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FranklinWH•aPower

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aPower: Burnt Plastic or Electronics Smell

Troubleshooting burnt plastic smell from a FranklinWH aPower battery system. Check for overheating, component failure, and ensure safe operation. Qualified electrician advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Was there any recent grid instability or power outage events?

This can indicate stress on the backup power system.

•Are any error codes or warning messages displayed on the system's monitoring interface?

Specific error codes can pinpoint the source of the problem.

•What is the ambient temperature around the battery system?

Excessively high ambient temperatures can contribute to overheating.

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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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Technical Recommendation:

Check the FranklinWH monitoring app for historical temperature logs. Elevated temperatures preceding the burnt smell are a strong indicator of a thermal issue within the battery modules or power conversion system. Note the time and date of peak temperatures for correlation with other diagnostic findings.

Safety Warning:

The FranklinWH aPower system contains high DC voltages that can pose a significant electrical shock hazard. Do not attempt to open or repair the unit yourself. Always disconnect the system from both AC and DC sources before performing any inspection or maintenance. Adhere to all applicable NEC guidelines for energy storage systems. Contact a qualified electrician for any repairs or troubleshooting.

Common Causes:

Overheating of battery cells due to excessive charge/discharge rates or ambient temperatures exceeding specified limits.
Failure of the inverter or DC-DC converter components (e.g., MOSFETs, capacitors, inductors) within the aPower unit.
Loose or corroded electrical connections causing resistive heating and subsequent melting of insulation.
BMS malfunction leading to improper cell balancing or overcharging.
Internal short circuit within a battery module.
Damage to wiring or connectors due to rodent activity.

Technical Overview:

The FranklinWH aPower system utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery modules managed by a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS monitors cell voltages, temperatures, and currents to ensure safe operation. A burnt plastic smell suggests overheating of internal components, potentially within the battery modules, power conversion system (inverter), or associated wiring. This could be due to excessive current draw, component failure, or inadequate cooling. The system relies on DC/AC conversion for grid interaction and backup power; failures in these circuits can also produce such smells.

Symptoms:

Detection of a distinct burnt plastic or electrical odor emanating from the FranklinWH aPower battery system within a residential setting. This may or may not be accompanied by visible smoke, system error codes, or abnormal operational behavior.

Recommended Action:

1

Immediately disconnect the aPower system from both AC and DC sources following NEC 706.15 guidelines for energy storage system disconnection. Use appropriate PPE, including safety glasses and insulated gloves.
2

Visually inspect the exterior of the aPower unit for any signs of physical damage, discoloration, or melting.
3

Using a calibrated thermal camera (e.g., Flir E6), scan the surface of the aPower unit, paying close attention to vents and seams, to identify any areas of elevated temperature. Document findings with thermal images.
4

A certified electrician MUST use a calibrated multimeter (e.g., Fluke 87V) to check the DC bus voltage at the battery terminals after disconnection to verify safe isolation and absence of residual voltage.
5

A certified electrician MUST perform an insulation resistance test (Megger test) on all DC wiring associated with the aPower system to identify any insulation breakdown or short circuits. Record insulation resistance values (in MΩ).
6

Contact FranklinWH technical support immediately to report the issue and obtain further diagnostic guidance and warranty claim procedures.
7

Ensure proper ventilation around the battery system and that the ambient operating temperature is within the manufacturer's specified range.

Preventative Care:

Regularly inspect the aPower system for any signs of physical damage, loose connections, or unusual odors
Monitor the system's performance data (voltage, current, temperature) through the monitoring app
Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit
Schedule periodic maintenance checks by a qualified electrician, including torque verification of all electrical connections and visual inspection of wiring