Frequently
Asked Questions
What if there is no power to
the home?
The primary solution involves using the manual
bypass.
- Manual Bypass: This is the main method. It's especially useful in situations where the utility (like
PG&E)
doesn't give precise timing for power work, only a broad window.
- Bypass: This is the main method. It's especially useful in situations where the utility (like PG&E)
doesn't give precise timing for power work, only a broad window.If EQB is in an open position or
firmware issue: If the EQB is in an "open position" (meaning it's not
connecting power) or if the firmware on the meter adapter controller and Franklin battery is older, or
if there's a bad Wi-Fi/cell service connection, the EQB might open in rare cases. In such scenarios, you
can:
- Use one of their manual close devices.
- Leave the Franklin system in the off position so it doesn't override existing switch positions.
- Update the firmware on the meter adapter controller from Franklin to the newest version after
device
discovery and commissioning. This ensures the newest firmware is used, and the meter adapter
controller should
automatically close the EQB once it senses the grid.
Additionally, instructions for a scenario during commissioning where power may be off intermittently or if a
firmware update is needed:
- Manual Bypass during Commissioning/Firmware Update:
- If the EQB is in the open position and no power is being delivered, use the manual bypass in the lid
of
the EQB to close it back to the grid manually.
- Plug the six-pin Molex connector on the EQB side of the wiring harness into the mating connector in
the
lid of the EQB.
- Press the button labeled PB1.
- Confirm the switch position with the LED visual indicator window, where you should see line voltage
(either open or closed).
In essence, the manual bypass is your primary tool in a
no-power situation, supplemented by potential firmware updates or system reconfigurations depending on
the
cause.
What if the EQB does not fit
properly on the home?
The primary option for Incompatible Panels or Load Centers:
Alternate Construction:
If your panel is incompatible with the EQB, especially if there's a load
center directly above the meter socket, they offer an alternate construction. This means the junction box,
instead
of being in the "12:00 position" (top), can be placed in the 3:00 and 9:00 positions (left and right).
• Note: Currently, these alternate constructions are offered "in isolation only," but a line-side tap
version is in development.
Addressing Tight Clearances:
If you have tight clearances on a panel (e.g., load center next to the meter socket, or meter socket on the
left and load section on the right with a vertically opening door), the vents on the EQB might interfere
with the door or block access to breakers. In this case:
- Replace a Vent with a Fiberglass Knockout: You can replace one of the vents with a fiberglass
knockout, like a Wigman hole plug (Catalog number HW FGHP 100125 WW). This knockout must be waterproof
and 1
1/4 inch maximum.
General Advice for Fitment:
- To confirm fitment, it is advised to use a measuring tape to measure the space in your meter socket
or panel.
- Metal knockouts can also be used, but they must be waterproof and cannot interfere or come into
contact with any metal parts inside the EQB due to the risk of electrocution.
- If you are unsure about compatibility, you should e-mail a photograph of your electric
panel to info@eqbmim200.com or info@energyquarterback.com.
In summary, there are design alternatives and physical modifications available, and it's recommended to
measure carefully or consult with them if there are doubts about fitment.
What do installers do if the EQB
installation is not approved when installed?
- Contact the utility directly: Installers should contact the utility directly.
- Confirm with the utility prior to installing: The best advice is for them to confirm with the
utility before the installation takes place.
Some Installers are currently in this position with some installations in LADWP (Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power) and are waiting for the utility to approve. It also mentions that issues can arise with
homeowner expectations and timelines for deliverables if approval is not secured beforehand.
So, the key takeaway is proactive communication with the utility: check for approval before installing, and
contact them directly if issues arise post-installation.
What approvals are required to install the
EQB in California
- UL Listing and Recognition: The components, all working together as a certified system, must
first
have a UL listing and recognition.
- CEC Solar Equipment List: The system must be listed on the California Energy Commission (CEC)
solar
equipment list, specifically for power control systems and the battery section. The EQB is
currently
listed
on this list with Franklin WHA Power 2 and a Power S with the meter adapter controller, once
they
are on the CEC website.
- Utility Recognition and Internal Evaluation:
- Utilities will recognize the listing and allow for installs after their own internal
evaluation
period.
- They have already completed this process with Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas
and
Electric (PG&E), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
- They are in the process of getting approvals for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
(LA
DWP) and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
- Other AHJ's (Authority Having Jurisdictions) will also need to approve.
- Local AHJ and Utility Approval: (from page 20, around 53:03, and page 21, around 55:44)
- In all cases, you will need permission from your local AHJ and the electric power utility to
install an EQB.
- Installation must be done by the utility themselves, as they will not allow an installer to
remove the smart meter or install an EQB without their meter technician on site.
- You will need permission to operate from the utility in any case, and it is very likely they
will still need to approve your interconnection permit plans.
How do installers get qualified to install
the EQB?
Installers get qualified to install the EQB by:
- Taking training on their website. This training program in currently under development and may
not be available at this time.
- Being trained on the complete energy storage system through FranklinWH website.
https://www.franklinwh.com/installer-certification
What are the differences between
the Silver Model and the Platinum?
Both models:
- Can work on grid or off-grid
Silver Model:
- Is used for isolation only
- There are no lugged connections in the silver model; it's used for isolation purposes
only.
Platinum Model:
- Allows for tying your solar and batteries directly to the adapter.
- This is done via a line side tap before the main breaker in the electric panel,
which
offers a convenient installation for some cases.
- However, in Southern California Edison Territory, a PE stamp is required on all
plans that utilize this feature.
- With the Platinum model, you can simply surface mount an AC disconnect lockable
blade
type with fuses (or connect your energy storage system directly to the lugs in the
EQB).
- It incorporates an isolation switch/relay that enables you to back up your entire
facility from those lugged connections.
- The Platinum model is used for isolation or line side tap optionality or
connectivity
where you may not have enough space to land breakers in your existing load center or
add
a subpanel.
In summary, the Silver Model is simpler, primarily for isolation, while the Platinum
Model offers more advanced integration, allowing direct connection of solar and batteries
via a
line-side tap and providing whole-facility backup capabilities.
What inverters are qualified to
work with the EQB?
Specifically:
- The Franklin WH Meter Adapter Controller (MAC)
- Power 2 battery systems
- Power S battery systems
These systems have built-in inverters for converting stored DC energy to grid-friendly AC
voltage.
The difference between the two Franklin battery systems:
- The A Power 2 is an AC coupled battery.
- The A Power S does the same things but also incorporates an internal DC busbar and MPPT
controller (Multi-PowerPoint Tracker), which offers increased efficiencies in the DC
busbar
architecture versus AC coupling.
How do I order an EQB?
You can order an EQB through:
- CED Greentech
- Greentech Renewables
Greentech is not currently selling direct to customers.
What do installers do if the EQB
installation is not approved when installed?
- Contact the utility directly: Installers should contact the utility directly.
- Confirm with the utility prior to installing: The best advice is for them to confirm with the
utility before the installation takes place.
Some Installers are currently in this position with some installations in LADWP (Los Angeles Department
of Water and Power) and are waiting for the utility to approve.
Issues can arise with homeowner expectations and timelines for deliverables if
approval is not secured beforehand.
So, the key takeaway is proactive communication with the utility: check for approval before installing,
and contact them directly if issues arise post-installation.
What communications protocols are
supported by the EQB?
Currently, the EQB is utilizing analog only connections.
However, we are also building a CAN bus interface for future integrations.
Do I need solar panels to make use of
the EQB?
No, you do not need solar panels to use the EQB.
However:
- It is extremely helpful and beneficial to the customer to have solar panels.
- Charging batteries from the grid is the most expensive use of energy.
- It's much cheaper and more efficient to create your own energy (with solar) and store it, so you
can use your own energy.
So, while not strictly required for the EQB to function, having solar panels significantly enhances its
economic and energy efficiency benefits.
How do I manually change the position
of the EQB switch?
- Use your energy storage system app: This is the primary method. You can manually select to go
off-grid at any time or preset specific times.
You can also set it for emergency backup
situations to automatically go off-grid during a grid outage.
- Utilize the manual bypass: The position of the switch can also be changed by using the manual
bypass connection in the upper junction box of the EQB.
Important Warning:
- This manual bypass method should only be done if there is an issue with the energy storage
system where it is no longer functioning as intended.
- It is not recommended for a homeowner to perform these functions.
- You should only do this if you are an AC10 licensed contractor or a representative of the
company with experience working with high-voltage equipment.
In short, while there are manual ways to change the switch position (via the app or physical
bypass), it is strongly advised that only qualified professionals handle the physical manual bypass
due to safety concerns.
What is the PSI?
- PSI is short for Public Safety Interlock.
- PSI is used to inform the inverter of its position.
- PSI acts as a double-check on top of other internal measurements.
- It helps determine grid presence and the switch position of the PSI.
- It's used for enabling backup and confirming you are off the grid.
Essentially, it's a safety mechanism that communicates the status of the grid connection to the
inverter, crucial for proper operation and safety, especially when switching between grid-connected
and
backup modes.
Do I need a permit to install the EQB?
Listed here are the approvals required to install the EQB in California:
- UL Listing and Recognition: The components, all working together as a certified system, must
first have a UL listing and recognition.
- CEC Solar Equipment List: The system must be listed on the California Energy Commission
(CEC)
solar equipment list, specifically for power control systems and the battery section. The
EQB is
currently listed on this list with Franklin WHA Power 2 and a Power S with the meter adapter
controller, once they are on the CEC website.
- Utility Recognition and Internal Evaluation:
- Utilities will recognize the listing and allow for installs after their own internal
evaluation period.
- They have already completed this process with Southern California Edison (SCE),
Pacific
Gas and Electric (PG&E), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
- They are in the process of getting approvals for Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power (LA DWP) and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
- Other AHJ's (Authority Having Jurisdictions) will also need to approve.
- Local AHJ and Utility Approval:
- In all cases, you will need permission from your local AHJ and the electric power
utility to install an EQB.
- Installation must be done by the utility themselves, as they will not allow an
installer
to remove the smart meter or install an EQB without their meter technician on site.
- You will need permission to operate from the utility in any case, and it is very
likely
they will still need to approve your interconnection permit plans.
In summary, it requires a combination of product certifications (UL, CEC), approval from specific
California utilities, and local AHJ approval, with the utility often needing to be directly involved
in
the installation process for certain components.
How do I land the neutral?
General Principles & Utility-Specifics:
- San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E):
- This is described as the easiest.
- They use ground and neutral through the adapter.
- Their installer uses a Polaris connector or an insulation piercing tap connector to
bond the neutral and/or ground through the adapter to the panel itself.
- There's an option for running an external ground at the installer's choice if
they want to bond it to ground rods.
- Southern California Edison (SCE):
- They also land the neutral connection via a Polaris connector into the whole section of
the
utility side of the electric panel.
- They do not bond the ground wire in the panel in any case.
- They require external grounding either to the UFERUFER or to ground rods.
- These are all external grounding methods that are not done through the adapter.
- In some cases for neutral bonding, if you have a meter socket directly above your load
center and limited space, you may need to create a path between the meter socket/pull
section and the load section of your panel. This might involve cutting away cardboard
dividers or utilizing a prefabbed knockout to pass the neutral wire.
- Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Territory:
- They require the customer to land a neutral in every case in the load side of the panel.
- PG&E will not use a Polaris connector or insulating piercing tap connector in any case.
- You need to create a path from the meter socket/pull section into the load side of the
panel.
- PG&E representatives (meter technicians) will then bond the neutral wire to the neutral
bus on an installer-provided lug (either double-forked or similar) for #4 wire.
- PG&E also requires external grounding and will not bond the ground wire in the panel;
it's an installer requirement.
Common Theme:
- You'll likely be dealing with the meter socket, load center, and the neutral bus bar.
- Tools like Polaris connectors or insulation piercing tap connectors might be used, but not
universally across all utilities (e.g., PG&E explicitly avoids them).
- External grounding is often a requirement, particularly for SCE and PG&E.
- Creating physical pathways for wiring might be necessary, especially in tight spaces.
Due to the varying requirements by utility, it's crucial to know which utility company is
involved and follow their specific guidelines for landing the neutral.