FoxESS H3 Series User manual

In order to prevent improper operation before use, please carefully read this manual.
H3/AC3 SERIES

Table of Contents
1. Notes on This Manual ................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Scope of Validity ....................................................................................................................1
1.2 Target Group ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Symbols Used ........................................................................................................................1
2. Safety .............................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Appropriate Usage ................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 PE Connection and Leakage Current .................................................................................... 3
3. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Basic Features ....................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Dimensions ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Terminals of inverter .............................................................................................................6
4. Technical Data ..............................................................................................................................7
4.1 PV Input (For H3 Only) ..........................................................................................................7
4.2 Battery ...................................................................................................................................7
4.3 AC Output/Input ................................................................................................................... 7
4.4 EPS Output ............................................................................................................................ 8
4.5 Efficiency and Protection ...................................................................................................... 8
4.6 General Data ......................................................................................................................... 9
5. Installation ...................................................................................................................................10
5.1 Check for Physical Damage .................................................................................................10
5.2 Packing List ..........................................................................................................................10
5.3 Mounting ............................................................................................................................ 11
6. Electrical Connection ................................................................................................................ 14
6.1 PV Connection (For H3 Only) ..............................................................................................14
6.2 Battery Connection .............................................................................................................16
6.3 Grid Connection ..................................................................................................................17
6.4 Earth Connection ................................................................................................................ 20
6.5 Electrical Connection .......................................................................................................... 21
6.6 EPS Connection (Non-parallel State) .................................................................................. 29
6.7 System Connection Diagrams .............................................................................................29
6.8 Inverter Start-Up .................................................................................................................30
6.9 Inverter Switch Off ..............................................................................................................30
7. Firmware Upgrading ..................................................................................................................31
8. Operation .................................................................................................................................... 32
8.1 Control Panel .......................................................................................................................32
8.2 Function Tree ...................................................................................................................... 33
9. Maintenance............................................................................................................................... 35
9.1 Alarm List ............................................................................................................................ 35
9.2 Troubleshooting and Routine Maintenance .......................................................................40
10. Decommissioning .................................................................................................................... 41
10.1 Dismantling the Inverter ...................................................................................................41
10.2 Packaging .......................................................................................................................... 41
10.3 Storage and Transportation .............................................................................................. 41

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1. Notes on This Manual
1.1 Scope of Validity
This manual describes the assembly, installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting of
the following model(s) of Fox products:
H3-5.0-E H3-6.0-E H3-8.0-E H3-10.0-E H3-12.0-E
AC3-5.0-E AC3-6.0-E AC3-8.0-E AC3-10.0-E
Note: Please keep this manual where it will be accessible at all times.
1.2 Target Group
This manual is for qualified electricians. The tasks described in this manual only can be performed by
qualified electricians.
1.3 Symbols Used
The following types of safety instructions and general information appear in this document as described
below:
Danger!
“Danger” indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Warning!
“Warning” indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Caution!
“Caution” indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
Note!
“Note” provides important tips and guidance.
This section explains the symbols shown on the inverter and on the type label:
Symbols Explanation
Symbol Explanation CE mark. The inverter complies with the requirements of the
applicable CE guidelines.
Beware of hot surface. The inverter can become hot during operation. Avoid contact
during operation.
Danger of high voltages.
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter!
Danger.
Risk of electric shock!

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Danger to life due to high voltage.
There is residual voltage in the inverter which needs 5 min to discharge.
Wait 5 min before you open the upper lid or the DC lid.
Read the manual.
Product should not be disposed as household waste.
2. Safety
2.1 Appropriate Usage
H3/AC3 series inverters are designed and tested in accordance with international safety
requirements. However, certain safety precautions must be taken when installing and operating this
inverter. The installer must read and follow all instructions, cautions and warnings in this installation
manual.
-All operations including transport, installation, start-up and maintenance, must be carried out by
qualified, trained personnel.
-The electrical installation & maintenance of the inverter shall be conducted by a licensed
electrician and shall comply with local wiring rules and regulations.
-Before installation, check the unit to ensure it is free of any transport or handling damage, which
could affect insulation integrity or safety clearances. Choose the installation location carefully
and adhere to specified cooling requirements. Unauthorized removal of necessary protections,
improper use, incorrect installation and operation may lead to serious safety and shock hazards
or equipment damage.
-Before connecting the inverter to the power distribution grid, contact the local power distribution
grid company to get appropriate approvals. This connection must be made only by qualified
technical personnel.
-Do not install the equipment in adverse environmental conditions such as in close proximity to
flammable or explosive substances; in a corrosive or desert environment; where there is
exposure to extreme high or low temperatures; or where humidity is high.
-Do not use the equipment when the safety devices do not work or are disabled.
-Use personal protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection during the installation.
-Inform the manufacturer about non-standard installation conditions.
-Do not use the equipment if any operating anomalies are found. Avoid temporary repairs.
-All repairs should be carried out using only approved spare parts, which must be installed in
accordance with their intended use and by a licensed contractor or authorized Fox service
representative.
-Liabilities arising from commercial components are delegated to their respective manufacturers.
-Any time the inverter has been disconnected from the public network, please be extremely
cautious as some components can retain charge sufficient to create a shock hazard. Prior to
touching any part of the inverter please ensure surfaces and equipment are under touch safe
temperatures and voltage potentials before proceeding.

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2.2 PE Connection and Leakage Current
PV System Residual Current Factors
- In every PV installation, several elements contribute to the current leakage to protective earth (PE).
these elements can be divided into two main types.
- Capacitive discharge current - Discharge current is generated mainly by the parasitic capacitance of
the PV modules to PE. The module type, the environmental conditions (rain, humidity) and even the
distance of the modules from the roof can effect the discharge current. Other factors that may
contribute to the parasitic capacitance are the inverter’s internal capacitance to PE and external
protection elements such as lighting protection.
- During operation, the DC bus is connected to the alternating current grid via the inverter. Thus, a
portion of the alternating voltage amplitude arrives at the DC bus. The fluctuating voltage constantly
changes the charge state of the parasitic PV capacitor (i.e capacitance to PE). This is associated
with a displacement current, which is proportional to the capacitance and the applied voltage
amplitude.
- Residual current - if there is a fault, such as defective insulation, where an energized cable comes
into contact with a grounded person, an additional current flows, known as a residual current.
Residual Current Device (RCD)
- All FOXESS inverters incorporate a certified internal RCD (Residual Current Device) to protect
against possible electrocution in case of a malfunction of the PV array, cables or inverter (DC). The
RCD in the FOXESS inverter can detect leakage on the DC side. There are 2 trip thresholds for the
RCD as required by the DIN VDE 0126-1-1 standard. A low threshold is used to protect against
rapid changes in leakage typical of direct contact by people. A higher threshold is used for slowly
rising leakage currents, to limit the current in grounding conductors for the safety. The default value
for higher speed personal protection is 30mA, and 300mA per unit for lower speed fire safety.
Installation and Selection of an External RCD device
- An external RCD is required in some countries. The installer must check which type of RCD is
required by the specific local electric codes. Installation of an RCD must always be conducted in
accordance with local codes and standards. FOXESS recommends the use of a type-A RCD.
Unless a lower value is required by the specific local electric codes, FOXESS suggests an RCD
value between 100mA and 300mA.
- In installations where the local electric code requires an RCD with a lower leakage setting, the
discharge current might result in nuisance tripping of the external RCD. The following steps are
recommended to avoid nuisance tripping of the external RCD:
1. Selecting the appropriate RCD is important for correct operation of the installation. An RCD with a
rating of 30mA may actually trip at a leakage as 15mA (according to IEC 61008). High quality RCDs will
typically trip at a value closer to their rating.
2. Configure the trip current of the inverter’ internal RCD to a lower value than the trip current of the
external RCD. The internal RCD will trip if the current is higher than the allowed current, but because the
internal inverter RCD automatically resets when the residual currents are low it saves the manual reset.

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3. Introduction
3.1 Basic Features
H3/AC3 series are high-quality inverters which can convert solar energy to AC energy and store energy
into battery. The inverter can be used to optimize self-consumption, store in the battery for future use or
feed-in to public grid. Work mode depends on PV energy and user’s preference.
• System advantages:
- Advanced DSP control technology.
- Utilizes the latest high-efficiency power component.
- Advanced anti-islanding solutions.
- IP65 protection level.
- Max. Efficiency up to 98%. EU efficiency up to 97.3%. THD<3%.
- Safety & Reliability: Transformerless design with software and hardware protection.
- Export limitation (Meter/DRM0/ESTOP).
- Power factor regulation. Friendly HMI.
- LED status indications.
- LCD display technical data, human-machine interaction through four touch keys.
- PC remote control.
• System connection diagrams
Note: According to Australian safety requirements, the neutral cables of the on-grid side and backup
side must be connected together. Otherwise, the backup function will not work.
This diagram is an example for an application that neutral connects with the PE in a distribution box.
For countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc, please follow local wiring
regulations.

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This diagram is an example for an application in which neutral is separated from the PE in the
distribution box.
For countries such as China, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, etc, please follow local wiring
regulations.
•Work modes:
Work modes Description
Self-use
(with PV Power)
Priority: load>battery>grid
The energy produced by the PV system is used to optimize
self-consumption. The excess energy is used to charge the batteries,
then exported to gird.
Self-use
(without PV Power)
When no PV supplied, battery will discharge for local loads firstly, and
grid will supply power when the battery capacity is not enough.
Feed in priority
Priority: load>grid>battery
In the case of the external generator, the power generated will be used
to supply the local loads firstly, then export to the public grid. The
redundant power will charge the battery.
Back up mode When the grid is off, system will supply emergency power from PV or
battery to supply the home loads (Battery is necessary in EPS mode).
Power station
The energy of the battery is used to suppress the output power
instability caused by the unstable output of the photovoltaic panel, so
that the power output of the inverter reaches the ideal power curve.
Note：Charging time is when the battery is charged within the set time range. The setting of charging time
can be used in the above three modes.

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3.2 Dimensions
3.3 Terminals of inverter
Note: Only authorized personnel are permitted to set the connection.
Item Description Item Description
A DC Switch I GRID
B PV1 J Meter / RS485
C PV2 K BMS
D PV3 L DRM
E Battery Connector M PARALLEL2
FUSB / WiFi / GPRS /
LAN N EPS
G Waterproof Lock Valve O Grounding Screw
H PARALLEL 1

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4. Technical Data
4.1 PV Input (For H3 Only)
Model H3-5.0-E H3-6.0-E H3-8.0-E H3-10.0-E H3-12.0-E
PV
Max. recommended DC power [W] 7500 9000 10400 13000 15000
Max. DC voltage [V] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Nominal DC operating voltage [V] 720 720 720 720 720
Max. input current
(input A / input B) [A] 14 / 14 14 / 14 26 / 14 26 / 14 26 / 14
Max. short circuit current
(input A / input B) [A] 16 / 16 16 / 16 32 / 16 32 / 16 32 / 16
MPPT voltage range [V] 160-950 160-950 160-950 160-950 160-950
MPPT voltage range (full load) [V] 210-800 250-800 240-800 280-800 320-800
Start-up voltage [V] 160 160 160 160 160
No. of MPP trackers 2 2 2 2 2
Strings per MPP tracker 1+1 1+1 2+1 2+1 2+1
4.2 Battery
[1]Minimum operation battery voltage is 150V
4.3 AC Output/Input
Model H3-5.0-E
AC3-5.0-E
H3-6.0-E
AC3-6.0-E
H3-8.0-E
AC3-8.0-E
H3-10.0-E
AC3-10.0-E
H3-12.0-E
AC OUTPUT
Nominal AC power [VA] 5000 6000 8000 10000 12000
Max. apparent AC power [VA] 5500 6600 8800 11000 13200
Rated grid voltage
(AC voltage range) [V] 400V/230VAC;380V/220VAC,3L/N/PE
Rated grid frequency [Hz] 50 / 60, ±5
Max. AC current [A] (Per phase) 8.0 9.6 12.8 16.0 19.2
Power Factor 1(Adjustable from 0.8 leading to 0.8 lagging)
Export Control YES
Battery H3-5.0-E
AC3-5.0-E
H3-6.0-E
AC3-6.0-E
H3-8.0-E
AC3-8.0-E
H3-10.0-E
AC3-10.0-E
H3-12.0-E
Battery Type Lithium battery
Battery voltage [V] 180-600[1]
Full AC load Battery voltage [V] 205 250 330 410 480
Max. Charge/ discharge current [A] 26.0
Communication interface CAN/RS485

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AC inrush current [A] [email protected]
Max. output fault current [A] [email protected]
Max. output overcurrent
protection [A] 45
THDI <3%@rated power
AC INPUT
Max. AC power [VA] 10000 12000 16000 16000 16000
Rated grid voltage
(AC voltage range) [V] 400V/230VAC;380V/220VAC,3L/N/PE
Rated grid frequency [Hz] 50 / 60, ±5
Max. AC current [A] (Per phase) 15.2 18.2 24.2 24.2 24.2
AC inrush current [A] [email protected]
Power Factor 1(Adjustable from 0.8 leading to 0.8 lagging)
4.4 EPS Output
Model H3-5.0-E
AC3-5.0-E
H3-6.0-E
AC3-6.0-E
H3-8.0-E
AC3-8.0-E
H3-10.0-E
AC3-10.0-E
H3-12.0-E
EPS OUTPUT (WITH BATTERY)
Max. apparent AC Power [VA] 5000 6000 8000 10000 12000
Peak apparent AC
Power [VA] (60s) 10000 12000 14000 15000 15000
Rated output voltage [V] 400V/230VAC; 3L/N/PE
Rated grid Frequency [Hz] 50/60 50/60 50/60 50/60 50/60
EPS Max current [A]
(Per phase) 15.2 18.2 21.2 22.7 22.7
Power Factor 1(Adjustable from 0.8 leading to 0.8 lagging)
Parallel operation Yes@max10 Pcs
Switch time <20ms
THDV <3%@rated power
4.5 Efficiency and Protection
Model H3-5.0-E
AC3-5.0-E
H3-6.0-E
AC3-6.0-E
H3-8.0-E
AC3-8.0-E
H3-10.0-E
AC3-10.0-E
H3-12.0-E
EFFICIENCY
MPPT efficiency 99.90% 99.90% 99.90% 99.90% 99.90%
Max. Efficiency 97.80% 97.80% 98.00% 98.00% 98.00%
Euro-efficiency 97.20% 97.20% 97.30% 97.30% 97.30%
PROTECTION

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PV reverse polarity protection YES
Battery reverse protection YES
Anti-islanding protection YES
Output short protection YES
Leakage current protection YES
Insulation Resistor Detection YES
Over Voltage category III (AC side), II (DC side)
Reverse connect protection YES
Over-current protection
/Over-temperature protection YES
AC/DC surge protection Type II
AFCI protection※optional
DC switch optional
String monitoring function※optional
Note: '※' is under development.
4.6 General Data
DIMENSION AND WEIGHT
Dimension (W/H/D) [mm] 449*519*198
Net Weight [kg] 28
Cooling Natural FAN cooling
Inverter topology Non-isolated
Communication interface Meter, WiFi/GPRS/LAN (optional), DRM, USB, BMS(CAN&RS485),
RS485
LCD display Backlight 16*4 character
ENVIRONMENT LIMIT
Installation wall-mounted
Ingress protection IP65 (for outdoor use)
Inverter operating temperature
range [°C] -25…... +60 (derating at +45°C)
Storage/Operation relative humidity 0%-100% (without condensation)
Altitude [m] <2000
Protective class I
Storage temperature [°C] -40…… +70
Standby consumption [W] 15W
ldle mode YES
Button Capacitive touch sensor *4
Buzzer 1, inside (EPS & Earth fault)

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5. Installation
5.1 Check for Physical Damage
Make sure the inverter is intact during transportation. If there is any visible damage, such as cracks,
please contact your dealer immediately.
5.2 Packing List
Open the package and take out the product, please check the accessories first. The packing list shown
as below.
M N O
Object Quantity Description Object Quantity Description
A 1 Inverter I 1 Product manual
B 2 Brackets J 1 Quick installation guide
C 6 PV connectors (Only for H3)
(3*positive, 3*negative) K 1 WiFi/GPRS/LAN (Optional)
D 6 PV pin contacts (Only for H3)
(3*positive, 3*negative) L 1 Meter
E 2 AC connectors M 3 Hexagonal screws
F 6 Expansion tubes &
Expansion screws N 2 Battery connectors (1*positive, 1*negative)
G 1 Earth terminal O 2 Battery pin contacts
(1*positive, 1*negative)
H 1 Communication connector
I J K L
A B C D
E F G H

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5.3 Mounting
• Installation Precaution
Make sure the installation site meets the following conditions:
- Not in direct sunlight.
- Not in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.
- Not in potential explosive areas.
- Not in the cool air directly.
- Not near the television antenna or antenna cable.
- Not higher than altitude of about 2000m above sea level.
- Not in environment of precipitation or humidity (> 95%).
- Under good ventilation condition.
- The ambient temperature in the range of -25°C to +60°C.
- The slope of the wall should be within +5*.
- The wall hanging the inverter should meet conditions below:
A. Solid brick/concrete, or strength equivalent mounting surface;
B. Inverter must be supported or strengthened if the wall's strength isn't enough (such as wooden wall,
the wall covered by thick layer of decoration).
Please avoid direct sunlight, rain exposure, snow laying up during installation and operation.
• Space Requirement
Position Min Distance
Left 500mm
Right 500mm
Top 500mm
Bottom 500mm

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• Mounting Steps
Tools required for installation:
- Manual wrench;
- Electric drill (drill bit set 8mm);
- Crimping pliers;
- Stripping pliers;
- Screwdriver.
1. Fix the bracket on the wall
- Choose the place you want to install the inverter. Place the bracket on the wall and mark the
position of the 6 holes from bracket.
- Drill holes with electric drill, make sure the holes are at least 50mm deep and 8mm wide, and then
tighten the expansion tubes.

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- Insert the expansion tubes into the holes and tighten them. Install the bracket with the expansion
screws.
2. Match the inverter with wall bracket
- Mount the inverter to the bracket. Secure the inverter with the M5 screw and washer.

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6. Electrical Connection
6.1 PV Connection (For H3 Only)
Step 1: PV String Connection
H3 series inverters can be connected with 2-strings of PV modules. Please select suitable PV modules
with high reliability and quality. Open circuit voltage of module array connected should be less than
1000V, and operating voltage should be within the MPPT voltage range.
Note!
Please choose a suitable external DC switch if the inverter does not have a built-in DC switch.
Warning!
PV module voltage is very high and within a dangerous voltage range, please comply with the
electric safety rules when connecting.
Warning!
Please do not make PV positive or negative to ground!
Note!
PV modules: Please ensure they are the same type, have the same output and specifications,
are aligned identically, and are tilted to the same angle. In order to save cable and reduce DC
loss, we recommend installing the inverter as near to the PV modules as possible.

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Step 2: PV Wiring
• Turn off the DC switch.
• Choose 12 AWG wire to connect the PV module.
• Trim 6mm of insulation from the wire end.
• Separate the DC connector (PV) as below.
Plug Pin contact cable nut
• Insert striped cable into pin contact and ensure all conductor strands are captured in the pin contact.
• Crimp pin contact by using a crimping plier. Put the pin contact with striped cable into the
corresponding crimping pliers and crimp the contact.
• Insert pin contact through the cable nut to assemble into back of the male or female plug. When you
feel or hear a “click” the pin contact assembly is seated correctly.
• Unlock the DC connector
- Use the specified wrench tool.
- When separating the DC + connector, push the tool down from the top.
- When separating the DC - connector, push the tool down from the bottom.
- Separate the connectors by hand.

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6.2 Battery Connection
• Turn off the DC switch.
• Choose 8 AWG wire to connect the battery.
• Trim 6mm of insulation from the wire end.
• Separate the DC connector (battery) as below.
Plug Pin contact cable nut
• Insert striped cable into pin contact and ensure all conductor strands are captured in the pin contact.
• Crimp pin contact by using a crimping plier. Put the pin contact with striped cable into the
corresponding crimping pliers and crimp the contact.
• Insert pin contact through the cable nut to assemble into back of the male or female plug. When you
feel or hear a “click” the pin contact assembly is seated correctly.
• Unlock the DC connector
- Use the specified wrench tool.
- When separating the DC + connector, push the tool down from the top.
- When separating the DC - connector, push the tool down from the bottom.
- Separate the connectors by hand.

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6.3 Grid Connection
Step 1: Grid String Connection
H3/AC3 series inverters are designed for three-phase grid. Per voltage range is 220/230/240V;
frequency is 50/60Hz. Other technical requests should comply with the requirement of the local public
grid.
WARNING!
A micro-breaker for max output overcurrent protection device shall be installed between
inverter and grid, and the current of the protection device is referred to the table above,
any load SHOULD NOT be connected with the inverter directly.
Step 2: Grid Wiring
• Check the grid voltage and compare with the permitted voltage range (refer to technical data).
• Disconnect the circuit-breaker from all the phases and secure against re-connection.
• Trim the wires:
- Trim all the wires to 52.5mm and the PE wire to 55mm.
- Use the crimping pliers to trim 12mm of insulation from all wire ends as below.
Note: Please refer to local cable type and color for actual installation.
Model (kW) 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
Cable (ON-GRID) 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm²
Cable (EPS) 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm² 4.0-6.0mm²
Micro-Breaker 63A 63A 63A 63A 63A
L1/L2/L3: Brown/Red/Green or Yellow Wire
N: Blue/Black Wire
PE: Yellow & Green Wire

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A. EPS Wiring
• Set the parts on the cable.
• Crimp wires, screw twisting torque 0.8+/-0.1N·m.
• Push Housing into Body.
• Put the sealing body and yarn trapper into the main body, screw the lock nut into the main body, and
the torque is (2.5 + / - 0.5N·m).
• Insert the male end into the female end. For the rotation direction of the lock, please refer to the
LOCK mark on the assembly.
• Remove the EPS connector：Press the bayonet with a small screwdriver or the unlock tool. Rotate
the sleeve referring to the UNLOCK mark on the assembly, then pull it out.