FRANKLINWH aPbox User manual

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
Version 1.1
Issued on: December 22, 2022

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
©2022 FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. All rights reserved.
All information in this Manual is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights
of FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. This manual may not be modified, copied or reproduced, in
whole or in part, without the prior written permission of FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc.
Please visit www.franklinwh.com/support for the latest Franklin Home Power documents.
All brands and trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective
owners, and their use in this document does not imply the sponsorship or recognition of their
products or services.
Please read this document carefully to ensure the best reliability of the product and your
warranty eligibility. For further information about warranty, please refer to the Franklin Home
Power Limited Warranty.
This document is intended for use by professional installation and maintenance service
providers only and no statements, information or recommendations in this document constitute
any express or implied warranty.
Please read this document carefully before installing or using the Franklin Home Power
equipment. Failure to follow any instructions or warnings in this document may result
in damage to the equipment, personal electric shock, severe injury, or even death.
Product Information
The FranklinWH aPbox provides the functions of an electrical meter and the ability to remotely
disconnect from and connect to PV systems, controlled by the aGate X.
FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. (“FranklinWH”) reserves the right to make any improvements
to the product, and the contents in this document shall be subject to updates without further
notification.
All images and pictures provided in this manual are only for demonstration purposes and may
differ in detail from the product, based on the product version.

aPbox Installation and Operations 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. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
MPE caution (if a FCC certified RF module is inserted in & the separation distance is indicated in the
FCC grant of RF module)
To satisfy FCC / IC RF exposure requirements, a separation distance of 8 inches (20 cm) or more
should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during device operation.
To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not recommended.
Feedback
If you have any questions or comments, please send us an email at: [e-mail]
Disposal of Scrapped Products
Scrapped products (including their internal chemicals and electrical materials) should not be
disposed of with household wastes. Please refer to your local laws and regulations regarding
disposal.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
CONTENT
Safety Statements....................................................................................................................................... 1
Important Information ............................................................................................................................................1
Safety Symbols .........................................................................................................................................................1
Safety Instructions...................................................................................................................................................2
Warranty Statement ................................................................................................................................... 4
Service and Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 5
Service........................................................................................................................................................................5
Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................................5
Product Overview....................................................................................................................................... 6
Specifications............................................................................................................................................................6
Components.............................................................................................................................................7
Application .................................................................................................................................................. 8
PV on the load side of the FHP.............................................................................................................................9
PV on the line side of the FHP........................................................................................................................... 10
aPbox Installation .....................................................................................................................................11
Preparation............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Installation .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Unboxing................................................................................................................................................ 12
Open the aPbox door.......................................................................................................................... 13
Cable Access ......................................................................................................................................... 14
aPbox wall installation......................................................................................................................... 16
Wiring...................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Make AC power connections ............................................................................................................ 18
Communications connections ........................................................................................................... 20
App settings ..............................................................................................................................................24
Add aPbox accessories......................................................................................................................................... 24

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
aPbox Setting......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Technical Support .....................................................................................................................................28

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
1
Safety Statements
Important Information
The FranklinWH aPbox is an electrical device. 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.
Safety Symbols
This Manual contains the following safety symbols.
DANGER: This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions
may be a safety hazard or cause equipment malfunction. Use extreme
caution and follow instructions carefully.
NOTE: This indicates information that is important for optimal system
operation. Closely follow instructions.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE: DO NOT THROW AWAY! All scrapped products
(including their internal chemicals and electrical materials) should not be
disposed of with household wastes. Please refer to your local laws and
regulations regarding disposal.
* The DANGER, WARNING, and NOTE alerts are supplemental to the safety instructions and
are not exhaustive.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
2
Safety Instructions
General Information
The aPbox is electrical equipment that, when used improperly, can present a
risk of electrical shock and fire, and misuse may void the warranty. Only
FranklinWH certified and qualified electricians should install, maintain or replace
the equipment or wiring. Workers must wear personal protective equipment
(PPE) during operation.
The aPbox should be installed away from heating equipment, or any source of
heat and/or fire.
It is strictly forbidden to install, maintain or handle aPbox units outdoors
during bad weather such as thunder, rain, snow and high winds.
It is strictly forbidden to work on or operate an aPbox alone. For safety, make
sure that there is someone around you who can help.
When installing and maintaining an aPbox, avoid any foreign objects being
inserted or dropped into the enclosure.
To prevent misoperation, ensure that the upstream and downstream switches
are disconnected and padlocked during installation or maintenance.
During the transport and handling of an aPbox, extreme care is required to
avoid dropping, bumping, stomping, or inverting the equipment.
Only use parts or accessories purchased from FranklinWH or a
FranklinWH-certified party.
Do not paint any part of the aPbox unless the paint surface of the equipment
housing is accidentally damaged during transport, installation or
maintenance. The damaged part can be repaired with paint or topcoat of the
same color.
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 an
aPbox without the authorization of FranklinWH. Otherwise, it may lead to safety
hazards and void your warranty.
Do not use an aPbox if there is functional or cosmetic damage noticed after
unboxing (except for slight paint damage). Contact after-sales service for
support.
The installation, wiring, maintenance, transportation, and handling of the
aPbox should follow local laws, regulations and standards, and the Safety
Instructions in this Guide serve as supplementation to the laws, regulations
and standards.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
3
During the installation, use, storage, and transport of 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.
WARNING: Install away from standing water or from areas that can pool water.
WARNING: Keep away from dust and smoke.
WARNING: Install where there is no direct exposure to sunshine, rain or snow.
WARNING: Keep way from water sources including downspouts, sprinklers,
faucets and liquid containers.
WARNING: If wall-mounted, ensure sufficient bearing capacity.
WARNING: This product can expose you to lead, which is known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. (For
more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov).

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
4
Warranty Statement
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.
Please visit us at www.franklinwh.com/support to learn more about the warranty.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
5
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.
•Keep all equipment in an environment with acceptable temperature and humidity.
•Clean the equipment surface using a soft cloth. If water is needed, please make sure the
cloth is slightly damp (water only) and the equipment is completely de-energized.
•Don't block the vents.
•Keep the equipment away from flammable, explosive, and/or poisonous materials.
•Keep the equipment operating within the allowed power range and avoid overloading.
•Make sure all cables are wired reliably and all connectors are free of stress.
•Keep the equipment away from hazardous zones and potential risks.
•A nearby smoke detector is recommended if the equipment is installed indoors.
Maintenance
•Please check the running status of your equipment on your mobile app. If any alarm is
found, please contact the qualified service group.
•Never attempt to repair the system by yourself. Contact professionals certified by
FranklinWH.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
6
Product Overview
The aPbox can be used to measure the amount of
electricity generated by a PV system, and can also be used
as a disconnect to sever the connection to the PV system
when the photovoltaic over-generation is triggered. It
supports access of up to two PV systems with a total
current of no more than 65A.
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
Dimensions (W x H x D)
11.8 in. x 17.7 in. x 5.9 in.
(300mm x 450mm x 150mm)
Weight
21.2 lbs. (9.6kg)
Mounting Options
Wall mount (Indoors/Outdoors)
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature Range
-4°F~122°F (-20°C~50°C)
Storage Temperature Range
-22°F~140°F (-30°C ~60°C)
Operating Humidity (RH)
0~100%
Maximum Altitude
9843 feet (3000 meters)
Type of Enclosure
NEMA 3R
Compliance Information
Compliance
FCC

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
7
Components
The aPbox includes the following components and features.
•Control System: Consisting of a DC Power, a relay and a contactor, executing the
command from the aGate X that allows the aPbox to disconnect from or reconnect to
the PV system.
•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 the aGate X.
•Connectors: The wiring connector including TB1, TB2 and TB3. TB1 is connected to the
grid (or an equivalent AC power). TB2 is connected to the PV system and TB3 is
connected to the aGate X for communications.
(Communications)
(Output)
(Input)
TB1
TB2
TB3

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
8
Application
While the aGate X 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 X or the grid.
There are two scenarios that define how the external connections with an aPbox are
connected.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
9
PV on the load side of the FHP
Installation of an aPbox is required to meter the production of and cutoff the connection
to an individual PV system installed on the load side of the FHP system due to:
•Existing constraints, such as the location of the PV system and the aGate X, preventing
the PV system connection to the aGate X internal PV interface.
•Multiple PV systems on-site prevent a distinct PV system from being connected to the
aGate X.
•The total PV system output power exceeding the power rating of the aGate X internal
PV interface.
•The total amount of the PV production exceeding the aPower energy capacity.
In this scenario, one aGate X supports up to two aPbox connections. The FHP system
controls the PV system connection according to whether the photovoltaic over -generation
in the off-grid mode.
The example site layout is shown in the following figure.
PV Breaker
Non-Backup Port
1# PV
~
=
Backup Panel
Generator
aPower Breaker
aGate X
Power Cable
Signal Cable
2# PV
~
=
3# PV
~
=
Essential
Loads
DC
CO
NO
DO
DC
485A
485B
1# aPbox
2# aPbox
MM
CT CT
485A
485B
M
Meter Utility Grid
Smart Circuit
Module (Optional)
Smart
Load 1
Smart
Load 2
Smart
Load 3
aPower X
Backup Port

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
10
PV on the line side of the FHP
The installation of an aPbox is to monitor the generation of the PV system and provide
data to the FHP system.
In this scenario, one aGate X only supports one aPbox connection.
NOTE
When there is a grid outage, the separated PV system will disconnect from the
grid and shut down.
The example site layout is shown in the following figure.
PV Breaker
1# PV
~
=
Backup Panel
Generator
aPower Breaker
aGate X
Power Cable
Signal Cable
2# PV
~
=
n# PV
~
=
Essential
Loads
CO
NO
DO
485A485B
aPbox
M
Meter Utility Grid
DC
M
CT
Smart Circuit
Module (Optional)
Smart
Load 1
Smart
Load 2
Smart
Load 3
Backup Port
aPower X

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
11
aPbox Installation
Preparation
Ensure that you have the following before installation:
•Personal protective equipment (Safety glasses, gloves, protective shoes, dust masks)
•Electric drill with
o5/32" Brad Point Bits or 5/32" twist drill bits for drilling mounting holes in wooden
walls.
o1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2" wood drill bits for drilling cable conduits in wooden walls.
o1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2" hole saw drills for drilling cable conduits in masonry or
concrete walls.
•Hammer drill with
o1/2", 3/8" Masonry Bits for drilling mounting holes in masonry or concrete walls.
o1/2", 3/8", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2" diamond core drills for drilling cable conduits in
masonry or concrete walls.
•Socket wrench, extension bar and 4pcs 1/4" expansion bolts
The tools is for installing expansion bolts.
•Torque wrench
With various slotted screwdriver heads for mounting the aPbox on the wall connector
cables and checking torque.
•Torque wrench extension rod
6” (150mm) and more extension rod to mount the aPbox on the wall.
•Utility knife
Used for unboxing.
•Wiring tools
Wire stripper, Wire cutter, Utility wire shear
•Stud finder
Detects the location of the wires in the wall to prevent short circuits before drilling
•Multimeter
Used to measure the voltage and current.
•Work light
For lighting during power-off
•Spirit level
Used to the aPbox is level.
•Marker
Marks the mounting hole location.
•Camera
Records the installation process.
•Deep Cut Band Saw
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.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
12
Installation
The length of the communications wire between the aGate X 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.
Step 3 Remove the box contents and check for the following items:
•One aPbox
•One mounting template
•One accessory bag including the following:
i. Four 1/4” water-tight washers
ii. Ten cable ties
iii.Two keys
Step 4 Remove the buffer foam and PE bag wrapping the aPbox.
NOTE
•Save the mounting template for marking the mounting holes.
•During handling and installation, make sure the aPbox is well
protected to avoid scratches or damage.

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
13
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

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
14
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. Then remove the plug.
Plugs

aPbox Installation and Operations Manual
15
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.
Step 3 Dislodge the rest of the knockout. If burrs remain, remove them with a deburring
tool.