Analysis by Marcus & Team
Diagnosing discoloration on FranklinWH aPower battery terminals. Identify causes, solutions, safety measures, and prevention steps for residential battery storage.
Refer to the FranklinWH aPower installation manual for the specified torque values. Overtightening can damage the terminals.
Use a corrosion inhibitor specifically designed for electrical connections and compatible with the terminal materials (e.g., copper or aluminum).
The FranklinWH monitoring app or the BMS interface may provide SOH information. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for specific instructions.
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.
Battery systems operate at high DC voltages, posing a significant electrical shock hazard. Disconnecting or working on battery terminals requires qualified personnel with proper training and PPE. Always follow NEC 706 guidelines for energy storage systems and adhere to FranklinWH's safety procedures. Thermal runaway is a risk with lithium-ion batteries. If smoke or fire is present, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services.
Use an infrared (IR) thermometer to scan battery terminals and connections for hotspots. Elevated temperatures indicate increased resistance and potential corrosion issues. Compare temperature readings to adjacent terminals to identify anomalies. A temperature difference of more than 5°C (9°F) warrants further investigation.
The FranklinWH aPower system is a residential energy storage solution incorporating lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Each battery module consists of multiple cells connected in series and parallel. The BMS monitors cell voltages, temperature, and current. Terminal discoloration usually indicates electrochemical reactions due to current leakage, humidity, or dissimilar metals causing galvanic corrosion. High humidity and temperature accelerate corrosion processes, increasing terminal resistance and heat generation. Poor terminal connections lead to increased resistance, power loss (I²R), and heat build-up, accelerating corrosion.
Observation of discoloration (e.g., green, white, or brown deposits) on the positive or negative terminals of the FranklinWH aPower battery unit. The discoloration may be accompanied by corrosion, pitting, or physical degradation of the terminal.