Renogy Smart Distribution Box PMS1280 - 12/24V, 80A, 12 Circuits

12 circuits, 80 A total current

CH1 to CH8 are rated for a maximum of 10 A each. CH9 to CH12 supply loads with up to 20 A each. Positive and negative connections are provided for each load. The load connections use removable screw-terminal blocks.

The combined current draw of all loads must not exceed 80 A. The individual limits of the twelve channels do not result in a higher permissible total current. When planning the system, take both the individual circuit limits and the total current of all loads operating simultaneously into account.

Central control of electrical loads

The PMS1280 Smart Distribution Box can be monitored and controlled via Renogy ONE Vision, Renogy ONE Core and the Renogy App. Integrated current monitoring makes the current consumption of connected loads visible. With ONE Vision, individual channels can be named and their operating modes and overcurrent protection values configured.

A compatible Renogy Control Panel adds direct access to loads and scenes. Automation scenes can be created in the Renogy App. A dimming function is available for suitable DC lights; it is not intended for arbitrary electrical loads.

Automatic low-voltage cut-off and automatic reconnection once the battery voltage has recovered further enhance load management.

Four tanks and two temperature measurements

The four tank sensor connections allow you to integrate, for example, fresh-water and grey-water levels into the central monitoring system. Supported sensor types include five-wire capacitive sensors, two-wire resistive sensors and analogue level sensors with a 0–2.5 V signal voltage.

Compatibility of third-party tank sensors and analogue 0–2.5 V sensors must be verified before connection. Tank names, sensor types and level alarms can be configured via Renogy ONE Vision.

Two included NTC temperature sensors, each with a 5 m cable, allow temperatures to be measured at two locations, for example inside and outside the vehicle. The measuring range is −20 to +80 °C with a tolerance of ±3 °C. Temperature displays and alarms can also be configured via ONE Vision.

Integrating switches and control signals

Mechanical switches can be connected to the six digital inputs DI1 to DI6. Assignment and configuration are carried out via Renogy ONE Vision. This allows physical switches to be integrated into the central load control system.

The two analogue inputs U1 and U2 are used to monitor a battery voltage or ignition signal. They are measurement inputs and not additional power inputs for supplying the distribution box.

Four digital outputs are provided as relays with normally open contacts (COM/NO). Each contact is rated for a maximum of 2 A at 60 V DC. These connections are intended for integrating external control devices or alarm signals and must be distinguished from the twelve 10/20 A load outputs.

Networking with Renogy ONE

Nine RBUS connections with CAN and RS485 communication are available for compatible Renogy energy and monitoring devices. Three of these can additionally supply suitable connected components with power, while six are intended for communication only.

A separate RJ45 display connection links the distribution box to Renogy ONE Core and also supplies it with power. An additional RJ12 connection allows a compatible Renogy inverter to be switched on and off. The inverter's power supply is separate and does not run through this remote-control connection.

The required communication cables, CAN termination resistors and control devices are selected according to the planned system. Interface compatibility must be verified in advance when using equipment from other manufacturers.

Fuse protection and installation

Individual blade fuse positions are provided for the twelve load channels: F1 to F8 for a maximum of 10 A and F9 to F12 for a maximum of 20 A. Two additional positions are provided for storing spare fuses. A white fuse indicator identifies a missing or blown fuse, while a separate NET LED indicates communication status.

The removable battery and load terminal blocks use screw connections. Sensors and control signals are connected via separate push-in connectors. This keeps power wiring and signal connections clearly separated.

The PMS1280 must be installed indoors in a dry, well-ventilated location protected from direct sunlight. Its dimensions are 340 × 157 × 66.4 mm. Sufficient clearance must be allowed for wiring, ventilation and fuse replacement. The permitted operating temperature of the distribution box is −20 to +50 °C and must not be confused with the wider measuring range of the external temperature sensors.

PMS1280 or PMS1260?

The PMS1280 is the more extensively equipped option if you require twelve rather than eight circuits, up to 80 rather than 60 A total current, and additional tank, temperature and switching functions. The PMS1260 is significantly more compact and provides eight channels that can be switched directly on the unit, integrated Bluetooth and two connections for resistive tank sensors.

There is an important difference when it comes to higher-current individual loads: the PMS1280 provides four channels rated at a maximum of 20 A each, whereas the PMS1260 provides two channels rated at a maximum of 30 A each. A load drawing more than 20 A therefore cannot be connected to a single load channel of the PMS1280, even though its overall current limit is higher.

Technical specifications

Scope of delivery

• 1 × Renogy Smart Distribution Box PMS1280
• 2 × NTC temperature sensor, each with 5 m cable
• Connector set for battery, load, sensor and signal connections
• 4 × mounting screw
• 1 × user manual