 AWG (3.1mm) or less than
24 AWG (0.2mm)

Weight

1.13 oz. (32g)

18

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

Table 6: SLC5102BCLEDL Minimum C-Bus Operating Voltage Specifications

LED Output Configuration

Minimum C-Bus Operating Voltage

Using two LEDs

15V + Sum of both LED forward voltages

Using one LED and one link

15V + LED forward voltage

Using no LEDs and two links

15V

Table 7: SLC5104BCL Specifications

Parameter

Description

Catalog Number

5104BCL Four Channel Bus Coupler

C-Bus Supply Voltage

15-36V DC @ 18mA required for normal operation. Does

not source current to the C-Bus Network.

Current Drain

18 mA

Voltage across Input when external switch opens

5V DC

Voltage across Input when external switch opens

0V DC

Switch closed current

Less than 50A

Max cabling distance

10 channels at 39 in. (1m) or 20 channels at 19.68 in.

(500mm)

Isolation between inputs

Not isolated

Isolation between inputs and C-Bus

Not isolated

Operating Temperature

32-113F (0 45C)

Operating Humidity Range

95% RH non-condensing

Removable C-Bus Terminals

Category 5 data cable

Channel Input Side (Spring Loaded Terminals)

Appropriately rated insulated copper wire (solid or

stranded) no greater than 12 AWG (3.1mm) or less than
24 AWG (0.2mm)

Weight

1.13 oz (32g)

2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

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Clipsal Bus Couplers

Instruction Bulletin

Dimensions

Figure 7: Unit Dimensions

SUPPORT AND SERVICE

Contact the Square D Customer Information Center for technical
support by phone at 1-888-Square D (1-888-778-2733) or e-mail at
lightingcontrol.support@us.schneider-electric.com.

Contact your local Square D service representative or Clipsal

certified installer for repairs or service to your network.
You may also find helpful information on our web site at
www.squaredlightingcontrol.com.

Schneider Electric, USA

320 Tech Park Drive
La Vergne, TN, 37086
1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)
www.squaredlightingcontrol.com

Square D,
, Clipsal, C-Bus, Saturn and Neo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Schneider Electric and/or its affiliates in the
United States and/or other countries.
Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and
maintained only by qualified personnel. No responsibility is assumed by
Schneider Electric for any consequences arising out of the use of this
material.
2008 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

63249-420-236A2

11/2008