HAI UPB Three-Phase Repeater (39A00-3) — Installation & Operating Instructions

Installation and operating instructions for the HAI UPB™ Three-Phase Repeater (Model 39A00-3), which enables reliable UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) communication — including HLC devices — across three-phase 120/208VAC delta-wye, 60Hz electrical systems.

Overview

UPB communication is designed to work on a single-phase powerline; signals don't directly jump across all three phases of a 120/208V system. The Three-Phase Repeater (TPR) takes any UPB multi-packet signal generated on one phase and repeats it onto all three phases, ensuring proper whole-house communication.

Important Notes Before Installation

• Install in accordance with the National Electrical Code and all local codes/regulations.
• Installation must only be performed by a qualified electrician.
• For indoor use only.
• Disconnect all power at the main breaker panel before installing.
• Must be installed in a suitable junction box or equivalent enclosure.
• Connect only copper or copper-clad wire to this device.

Installation Steps

The TPR works best when installed as close to the main circuit breaker panel as possible.

1. Turn off power at the main breaker panel.
2. Install the TPR into a suitable junction box or equivalent enclosure.
3. Run wires from a three-pole circuit breaker to the workbox for Phase A, Phase B, Phase C, and Neutral.
4. Use wire nuts to connect: TPR black wire → Phase A, red wire → Phase B, blue wire → Phase C, white wire → Neutral. Ensure no bare wires protrude; cover wire nuts with insulating tape if necessary.
5. Check all wiring and connections, then turn on the main breaker.
6. All three status LED indicators will light up if all connections are proper.

Configuration (via UPStart Software)

The TPR will operate without configuration, but HAI recommends using UPB UPStart software to add it to the network with a Unit ID, adjust receive sensitivity, and run communication tests.

Adding to the UPStart network: Select Device → Add Device, place the TPR into Setup Mode (press the Program Button 5 times), then click Next. To exit Setup Mode, press the Program Button twice. While in Setup Mode, the LEDs blink blue.

Communication tests: UPStart's Repeater Communication Test checks how well each device communicates with the TPR (and vice versa), recording signal strength, noise level, and phase for all devices.

Adjusting receive sensitivity: If powerline noise is severe, sensitivity can be set to LOW or HIGH via UPStart, or manually via the Program Button:

1. Press and hold the Program Button for 5 seconds, then release — LEDs blink red (once = LOW, twice = HIGH) to show current setting.
2. Single-tap the Program Button for LOW, or double-tap for HIGH.
3. Press and hold the Program Button for 5 seconds to set the new sensitivity — LEDs return to blue.

After changing sensitivity, repeat the Repeater Communication Test to confirm proper signal strength.

Status LED Indications

The TPR has a blue/red status LED for each phase:

• Blue — idle, nothing happening on the powerline
• Red — transmitting on the powerline
• Purple — receiving on the powerline

Technical Notes

• The TPR repeats multi-packet messages only. HAI devices (and most UPB devices) use 2-time multi-packet messaging by default. Uni-packet (Gen 1) transmissions will NOT be repeated.
• Once a TPR is added to the network, UPStart automatically switches to multi-packet transmissions and displays "TX=2" in the status bar, along with which phase (A, B, or C) the PIM is plugged into.
• UPStart's Network Discovery function requires the TPR to discover Unit IDs across all three phases in a three-phase environment.
• HAI does not recommend installing more than one Three-Phase Repeater on a single electrical system.