F User Manual 1
F User Manual 1
F SERIES
This guide describes how to use the inverter. In order to prevent improper operation
before use, please carefully read this manual.
Table of Contents
1. Important Notes ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Target Group ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Symbols Used ................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Symbols Explanation ........................................................................................................ 1
2. Safety........................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Appropriate Usage ............................................................................................................ 2
2.2 PE Connection and Leakage Current ............................................................................... 3
2.3 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) for PV Installation ....................................................... 3
3. About Product ........................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 About Inverter ................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Basic Features .................................................................................................................. 4
3.3 Terminals Introduction....................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Dimensions ....................................................................................................................... 5
4. Technical Data .......................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 DC Input ............................................................................................................................ 6
4.2 AC Output ......................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Efficiency, Safety and Protection ...................................................................................... 7
4.4 General Data..................................................................................................................... 7
5. Installation ................................................................................................................................ 8
5.1 Packing List....................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Preparation ....................................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Installation Space Required .............................................................................................. 9
5.4 Tools Required .................................................................................................................. 9
5.5 Installation Steps .............................................................................................................. 9
5.6 Wiring Steps.................................................................................................................... 10
5.7 Earth Connection ............................................................................................................ 13
5.8 Communication Device Installation (Optional) ............................................................... 13
5.9 Inverter Start-Up ............................................................................................................. 17
5.10 Inverter Switch Off .......................................................................................................... 18
6. Operation ................................................................................................................................ 19
6.1 Control Panel .................................................................................................................. 19
6.2 Function Tree .................................................................................................................. 19
7. Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 20
7.1 Alarm List ........................................................................................................................ 20
7.2 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 22
7.3 Routine Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 22
8. Decommissioning ................................................................................................................... 23
8.1 Dismantling the Inverter .................................................................................................. 23
8.2 Packaging ....................................................................................................................... 23
8.3 Storage and Transportation ............................................................................................ 23
1. Important Notes
1.1 Scope
This manual describes the assembly, installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting of the
following model(s) of Fox products:
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.
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.
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Danger.
Risk of electric shock!
TUV certification.
2. Safety
2.1 Appropriate Usage
This series inverter is 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 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 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
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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.
WARNING!
High leakage current! Earth connection essential before connecting supply.
- Incorrect grounding can cause physical injury, death or equipment malfunction and increase
electromagnetic interference.
- Make sure that grounding conductor is adequately sized as required by safety regulations.
- Do not connect the ground terminals of the unit in series in case of a multiple installation. This product
can cause current with a DC component, where a residual current operated protective device (RCD) or
monitoring device (RCM) is used for protection in case of direct or indirect contact, only an RCD or RCM
of type B is allowed on the supply side of this product.
For UK
- The installation that connects the equipment to the supply terminals shall comply with the requirements
of BS 7671.
- Electrical installation of PV system shall comply with requirements of BS 7671 and IEC 60634-7-712.
- No protection settings can be altered.
- User shall ensure that the equipment is so installed, designed and operated to maintain at all times
compliance with requirements of ESQCR22(1)(a).
For AU
- Electrical installation and maintenance shall be conducted by licensed electrician and shall comply with
Australia National Wiring Rules.
Lightning will cause damage either from a direct strike or from surges due to a nearby strike.
Induced surges are the most likely cause of lightning damage in majority or installations, especially in rural
areas where electricity is usually provided by long overhead lines. Surges may impact on both the PV array
conduction and the AC cables leading to the building. Specialists in lightning protection should be consulted
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during the end use application. Using appropriate external lightning protection, the effect of a direct lightning
strike into a building can be mitigated in a controlled way, and the lightning current can be discharged into the
ground.
Installation of SPDs to protect the inverter against mechanical damage and excessive stress include a surge
arrester in case of a building with external lightning protection system (LPS) when separation distance is kept.
To protect the DC system, surge suppression device (SPD type2) should be fitted at the inverter end of the
DC cabling and at the array located between the inverter and the PV generator, if the voltage protection level
(VP) of the surge arresters is greater than 1100V, an additional SPD type 3 is required for surge protection for
electrical devices.
To protect the AC system, surge suppression devices (SPD type2) should be fitted at the main incoming point
of AC supply (at the consumer’s cutout), located between the inverter and the meter/distribution system; SPD
(test impulse D1) for signal line according to EN 61632-1. All DC cables should be installed to provide as short
a run as possible, and positive and negative cables of the string or main DC supply should be bundled together.
Avoiding the creation of loops in the system. This requirement for short runs and bundling includes any
associated earth bundling conductors. Spark gap devices are not suitable to be used in DC circuits once
conducting; they won’t stop conducting until the voltage across their terminals is typically below 30 volts.
3. About Product
3.1 About Inverter
This series inverters cover 3kW systems up to 6kW and are integrated with 2 MPP trackers with high efficiency
and reliability.
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3.3 Terminals Introduction
Item Description
A DC Connector
B DC Connector
C DC Switch (Optional)
D Waterproof Lock Valve
E Communication Port
F USB Port (For Upgrade)
G WiFi/GPRS/LAN (Optional)
H AC Connector
I Grounding Screw
3.4 Dimensions
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4. Technical Data
4.1 DC Input
Model F3000 F3600 F4600 F5000 F5300* F6000
Max. recommended DC power [W] 4500 5400 6900 7500 7950 9000
Max. DC voltage [V] 600 600 600 600 600 600
Nominal DC operating voltage[V] 360 360 360 360 360 360
MPPT voltage range [V] 80-550 80-550 80-550 80-550 80-550 80-550
MPPT voltage range @ full load [V] 130-550 150-550 200-550 210-550 250-550 250-550
Max. input current [A] 12.5/12.5 12.5/12.5 12.5/12.5 12.5/12.5 12.5/12.5 12.5/12.5
Max. short circuit current [A] 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15
Start output voltage [V] 120 120 120 120 120 120
No. of MPP trackers 2 2 2 2 2 2
Strings per MPP tracker 1 1 1 1 1 1
DC switch Optional
4.2 AC Output
Model F3000 F3600 F4600 F5000 F5300* F6000
Rated output power [W] 3000 3600 4600 5000 5300 6000
Max. apparent AC power [VA] 3300 3960 5060 5500 5830 6000
Rated grid voltage and range [V] 220/230/240
Rated AC frequency and range
50/60
[Hz]
AC nominal current [A] 13 15.7 20 21.7 23.0 26.1
Max. output fault current [A] 14.3 17.2 22 23.9 25.3 26.1
THD <3%
Displacement power factor 1 (Adjustable from 0.8 leading to 0.8 lagging)
Feed in phase Single-phase
Over voltage category PV: OVC II Mains: OVC III
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4.3 Efficiency, Safety and Protection
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5. Installation
5.1 Packing List
Please un-pack the box, check and make sure you received all items as listed below before installation (excluding
optional items):
A B C D E
F G H I J
K L M N O
5.2 Preparation
- Please refer to the Technical Data to make sure the environmental conditions fit the inverter’s requirements
(degree of protection, temperature, humidity, altitude, etc.)
- Please avoid direct sunlight, rain exposure and snow build-up during installation and operation.
- To avoid overheating, always make sure the air flow around the inverter is not blocked.
- Do not install in places where gas or flammable substances may be present.
- Avoid electromagnetic interference that can compromise the correct operation of electronic equipment.
- The slope of the wall should be within ±5°.
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5.3 Installation Space Required
Right 30cm
Top 30cm
Bottom 30cm
Front 30cm
- Drill holes with electric drill, make sure the holes are at least 50mm deep, 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.
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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Note: PV connection mode below is not allowed.
Step 2: DC Wiring
• Turn off the DC switch.
• Choose 12 AWG wire to connect the PV module.
• Trim 6mm of insulation from the wire end.
• 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.
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• Grid Connection
This series inverters are designed for single-phase grid. 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 3: AC 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 reconnection.
• 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.
L: Brown/Red Wire
N: Blue/Black Wire
PE: Yellow & Green Wire
Note: Please refer to local cable type and color for actual installation.
• Slide the cable nut and then the back shell onto the cable.
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• Push the threaded sleeve into the socket, tighten up the cap on the terminal.
• Push the threaded sleeve to connection terminal until both are locked tightly on the inverter.
• Remove the AC connector, press the bayonet out of the slot with a small screwdriver or the unlock tool and
pull it out, or unscrew the threaded sleeve, then pull it out.
Operating information like output voltage, current, frequency, fault information, etc., can be monitored locally or
remotely via these interfaces.
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• WiFi/LAN/GPRS (optional)
The inverter has an interface for WiFi/LAN/GPRS devices that allow this device to collect information from inverter;
including inverter working status, performance etc., and update that information to monitoring platform (the
WiFi/LAN/GPRS device is available to purchase from your local supplier).
Connection steps:
1. For GPRS device: Please insert the SIM Card (please refer to the GPRS product manual for more details).
2. For LAN device: Please complete the wiring between router and LAN device (please refer to the LAN product
manual for more details).
3. Plug the WiFi/LAN/GPRS device into “WiFi/GPRS” port at the bottom of the inverter.
4. For WiFi device: Connect the WiFi with the local router, and complete the WiFi configuration (please refer to
the WiFi product manual for more details).
5. Set-up the site account on the monitoring platform (please refer to the monitoring user manual for more details).
• CT (optional)
This inverter has an integrated export management function. To enable this function, a power meter or CT must be
installed. The CT should be clamped on the main live line of the grid side. The arrow on the CT should be pointing
towards the grid. The white cable connects to CT+, and the black cable connects to CT-.
Note!
For a precise reading and control of power, a meter can be used instead of a CT. If the
CT is fitted in the wrong orientation, anti-backflow function will fail.
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• RS485/Meter
- RS485
RS485 is a standard communication interface which can transmit the real time data from inverter to PC or
other monitoring devices.
RS485
- Meter (optional)
The inverter has integrated export limitation functionality. To use this function, a power meter or a CT must
be installed. For Meter installation, please install it on the grid side.
• DRM0/ESTOP
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DRM0 setting
Short press the touch key to switch display or make the value+1. Long press the touch key to confirm your setting.
PIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Definition CT+ CT- METER 485- METER 485+ GND DRM0 NC ESTOP
• Upgrade
The inverter firmware can be updated locally through a U-disk. Please refer to following steps.
a. Please contact our service support team to get the latest firmware, and copy the files to U-disk using the
following file path:
Master: “Update\master\xxxxx_Master_Vx.[Link]”
Slave: “Update\slave\xxxxx_Slave_Vx.[Link]”
Manager: “Update\manager\xxxxx_manager_Vx.[Link]”
Note: [Link] is version number.
Warning!
Make sure the directory structure is strictly in accordance with the above. Do not
modify the program file name! It may cause the inverter to cease functioning.
b. Make sure the DC switch (if no DC switch, please disconnect the PV connector) is off and the AC is
disconnected from the grid. Unscrew the waterproof lid of the USB port using a flat-headed screwdriver as
below.
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c. Wait until the LCD is off, then insert the U-disk and turn on the DC switch or re-connect the PV connector, the
LCD will show picture as below.
Update
Master/Slave/Manager/All
d. Short press on the button to select the type of firmware you want to upgrade, then long press on the button,
the inverter will start the upgrade process automatically.
Note: Make sure you have put the correct file on the U-disk, if you only want to upgrade one chip, simply add the
one relevant file onto the U-disk, if you want to upgrade all chips, you need add all files.
e. After the upgrade is complete, please turn off the DC switch or disconnect the PV connector again, then
remove the U-disk and insert the waterproof cover.
Warning!
Make sure the input voltage is more than 120V (preferably in good illumination conditions),
and do not remove the U-disk during update, otherwise the update may fail. If there is any
problem or error during the upgrade, please contact our service team for help.
f. Turn on the DC switch or connect the PV connector to power on the inverter to finish the upgrade process.
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e) Turn on the external AC and DC connectors;
f) Turn the DC switch to the “ON” position (if equipped with DC switch on the inverter).
Below are the three possible inverter states indicating that the inverter has started up successfully.
Waiting: Inverter is waiting to check the DC input voltage from panels is greater than 80V (lowest start-up voltage)
but less than 120V (lowest operating voltage), display will indicate the Waiting status and green LED will flash.
Checking: Inverter will check DC input environment automatically when DC input voltage from the PV panels
exceeds 120V and PV panels have enough energy to start inverter, display will indicate the Checking status and
green LED will flash.
Normal: Inverter begins to operate normally with green light on. Meanwhile feedback energy to grid, LCD displays
present output power.
Note: You can go to the setting interface on the display to follow the instructions if it is the first time to start up.
Note!
Please set-up the inverter if it is the first time to start-up. The above steps are for the regular
start-up of the inverter. If it is the first time to start up the inverter, you need to carry-out the initial
set-up of the inverter.
Warning!
Power to the unit must be turned on only after installation work has been completed.
All electrical connections must be carried out by qualified personnel in accordance
with legislation in force in the country of installation.
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6. Operation
6.1 Control Panel
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7. Maintenance
This section contains information and procedures for solving possible problems with the inverters and provides you
with troubleshooting tips to identify and solve most problems that can occur.
- Wait for one minute, grid may go back to normal working state.
Grid Freq Fault - Make sure that grid voltage and frequency complies with standards.
- Or please seek for help from us.
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Fault Code Solution
- Wait for one minute, grid may go back to normal working state.
Grid Voltage Fault - Make sure that grid voltage and frequency complies with standards.
- Or, please seek for help from us.
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7.2 Troubleshooting
a. Please check the fault message on the System Control Panel or the fault code on the inverter information
panel. If a message is displayed, record it before doing anything further.
b. Attempt the solution indicated in table above.
c. If your inverter information panel is not displaying a fault light, check the following to make sure that the current
state of the installation allows for proper operation of the unit:
(1) Is the inverter located in a clean, dry, adequately ventilated place?
(2) Have the DC input breakers opened?
(3) Are the cables adequately sized?
(4) Are the input and output connections and wiring in good condition?
(5) Are the configurations settings correct for your particular installation?
(6) Are the display panel and the communications cable properly connected and undamaged?
Contact Customer Service for further assistance. Please be prepared to describe details of your system installation
and provide the model and serial number of the unit.
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8. Decommissioning
8.1 Dismantling the Inverter
- Disconnect the inverter from DC Input and AC output. Wait for 5 minutes for the inverter to fully de-energize.
- Disconnect communication and optional connection wirings. Remove the inverter from the bracket.
- Remove the bracket if necessary.
8.2 Packaging
If possible, please pack the inverter with the original packaging. If it is no longer available, you can also use an
equivalent box that meets the following requirements.
- Suitable for loads more than 30 kg.
- Contains a handle.
- Can be fully closed.
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The copyright of this manual belongs to FOXESS CO., LTD WUXI BRANCH. Any corporation
or individual should not plagiarize, partially or fully copy (including software, etc.), and no
reproduction or distribution of it in any form or by any means is permitted. All rights reserved.
FOXESS CO., LTD WUXI BRANCH
Add: No.11, Lijiang Road, Xinwu District, Wuxi City,
Jiangsu Province, China
Tel: 0510- 68092998
[Link]
V2.0
10-203-00001-08