ABB-free@home System Access Point SAP/S.3 — Product Manual

Product manual for the ABB-free@home® System Access Point SAP/S.3 — the central control and commissioning device that connects free@home smart home participants to a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Intended Use

The System Access Point 2.0 is a central control and commissioning device. It connects free@home participants with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, identifies and configures devices during installation, executes time and astro programs, and acts as an intermediary for switching functions via the free@home app. Only one System Access Point may be active on a network at any time. Intended for use per the listed technical data, installation in dry interior rooms, and use with the device's available connecting options.

Improper Use

Any use not listed above is improper and can lead to personal injury and property damage; ABB is not liable for such damage. The device is not intended for: unauthorized structural changes, repairs, outdoor use, use in bathroom areas, or use with an additional bus coupler.

Safety Warnings

• Installation, commissioning, and maintenance must only be performed by trained, qualified electrical installers who follow their country's regulations and the "five safety rules" (DIN VDE 0105, EN 50110): disconnect, secure against reconnection, ensure no voltage, connect to earth and short-circuit, and cover/barricade adjacent live parts.
• Danger — Electric voltage: 100–240V supply system work may only be performed by authorized/qualified electricians. Disconnect mains power before installation or dismantling. Never use with damaged connecting cables. Do not open covers firmly bolted to the housing. Do not modify or repair the device.
• Danger — Electric shock due to short-circuit: Low-voltage and 100–240V conduits must not be installed together in a flush-mounted box. Maintain >10mm spatial separation of SELV circuits from other circuits (use electronic boxes/insulating tubes if distance is insufficient). Observe correct polarity and relevant standards.
• Caution: Protect the device against humidity, dirt, and damage during transport, storage, and operation.

Cyber-Security Recommendations

• Only authorized persons should have physical access to the free@home system and the System Access Point. Protect all media (cable and wireless) and cyber-attack-prone components as best as possible during planning and installation. Lock sub-distributors with free@home devices, or place them in access-restricted rooms.
• Twisted Pair cabling: cable ends should not be visible or project from walls, inside or outside the building. Bus lines in outdoor or limited-protection areas carry increased risk — make physical access to the cable exceptionally difficult there.
• IP cabling: use secure encryption on wireless networks, complex passwords, restrict physical access to Ethernet interfaces to protected areas, and use MAC filtering.
• Internet connection: do not open router ports from the Internet to the home network for free@home components. Use a VPN tunnel or the myBUSCH-JAEGER Portal / MyBuildings Portal for secure remote access instead.

Setup & Function

The System Access Point is a central control/commissioning device for fixed surface mounting. It establishes the connection between free@home participants and a smartphone/tablet/PC, identifies and programs participants during commissioning, executes time/astro programs, and exchanges switching functions via the free@home app. The web-based user interface can be operated simultaneously by multiple participants, though ABB recommends no more than 4 concurrent users to avoid performance loss.

After activating bus voltage, the System Access Point automatically detects all correctly-connected devices via its integrated bus coupler. An unprogrammed wireless device, once energized, enters programming mode for 30 minutes and can be logged into the system during that window. The System Access Point itself also counts as a system participant.

• LED status indication
• Robust communication via mesh network
• Simple exchange of existing switches thanks to combined "sensor/actuator" devices
• Immediate function without programming (pre-configured devices)
• Supports both wireless and wired devices in one system

System Features

Scope of Supply

System Access Point 2.0, mounting base, 2 wall screws, 2 wall anchors, 1 free@home wired bus connection terminal (red/black), 1 power supply connection terminal (yellow/white), 1 plug power supply with adapter, 1 strain-relief bracket with 2 screws. Optional accessories: external antenna, SAP-A1.1 DIN Rail Adapter.

Technical Data

Dimensions: 119.2mm × 107.2mm × 30.7mm (all dimensions in mm).

Installation & Mounting

Transmitter and receiver communicate via RF signals; walls, ceilings, and electrical equipment (especially steel reinforcements or large metal objects) affect range. Keep the device at least 3 feet (1m) from high-frequency-emitting electronics (computers, wireless routers, audio/video systems). If installed within a closed metallic housing (e.g. a breaker box), connect and route the external antenna outside the box for WLAN operation. Stationary surface-mounting in interior, dry rooms only; observe all state and local regulations.

Three Mounting Options

• Option A — Wall: Screw the mounting base directly onto the wall, then set the System Access Point on top and push down to lock it in place.
• Option B — Flat surface: Simply place the unit on a flat surface (e.g. a table).
• Option C — DIN Rail: Attach the DIN Rail adapter to the DIN rail in the distributor, then place the System Access Point on top of the adapter and press down to lock it.

Use the supplied washers when fixing the wall bracket, and break out the water drainage feature in the base plate to prevent short-circuit/corrosion from penetrating rain water.

Electrical Connection

• Cat5/Cat6 wires connect directly via the Ethernet port — use only shielded Cat5 or Cat6 wire.
• For plug-in connections, the socket outlet must be mounted close to the SysAP and easily accessible.
• Connect the adapter to the enclosed power supply by sliding it down the rails until it locks in place.
• All other devices on the free@home wired bus must be powered by a separate NEC Class 2 (LPS) power supply. When operating more than 64 devices, a second power supply must be used.
• Alternative: a 24V power cord supplied by the DIN Rail Power Supply, instead of the enclosed power supply.
• Do not power the device using both the DC power jack and the alternative DC power connection simultaneously — use only one connection.
• Ensure SELV circuits stay >10mm from other circuits; use electronic sockets/insulating hoses if the distance is insufficient.

Commissioning

Commissioning is done entirely via the System Access Point's web-based interface. Devices physically connected to the free@home bus log themselves in automatically and transmit their type/supported functions. Unprogrammed wireless devices, once energized, are in programming mode for 30 minutes. During initial commissioning, all devices get a generic name (e.g. "Sensor/switch actuator 1/1gang") — the installer should rename them descriptively (e.g. "Living room ceiling light").

Prerequisites

• User interface: a computer with LAN or WLAN adapter and a browser — Firefox (v9+), Google Chrome, or Safari recommended.
• free@home app: a smartphone/tablet with Android 4.2+ or iOS 7+.
• Home network: a router with Ethernet or WLAN interface, for integrating the System Access Point into the existing home network post-commissioning.

Network Connection Options

During commissioning, the System Access Point broadcasts its own WLAN (SSID: SysAP_XXXX) for mobile setup without existing network infrastructure. In final operation it should join the existing network infrastructure via:

• WLAN: logged in as a client to the existing WLAN if it can't be cabled to the router.
• Patch cable: direct Ethernet cable connection if the System Access Point and router are installed side by side.
• Structured cabling: CAT installation cable connected via the RJ-45 socket with an LSA adapter. The System Access Point automatically switches to cable operation when a cable is plugged in.

Establishing the Connection to the User Interface

Via smartphone or tablet: Install the free@home app, energize the System Access Point and ensure Access Point mode is active (LED button lights blue — press the access point button if not), then connect your device to the SysAP's WLAN (SSID: SysAP_XXXX) using the password printed on the rear of the unit.

Links & Switching Options

Sensors and actuators created under "Devices" can be linked to implement circuits and scenes: tap the desired sensor, then the actuator, then confirm with the checkmark. A blue connecting line shows the link; configuration transmission can take a few seconds per affected device (shown via a progress bar).

• Two-way circuit: one actuator connected to one or more sensors.
• Group circuit: several actuators of the same type (e.g. all lights in a corridor) combined into a group that acts as a single actuator — turns all on/off together.
• Scene: a user-defined state (e.g. a "TV" scene that dims the living room light, turns off corridor lights, and lowers blinds). Scenes cannot be switched on/off — calling one up always establishes the same predefined state. Link a scene to a sensor to trigger it locally.

General Settings

• System information: current software version.
• Network: LAN client mode (auto-activated when access point mode is off) or WLAN client mode.
• User: three access levels — Fitter (full access, including master reset and data protection setup), Configuration (cannot change system-critical settings like dimmer channel bundling or binary input reconfiguration), Operation (device operation only, no settings changes).
• General: system name, language, location, and time.
• Data backup: automatic periodic backups stored internally (also exportable/manual). Backups created by a "Fitter" user can be restored by others but not deleted by them.
• Service: loads current firmware to free@home devices (only needed if an update was previously rejected during the update dialog).
• Master reset: resets all connected free@home devices to factory settings; data backups, user data, floor plans, and time programs are retained.
• Reset database: resets the System Access Point fully or partially to factory settings (parameters to reset are selected in a pop-up).

Firmware Update

Performed via the web-based interface's device settings, by pressing "Upload firmware." The update file covers both the System Access Point and all connected devices, in four steps:

1. Upload of firmware to the System Access Point (automatic).
2. Processing the firmware (automatic; can take a few minutes).
3. Installing the firmware (after confirming the dialog; a few minutes; the System Access Point restarts — press F5 in the browser if the page seems stuck mid-update).
4. Firmware update of all connected bus devices (after confirming the dialog) — devices update two at a time, indicated by mutual LED flashing, taking roughly 2 minutes per device. The system remains operable as usual during this process.

Operation & Control Elements

Master Reset

Press and hold the reset button with a pin for at least 40 seconds; the device reboots and returns to its default state. Note: during a master reset performed without web interface access, all user data, floor plans, and time programs are permanently deleted.

Maintenance & Cleaning

The device is maintenance-free. Do not attempt repairs on a damaged unit — opening the device voids the warranty. Access must be maintained for operation, testing, inspection, and maintenance per DIN VDE 0100-520. Clean with a soft dry cloth, lightly moistened with soap solution if needed. Never spray cleaning agents directly onto the device, and never use caustic, abrasive, or solvent-based cleaners.

Environmental Disposal

Do not dispose of the device with domestic waste — it contains valuable recyclable raw materials. Dispose of it and its packaging through appropriate authorized collecting depots. Complies with EU Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE), 2011/65/EU (RoHS), and the EU REACH ordinance (EC) No.1907/2006.

Manufacturer Contact

Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH, a member of the ABB Group. Freisenbergstraße 2, 58513 Lüdenscheid, Germany. www.BUSCH-JAEGER.com — info.bje@de.abb.com. Central sales service: +49 2351 956-1600.