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Summary of Contents for FRANKLINWH aPbox
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Installation and Operations Manual Version 1.0 Issued on: September 26, 2022...
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Product Information The FranklinWH aPbox comes in two models — RC65 and RM65. The RC65 has the functions of an electrical meter and the ability to remotely disconnect from and connect to PV systems, controlled by the aGate.
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Manual FCC Compliance 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.
PV on the line side of the FHP ........................12 aPbox Installation ..........................13 Preparation ..............................13 Installation..............................14 Unboxing ..............................14 Open the aPbox door .......................... 15 Cable Access ............................16 aPbox wall installation......................... 18 Wiring ................................20 Make AC power connections ......................20 Make communication connections ....................
Safety Statements Important Information The FranklinWH aPbox comes in two models—RC65 and RM65. Both RC65 and RM65 are electrical devices. Please read this entire document to ensure proper use . Failure to follow this may void the warranty. Please strictly follow the safety instructions described in this manual during operation, otherwise it may result in equipment malfunction, electrical shock, serious injury or death.
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If any equipment failure occurs, please contact your installer or after-sales service provider for support. Do not attempt to take apart, repair and/or modify RC65 or RM65 without the authorization of FranklinWH. Otherwise, it may lead to safety hazards and void your warranty.
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Manual During the installation, use, storage, and transport of RC65 or RM65 equipment: DANGER: Keep away from flammable and explosive materials. DANGER: Additional protective measures should be taken to protect equipment from access by children. WARNING: Install in dry, cool and well-ventilated location for satisfactory performance.
To meet warranty requirements, FranklinWH aPbox products must be installed and operated properly according to the instructions in related FranklinWH documents. To secure the full warranty, the FranklinWH aPbox products must be reliably connected to Franklin Home Power (FHP) system to access remote services provided by FranklinWH.
Manual Service and Maintenance Service • Keep the equipment away from leaves or other foreign materials, especially keep objects from the top of the unit and keep the space clear between the unit and the back wall. • Keep the equipment away from direct sunlight.
Manual Product Overview Both models of aPbox, RC65 and RM65, can be used to measure the amount of electricity generated by a PV system, in addition to which RC65 can also be used as a disconnect to sever the connection to the PV system.
Manual Components The RC65 includes the following components and features. (Output) (Input) (Communication) • Control System: Consisting of a DC Power, a relay and a contactor, executing the command from the aGate that allows the RC65 to disconnect from or reconnect to the PV system.
Manual RM65 Specifications Electrical Specifications Nominal Voltage 120/240VAC, split Frequency 60 Hz Rated Output Current 1 circuit, max 65A Rated Input Current 2 circuits, max 65A total Mechanical Specifications 11.8 in. x 17.7 in. x 5.9 in. Dimensions (W x H x D)
Manual Components RM65 includes the following components and features. (Output) (Input) (Communication) • Metering System: Metering the PV production by a built-in meter and CTs. The CTs collect current data from the PV system and forward that data to the meter for analysis and reporting to aGate.
While the aGate has a PV breaker as an optional component, there are some situations in which the PV system cannot be connected through the breaker or where there are multiple PV connections needed. In those instances, an aPbox can be used to connect the solar source to the aGate or the grid.
Manual PV on the line side of the FHP Installation of an RM65 is recommended when the PV system is directly connected to the grid, to monitor the generation of the PV system and provide data to the FHP system.
For thin-walled steel pipe or PVC pipe cutting. • Knockout Tool Kit Used to enlarge the hole or to make new holes when the conduit diameter is larger than the aPbox knockout hole, or if any new hole needs to be made.
Manual Installation The length of the communication wire between the aGate and the aPbox should not exceed 328 feet (100 meters). Unboxing Step 1 Inspect the packaging for damage. Step 2 Use a retractable utility knife to cut open the sealing tape of the package box, with the knife blade shorter than 0.3 inch to avoid damaging the aPbox case.
Manual Open the aPbox door Use the key from the accessary bag to open the clasp locks, release the clasp and open the door, as shown in the following figure. Flip the door...
Cable Access Based on the preplanned installation position and electric conduit arrangements, choose which knockouts and plugs in the aPbox should be removed. Remove the plugs Open the door, then turn the selected plug nut counterclockwise by hand, until the nut is removed.
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Manual Remove the knockouts Step 1 Place a 1/4”X4” straight screwdriver against the black spot printed on the knockout hole, and then knock it with a hammer. Hammer until the knockout plug is angled out. Step 2 Using a needle-nose plier, twist the plug back and forth until the attachment points snap.
Place the guide board at the planned installation position (refer to the local laws, regulations and codes for building construction to set the minimum height of aPbox). Use a spirit level to adjust the guide board, and then make marks at the four holes on the guide board.
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Step 4 Fasten the aPbox to the wall using the 1/4” water-tight washers (from the accessary bag), spring washers, and nuts in sequence. Check that the tightening torque is 4.42 foot pounds.
Manual Wiring DANGER Before wiring, check that all circuits to be connected to the aPbox are completely de-energized, and lock out any associated circuits breakers and disconnect switches. Make AC power connections NOTE • TB1 must be connected to the grid or an equivalent 240 Volt, 60Hz AC power source.
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Mark an appropriate length for later stripping. Step 2 Bring the wires out of the aPbox enclosure, cut off the wires from the marker point and strip the ends according to Table 1.
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Manual Step 3 Insert the wires into the corresponding terminal lugs as shown in the following figure. Tighten the lugs according to Table 1 above. RC65 RM65...
When one RC65/RM65 unit is connected to an FHP system, the 485A and 485B terminals on the aPbox TB3 module are connected to the RS485 A4 and B4 terminals on the aGate respectively, DO+ and DO- terminals to the aGate DO terminals (without distinguishing the polarity).
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Manual NOTE • The length of the communication cables between the aPbox and the aGate shall not exceed 328 feet (100 meters) • Use twisted pair cables for RS485 conductors. • Refer to Table 1 above for wire gauge recommendations.
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Manual The two paralleled DO+ terminals and the two paralleled DO- terminals are connected to the aGate DO terminals (without polarity distinction), as shown in the following figure. Use the following diagram as a reference when making communication connections.
Manual App settings The aPbox works with the FranklinWH app. Keep the app up to date for normal operation. You can install the latest version of FranklinWH App from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Follow the steps below to configure the aPbox.
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Manual Step 2 Input the Proximal solar rated power value. Enable the Remote solar access feature before setting the Remote solar, then select the appropriate access mode according to the requirements. Currently there are two kinds of access mode available, Grid-side...
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Manual Step 3 For both grid-side and load-side, input the solar power value. For load-side, also select the number of the connected solar systems. The following images show the different screens for the Grid-side and the Load-side access modes.
Manual Technical Support For further support, please contact your installer or the FranklinWH service team at www.franklinwh.com/support. Please be prepared to provide the following information before you contact FranklinWH: • Owner name • Your preferred desired contact method (name, phone number, email) •...
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Do you have a question about the aPbox and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers