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FranklinWH•aGate

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aGate Humming Loudly in Backup Mode

Troubleshoot loud humming from a FranklinWH aGate hybrid inverter in backup mode. Identify causes & solutions for residential ESS systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the typical sound level of the aGate in normal operation?

The aGate should produce a relatively quiet hum during normal operation, typically below 40 dB. Louder humming indicates a potential issue.

•What are the recommended DC disconnect procedures for the aGate?

Refer to the FranklinWH installation manual for the specific DC disconnect procedures for the aGate. Generally, this involves turning off the AC breaker and then disconnecting the DC disconnect switches for both the solar panels and the battery.

•How do I check the firmware version of my aGate?

The firmware version can typically be found within the FranklinWH monitoring app or by accessing the inverter's service menu (refer to the installation manual).

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Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

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Safety Warning:

High voltage DC circuits are present within the FranklinWH aGate. Improper handling can result in serious injury or death. Always disconnect the DC input from the solar panels and the battery before performing any maintenance or repairs. Verify rapid shutdown per NEC 2017/2020. Only qualified electricians should perform internal diagnostics or repairs. Arc flash hazards exist. Wear appropriate PPE.

Step-by-Step Fix:

1

Reduce the load on the aGate during backup. Disconnect non-essential appliances and monitor if the humming diminishes. Use a clamp meter to measure AC current draw of connected loads.
2

Visually inspect the inverter for any loose components or debris. Note: This should ONLY be performed by a qualified electrician after proper DC disconnect and NEC 2017/2020 rapid shutdown verification.
3

Use an IR thermometer to measure the temperature of the inverter's heatsinks and components. Elevated temperatures may indicate component failure.
4

Verify the cooling fan is operating correctly and is free of obstructions. Replace the fan if necessary.
5

Use a multimeter to check the DC bus voltage. Abnormal voltage levels can indicate a problem in the DC-DC conversion stage.
6

Analyze the AC output waveform for harmonic distortion using a power quality analyzer. Excessive distortion can cause noise and indicate inverter malfunction.
7

Consult the FranklinWH troubleshooting documentation and contact their technical support for further assistance. Follow all manufacturer safety guidelines.

Technical Background:

The FranklinWH aGate is a hybrid inverter that manages power flow between solar panels, battery storage, the grid, and household loads. In backup mode, it disconnects from the grid using an internal transfer switch and powers critical loads from the battery. The humming noise likely originates from the inverter's internal components, such as the DC-DC converters regulating battery voltage, the DC-AC inverter converting DC power from the battery to AC power for the home, or the cooling system.

Pro Tip:

Access the inverter's service menu (refer to the FranklinWH system manual for the key combination) to view detailed system logs and diagnostic data. Look for error codes related to overcurrent, overvoltage, or temperature faults. Check the battery state of health (SOH) and state of charge (SOC) readings for anomalies.

Possible Causes:

Excessive load on the inverter during backup operation, causing the inverter to work harder and generate more noise.
Loose components within the inverter chassis, amplifying vibrations.
Capacitor aging or failure within the DC-DC or DC-AC conversion stages leading to increased ripple current and audible noise.
Cooling fan malfunction or obstruction, causing increased component temperature and inverter stress.
Harmonic distortion on the AC output waveform due to inverter non-linearity.
Inductor core saturation in the power conversion stages leading to audible hum.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly update the inverter's firmware to ensure optimal performance and bug fixes.
Periodically inspect the inverter for dust and debris buildup and clean as necessary (power off and DC disconnect first).
Monitor the inverter's performance using the FranklinWH monitoring app. Watch for unusual voltage or current fluctuations.
Ensure the inverter is installed in a well-ventilated location to prevent overheating.
Perform periodic battery capacity tests to assess battery health and identify potential issues.