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Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers To All Your Questions

How do I charge the Fogstar Drift Lithium Leisure Batteries?

You can charge your Drift Leisure battery in a number of ways;

  • Using a multi-stage LiFePO4 mains charger
  • Using Solar panels and an MPPT controller
  • As part of a B2B or DC-DC charger set-up

The recommended voltage for charging a lithium leisure battery is between 13.5V - 13.8V Float to 14.2v - 14.4V Bulk.

We recommend Victron equipment is set to a Float of 13.5V and 14.2V Bulk.

Going above this range for significant periods of time can damage the battery. The current level during charging is also important. Charging a lithium battery at a current level that is too high can shorten its lifespan or even cause it to overheat.

The recommended charging current for a lithium leisure battery is typically around 20-30% of the battery's capacity.

For example, if the battery has a capacity of 100Ah, the recommended charging current would be around 20-30 amps. We have designed a range of Fogstar Drift mains chargers to work in cohesion with our battery range, you will find these here

Can I series OR parallel connect the Fogstar Drift batteries?

Yes, we modified the JBD BMS at the manufacturing stage to add series and parallel support up to four in parallel OR four in series, for all 12V variants.

24V batteries can be connected up to four in parallel OR two in series.

What size terminals/posts are the Fogstar Drift Lithium Leisure batteries?

The Fogstar Drift terminals are all M8 in size, 1.25 pitch, 12mm.

All of our Drift Leisure batteries come with bolts and terminal posts as standard. The recommended Torque is 4Nm.

It's also worth pointing out that the Drift PRO batteries are M10 in size - slightly bigger than the Fogstar Drift batteries!

At what point do the heaters kick-in on the Fogstar Drift Lithium Leisure Batteries?

You can safely discharge a LiFePO4 battery down to -20°c degrees with no issues - the JBD BMS is set to allow this. The issue is charging the battery in freezing conditions, as this can cause damage if done under 0°c.

The Drift heating pads are only activated when the battery is being charged at 0°c or below, and are only powered by the incoming charge current, not the battery itself.

If you put the battery on charge, it will warm the battery first, and then allow current through to the battery when the temperature is safe enough to do so. 

Is it possible to connect your leisure batteries in parallel if they are different capacities e.g. connecting a 105Ah in parallel with a 280Ah?

No, all batteries connected in series and/or parallel must be the same capacity rating, same make and same model.

If you look at the specification sheets for these products, you will see quite a difference in the maximum continuous discharge.

The 105Ah has a maximum continuous discharge of 100A, and the other variants of Drift have a maximum continuous discharge of 250A.

It is also worth pointing out that if you have a Fogstar Drift containing a 200A BMS, and you're looking to add an upgaded 250A Fogstar Drift battery in series or parallel, you can do so - but your maximum conditional discharge will only be as high as your lowest battery (i.e. 200A).

Where do I register my Fogstar Drift Warranty?

You can register your 10 year Fogstar Drift Warranty at https://www.fogstar-drift.co.uk/pages/warranty-registration. If you have multiple Drifts, please register them individually.

Can Fogstar Drift Lithium Leisure Batteries be lay on their side?

Yes, your Drift battery can be lay on its side, in fact, you can lie a Drift battery in any configuration you wish. All we recommend is that you keep the terminals clear and clean.

Can I use a Gel/Lead Acid charger to charge my Fogstar Drift Leisure Battery?

Most lead-acid battery chargers will do the job just fine. Lithium leisure batteries have a terminal voltage very similar to that of other Lead Acid variants, such as Wet, Gel and AGM. Just double check that the charging parameters do not exceed14.4V Bulk.

What settings should I use on my Victron equipment for my Fogstar Drift Leisure battery?

Most Victron chargers have a dedicated Lithium setting - you are fine to set the battery to this. However, if you would like to personalise your settings, please use the following;

Absorption voltage: 14.2V
Absorption time: The recommended setting is half an hour per 100Ah of LiFePO4 battery (for example if you have x2 105Ah batteries select 1 hour).
Float Voltage: 13.5V
Equalisation voltage: 14.2V (you do not need to equalise Lithium, so you can turn this off, but in-case it ever runs a cycle the batteries will be ok at this voltage).
Temperature compensation: should be disabled on Lithium batteries.
Charged Voltage: This is where your battery is considered fully charged - Lithium batteries should be set to 14.2V for Victron equipment.
Low Temperature cut-off: The Drift batteries have low temperature charging protection built into the battery. You can leave this off.
Discharge Floor: 0%
Tail Current: This is the minimum current at which the Smart Shunt considers charging or discharging finished. We recommend 4%.
Peukert Exponent: Not required - this is for Lead Acid batteries.

I've had a Low Temperature Charging warning on my Fogstar Drift App, what does this mean?

The battery has detected that you are trying to charge whilst the temperature is around 0°C. This warning is normal, and it is used to trigger the heating pads in your battery. Incoming charge current will heat the pads first, and then the battery will allow charge through when it reaches 5°C.

I've had a High Temperature Discharging (OTD) warning, what does this mean?

The battery has detected that you are trying to discharge whilst the internal temperature is above 75°C. Discharging has been disabled until the temperature falls within an acceptable range.

I've had a Low Temperature Discharging (UTD) warning, what does this mean?

The battery has detected that you are trying to discharge whilst the temperature is below -20°C. Discharging has been disabled.

I've had a Pack Under Voltage (POV) warning, what does this mean?

The total voltage of the pack has exceeded the maximum voltage. The BMS has turned off charging so that you do not overcharge the battery. Please discharge the battery.

I've had a Pack Under-Voltage (PUV) warning, what does this mean?

The total voltage of the pack has reached the minimum allowed voltage. Discharge has been disabled. Please charge the battery.

I've had a Short Circuit (SCD) warning, what does this mean?

A short circuit has been detected, and the BMS has protected you, and your battery. Please stop using the battery, and check your system thoroughly for anywhere a short circuit could have occurred. This could also be caused by an extremely large inverter charging its capacitors. If this is the case, disconnect the load and use a pre-charge resistor.

I've had an Over Current Charging (OCC) warning, what does this mean?

You have exceeded the 200A charging limit. The BMS has disabled charging. Please get in touch with us for support.

I've had an Over Current Discharging (OCD) warning, what does this mean?

You have exceeded the 200A discharging limit. The BMS has disabled discharging. Please get in touch with us for support.

I've had a Cell Under-Voltage (CUV) warning, what does this mean?

A cell has hit the minimum voltage and the BMS has disabled discharging to protect the cell. Please charge the battery.

I have a High Temperature Charging (OTC) warning, what does this mean?

The battery has detected that you are trying to charge whilst the internal temperature is above 55°C. Charging has been disabled until the temperature falls within an acceptable range.

Why does my Fogstar Drift battery only show three temperatures?

It is perfectly normal for cell 4 not to be showing a temperature. Temp 1 is the BMS temperature, Temp 2 is 'battery bank 1' temperature, and Temp 3 is 'battery bank 2' temperature.

Are the Fogstar Drift batteries IP rated?

The Fogstar Drift batteries are IP67 rated.

Why is my state of charge % (SOC) incorrect?

For the first 4-5 cycles it is prudent to ignore the % state of charge (SOC) in the App. The BMS does not fully learn the parameters of the battery until the first few charge/discharge cycles have been complete - during this time %SOC readings can be inaccurate. For this period of time, always be led by the voltage of the battery.
 
If you notice the battery %SOC does not correspond with the voltage, it's likely that the battery hasn't been fully charged for a while, please keep charging the battery until it reaches 14.2V - this will reset the capacity.

I have my batteries in parallel and the state of charge is different on them?

Parallel connections can be difficult in terms of capacity counting and measurement.

There are multiple BMS, that are all independently trying to count the current. This current counting is then directly used to produce a percentage and current capacity figure. Issues can arise because each BMS may be counting something slightly different, due to calibration differences, or slightly different internal resistances, and over time this can produce different results within each battery.

As a rule of thumb, as long as the voltages are identical between them, they are balanced and quite happy. In this circumstance, we would recommend you use a BMV as your main source of current counting to give you an accurate idea of what is happening with your entire battery bank. 
 
Turning off 'Charge' on the app, will usually reduce the voltage at the terminals by 1V, as the internal charge mosfet disconnects. This sometimes results in the battery dropping below a pre programmed threshold, in which it will then turn charge on again automatically in order for the battery to discharge correctly.

If connecting in parallel, we recommend fully charging the batteries individually, letting them rest for half an hour, and then connecting them in parallel. This usually gets the BMS a lot closer. If using batteries in parallel, it's important to note that an external shunt will be a more accurate means of measurement in the long run, especially considering that current below 1A cannot be measured (no internal BMS shunt will measure low currents accurately) but an external shunt will.

My battery isn't the exact weight specified in the spec sheet, why is this?

All LiFePO4 batteries have a built-in weight tolorance of ±3kg. All weights are approximate.

I have two batteries connected in parallel, why is the % SOC different between the two batteries?

When connecting batteries in parallel, the current flowing through each battery is very rarely equal.

This disparity arises due to inherent cell manufacturing variations, differences in connection resistances, and even subtle environmental factors like temperature discrepancies - it's completely normal behaviour in Lithium batteries.
 
If the voltage is the same, then the batteries are working well together, it's just the reporting which is 'out'/
 
Top tips for connecting your LiFePO4 batteries in parallel
1. Always remember, no two batteries are exactly alike. Tiny differences in their chemistry will make one work a bit harder than the other.
2. When connecting your batteries in parallel, always charge them to a full 14.2V, and rest for 2 hours before connecting.
3. Loose cables or unequal lengths can also favour one battery over the other, make sure your cables are identical in length and size, and always ensure all connections are tightened the same.
4. Ensure you take the positive from one battery, and the negative from the other when connecting, aim to keep the connections as balanced as possible.
5. If you notice any major disparity between the battery SOC. Disconnect the batteries and put a full 14.2V charge into each battery to reset the capacity.
6. SOC% reporting may be incorrect if the capacity hasn't been reset for a while. 

Can I use the JBD Xiaoxiang BMS App for my Fogstar Drift?

Yes, you can also use the JBD Xiaoxiang BMS App for both Android or iOS to monitor your Drift battery.

Download the Xiaoxiang for Android here.
Download the Xiaoxiang for iOS here

What is the recommended torque of the Fogstar Drift battery terminals?

Depending upon your individual set-up, the torque will be anywhere between 4Nm - 6Nm.

Can I connect my Fogstar Drift battery to a Cerbo GX?

If you require Cerbox GX integration, take a look at our Drift PRO range - this has been specially configured to work in cohesion with the Cerbo GX as a 'plug and go'.

One of my cells is flashing in the App, what does this mean?

If you see a cell flashing in the app, it is nothing to worry about - it simply means that this cell is balancing.

How do I store my LiFePO4 leisure battery?

We strongly suggest your batteries are stored at room temperature, charged to between 30% to 50% of their capacity. We recommend that batteries be charged once every three months to prevent over discharge.

How do I change the name on my Fogstar Drift battery?

It's really simple to alter the name of your battery.

  • Open your Battery Dashboard (with the % dial)
  • Click the name at the top of the screen
  • Enter your new battery name (make sure your name is no longer than 10 characters)
  • Once the ‘success’ notice flags, wait another 15 seconds for the change to register.

Do you recommend a B2B charger?

If your vehicle or boat's power supply is not LiFePO4 compatible, you might need to upgrade the charger to ensure proper charging and prevent damage to the battery (B2B or DC-DC is preferred). Whilst we don't recommend third-party equipment, there are many great options on the market.

What settings should I use on my Leisure Battery charger?

Absorption voltage: 14.2V - 14.4V
Float Voltage: 13.5V - 13.8V
Conditioning Voltage: 13.8V
Absorption Time: The recommended settings for LiFePO4 batteries is half an hour per 100Ah of LiFePO4 battery.

Most chargers have profiles for various different battery parameters (Lead Acid/AGM), you should choose one that fits as close as possible to 13.5V - 13.8V Float and 14.2V - 14.4V Bulk. 

Victron equipment should be set to 14.2V Bulk and 13.5V Float.

Where can I download the Fogstar Drift App?

You can download the App on both Android and iOS

Fogstar Drift App iOS


Fogstar Drift App Android

What are the settings for my Victron Smart Shunt?

Charged Voltage: 14.2V
Tail Current: 1% (2.3A)
Peukart Exponent: Not needed (this is for lead acid)
Charge Efficiency: 99%
Discharge Floor: 11.6V / 0%
 
Torque settings should be around 4Nm.

What settings do I use on my battery monitor?

Use the settings below for your battery monitor;

Capacity  This is the capacity of your battery (e.g. if you have a 280Ah - input 280Ah)

Full Voltage -14.4V
Zero Volts - 11.6V
Power-off Voltage - 11.2V
Alarm Capacity - Set this to your personal choice.
Attenuation Ratio - 0.

 

Will the new Fogstar Drift (with a 250A BMS) work with my 200A Drift?

The new batteries can seamlessly integrate into your existing setup. However, do keep in mind - your system's maximum conditional discharge will match the capacity of your smallest battery. So, for example, if you have a 200A BMS in your current Drift, then that will set the limit for your whole system size.

What is the difference between the Fogstar Drift and Drift PRO?

You can read all about the differences between our Fogstar Drift and Drift PRO range over on our blog. However, here is a definitive list of the core features for both products;

Fogstar Drift

  • A Range of Voltages: Available in both 12v and 24v, adapting to different power needs.
  • Grade A EVE Cells: We only use the very best Grade A cells in our batteries, all matched and top-balanced.
  • Vast Capacity options: Ranging beautifully from 105ah to 608ah.
  • High Discharge BMS: Equipped with a JBD BMS for high and consistent discharges.
  • Heating Feature: Ensures performance even in chilly conditions.
  • Long Warranty: It comes with a 10-year warranty for total peace of mind.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: IP67 Rated, making it ideal for various weather conditions.
  • Configuration: Connect your batteries in either 4S or 4P configurations, grow your system to meet different demands.

Fogstar Drift PRO

  • Choose your Voltage: Comes in both 12v and 24v, suitable for a variety of applications.
  • High Capacity: Available in 230Ah, 280Ah, 300Ah, 460Ah, and 560Ah sizes.
  • Improved Discharge BMS: Boasts a 300A JBD BMS for outstanding power discharge.
  • The best LiFePO4 Cells: All of our batteries contain Grade A, matched and top-balanced EVE cells.
  • Inverter Flexibility: Ideal for use with Inverters up to 3500W in size. 
  • Victron Integration: Allows for seamless interoperability with Victron peripherals such as the Cerbo GX.
  • Heating Function: Offers steady performance even in cold temperatures.
  • On/Off Switch: Quickly put your battery into storage mode at the flick of a button.
  • 10 Year Warranty: An extra long warranty, for extra peace of mind.
  • Active Balancer: Features the JK Active Balancer input - just incase you need it.
  • Configurations: Can be connected in 4S or 4P configurations to suit your growing system demands.
  • Sturdy Metal Case: Houses the battery in a firm, protective case for added durability and easy serviceability. 
  • Advanced Inputs: Comes fitted with RS485/CAN inputs for optimal functionality.

What size terminals does the Drift PRO have?

All of our Drift PRO batteries contain M10 terminals. We include terminal bolts with all of our batteries.

What type of BMS does your Drift PRO battery contain?

All Drift PRO batteries contain a 300A, customised JBD BMS - capable of working with Inverters up to 3500W in size. Our JBD BMS contain a wide range of protective features, ensuring optimal charging and battery health throughout the lifecycle of the cells. Some of these protective features include Overcharge Protection, Overcurrent Protection, Cell Balancing, Temperature Protection, Under Voltage Protection and Short Circuit Protection.

How does the heating work in the Drift PRO?

The Drift PRO relies on LiFePO4 chemistry, which allows it to be discharged in temperatures as low as -20°C without any adverse effects. However, the charging process can pose problems as charging a LiFePO4 battery below freezing temperatures can cause irreversible damage, leading to a shorter lifespan. To mitigate this issue, we've incorporated heating pads into the battery to maintain optimal charging temperatures.

To avoid charging the battery under freezing conditions, the battery management system will disable charging and activate the protective state (LTC) when a temperature of 0°C is detected. This action initiates the activation of the heat pads. The BMS will utilize the incoming charge current to energize the 36W heating pads until the temperature reaches 5°C. After achieving 5°C, the protective state will be terminated, and the charging process will resume.

For optimal heating, the heating pads necessitate an incoming charge current of no less than 0.5A. These pads have undergone testing at -20°C, but their rating extends down to -40°C.

Similarly, if you’re taking your Drift PRO to warmer climates - the maximum operating temperature is 75°C. In the unlikely event that your battery should go into high-temperature protection, please contact a member of our Customer Service team immediately.

How do I access the battery parameters?

All battery parameters are locked by a password. We lock down the battery parameters to ensure your BMS settings remain protected and unable to be unchanged.

Changing the BMS parameters can permanently damage your unit. The set-up and configuration of these technical specifications are done so by the manufacturers, adapting them could result in a significant cell imbalance or errors in the BMS.

Should you wish to reconfigure the BMS for a hybrid set-up, please contact a member of our team at customerservice@fogstar.co.uk to obtain the password, discuss your set-up and reconfiguration prior to altering any of the BMS vitals.

How do I alter the name of my battery in the App?

Simply open your Battery Dashboard and click the name at the top of the screen, change the name of the battery, the BMS will register this as a ‘success‘, then simply wait 15 seconds for the change to register with the BMS. It's important to point out that the BMS has a character limit for name changes (keep the name as short as possible).

How do I use the Active Balancer on my Drift PRO battery?

An Active Balancer is a component that redistributes the current from the cells with a higher SOC, to cells with a lower SOC, thus creating an even distribution of current across the cells.

In our Drift PRO we’ve made the decision to use an external Jikong (JK) Active Balancer (one you plug in manually) not a permanent in-built one, this gives our customers the best of both worlds - the option to use an Active Balancer should they need to.

Because your Drift leisure battery contains matched and balanced Grade A EVE cells, you should not have to use your Active Balancer often. We recommend plugging the device in every three (3) to six (6) months, for two (2) to three (3) cycles (depending upon levels of cell disparity).

To connect the active balancer simply remove the protective bung, and plug the balancer directly into the battery.

How does the Victron Integration work on the Drift PRO?

The BMS has the ability to communicate with the Victron Cerbo GX, removing the need for a Victron BMS or SmartShunt. The BMS can communicate the following:

  • Voltage, State Of Charge, and Current
  • Temperatures
  • Cell Voltages
  • 10 BMS Alarms including high voltage, cell imbalance, low voltage etc
  • Current Limit
  • Charging Voltage Limit

The package includes the necessary cable, but if you need a longer one, a standard Cat7e cable can be used instead.

The Cable should go from the CAN port on the battery to the BMS-Can port on the Cerbo GX or GX-enabled inverter.

Connecting Multiple Batteries

It's possible to link more than one battery and monitor them using the Cerbo GX. However, the process of adding an extra battery varies from the initial connection. Although the same cable is used, it should be connected to the CAN port on the battery, and the VE-CAN (not BMS-CAN, which was used for the first battery). Once the connection is established, the following steps should be taken on the Cerbo GX;

  • Navigate to Settings > Services
  • VE CAN Port > Select CAN-BUS profile and CAN-BUS 500Kbit/s.

 

How do I store my Drift PRO battery?

We strongly suggest your batteries are stored at room temperature, charged to between 30% to 50% of their capacity. We recommend that batteries be charged once every three months to prevent over discharge.

Are the Drift PRO batteries IP rated?

 Fogstar Drift PRO batteries are not IP rated. However, the Fogstar Drift range are IP rated.

For multiple 15kWh batteries, how do I connect the RS485 Battery Linking cables?

These instructions presume that your main battery will be your top most battery in the cabinet.On your battery, you will see two 'Battery Link' ports.

  • The left port (number 1) connects to the next battery (sending communication).
  • The right port (number 2) receives the connection from the previous battery (receiving communication).

The main battery at the top should only have one RS485 linking cable in the right port.

Your bottom battery should only have one RS485 in the left port. All middle batteries should have cables connected to both.

What are the pinouts for the PACE BMS?

The pinouts for the PACE BMS are as follows;

How do I connect my battery to an EPEVER UPower Inverter?

Using the EPEVER BMS converter with the Pylon Cable attached to RS485, access the BMS via an RS232 cable and alter the BMS protocol to PACE RS485. 

On the EPEVER UPHI go to the protocol setting No 40 and set to protocol 3 which is PACE BMS.

Go to setting No:41 BEN this sets the UPHI to let the BMS handle the internal settings. 

What kind of connectors are used on the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery?

Our Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery utilises Amphenol push-pull connectors as per the image below;


How much does the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery weigh?

The  Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery weighs around 140kg.

Due to its significant weight (140 Kg), it's crucial to have at least six people assist with lifting, adhering to safety regulations.

When manoeuvring the unit on wheels, exercise caution to prevent tipping. Ensure stability during movement and utilise the levelling pads, not the wheels themselves, to support the weight.

How long does it take to install one 15.5kWh battery?

The process should take roughly 20 minutes for one 15kWh battery system.

How do I connect my Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery to my inverter?

We provide 1.5m cables with amphenol push terminals that connect directly to the battery. The latter end of the cable contains M8 terminal rings, enabling you to connect your battery either directly to the inverter, or to an external busbar. We recommend connecting all negative leads first.

Most inverters fit succinctly with the cables/push terminals supplied. In some instances, you may need to connect the cables to a busbar first, and use the inverter cables supplied by your inverter manufacturer.

What do you mean by battery protocol?

A protocol is a standardised set of rules for formatting and processing data. In this instance, having pre-loaded protocols in our PACE battery management system makes it simple for the battery to 'talk' to the inverter.

An example of this is Solis Inverters working with the 'Pylontech' protocol. 

I'm using the Pbms Tools Software, what does the small 'BL' mean next to the batteries?

The 'BL' by the cells indicates that the batteries are indeed balancing off - this can take a while especially if parameters have been reset as the battery will go back into learning.

How many Fogstar Energy 15kWh batteries can I connect in parallel?

You can safely connect up to 15 Fogstar Energy 15kWh batteries in parallel.

What are the dimensions of the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery?

500 (w) x 230 (l) x 830 (h)

These dimensions are without the wheels (which can be removed), the wheels add an additional 100mm to the height.

How do I connect my Victron Inverter to the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery?

Victron communication via a Victron Cerbo GX which will need to be purchased separately.

The batteries connect to a Cerbo GX BMS-CAN port from the CAN port on your main battery. The Cerbo GX then connects to your inverter via a VE.BUS cable.

You'll require a type B Victron battery BMS to to BMS CAN cable for this.

Can I connect your Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery to other makes/models of battery on the market?

The Fogstar systems are not compatible with other types or models of battery on the market, this may be due to discrepancies in power/size of the unit, BMS or overall system compatibility.

Please do not attempt to connect your Fogstar Rack Battery to any other make or model of battery on the market.

Does the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery have heating?

Yes, all of our LiFePO4 batteries come with heating.

The heating element will automatically activate when temperatures drop below 5°C, ensuring optimal performance even in frigid environments of -20°C.

How does the Active Balancer work in the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery?

The Fogstar Energy 15.5kWh unit contains a JK Active balancer, with a switch, enabling you to turn the function on and off. As all of our batteries contain matched and balanced cells, you shouldn’t have to use this function often, if at all. If you notice any significant disparity between the cells, we recommend putting the Active Balancing on, for two (2) to three (3) cycles.

It’s worth noting that leaving your active balancer on indefinitely will result in a self-consumption of >1Ah per day on average.

What are the charging parameters of the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery?

Bulk: 57.6
Float: 55.2
Low DC cut off: 43.2

What fixtures and fittings do I use to attach the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery to the wall?

Whilst we provide a robust mount for your unit (if required), we have left the mounting fixtures firmly in your hands.

It goes without saying that different wall types require different fixtures.

  • Type of Wall: Understand if it's drywall, concrete, brick, or wood stud. This determines the appropriate types and sizes of anchors/screws/fasteners.
  • Strength of Wall: Ensure the wall itself can support the combined weight of the battery and mounting bracket. Doubling up studs or adding reinforcement might be necessary.

If you are unsure about the fixing requirement for your unit, please contact a structural engineer who will be able to advise on the best solution for mounting your battery.

Can I use the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery to charge from the grid using overnight tariffs?

Solar-free installs are now quite popular and most inverters have the ability to set charging periods throughout the night. 
 
One of the most important factors to consider is the charging current of the inverter. If you're taking advantage of overnight charging tariffs, you'll need to fill 15kWh in around 3.3 hours. To do this, you'll need an inverter with a minimum of 90-100A (5kWh) of charge current.

Will my FOX ESS inverter work with the Fogstar Energy batteries?

It's all very dependant upon the make or model of the inverter. FOX ESS do a wide range of products, some of these include high voltage systems. It's best to contact our customer service team at customerservice@fogstar.co.uk, this will allow us to check the compatibility of your existing inverter.

Do I need to select my inverter before choosing my Fogstar Energy battery?

Yes, it's always best to work 'inverter down' when designing your system. The inverter  controls the charge/discharge and the timing of overnight charging on cheaper rate. The batteries are not in control of any of these systems, and the inverter exists to make all of these decisions. 
 
Inverter communications (or protocols) loaded onto our BMS are useful, however they are not crucial.

We can program most inverters to work without communication. Take a look at options from Sunsynk, Solis, Sofar (etc) - most of these allow timed charging and interface really well with our batteries.

Do you recommend a specific inverter to work with my Fogstar Energy battery?

It really all depends on your set-up. Different Inverters on the market have differing functionalities. 

Our Fogstar Energy batteries work with a wide range of Inverters, including Victron, Pylontech, Growatt, Sofar, Solis, SunSynk and Goodwe - giving you a vast range of inverters to choose from.

Consider what you require from your inverter and be sure to research what is out in the market. Fore example, Sunsynk inverters come with built in flux/agile settings - great for overnight charging. 

How do I change the charging times on my Fogstar Energy battery?

The charging times of your battery are controlled by your inverter, not your battery. 

What Inverter cables do the Fogstar Energy 15kWh battery come with?

All of our 15.5kWh batteries are shipped with 50mm2 inverter cables with an Amphenol connector to one end, and an M8 terminal ring to the other end.

Is the Fogstar Energy 15.5kWh Battery IP rated?

Unfortunately, the 15.5kWh Battery is not IP rated.

Can I connect your Fogstar Energy batteries to Pylontech batteries to work together?

Unfortunately not, our batteries will not work with any other make or model of battery.

What is the maximum conditional discharge of the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

The Fogstar Energy Rack Battery contains a PACE BMS with a maximum conditional discharge of 100A. 

What is the maximum charging current of the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

The Fogstar Energy Rack Battery contains a PACE BMS and has a maximum charging current of 100A.

What type of LiFePO4 cell does your Fogstar Energy Rack Battery contain?

Our Fogstar Energy Rack Battery contains Grade A EVE LF100LA cells. All of our LiFePO4 prismatic cells are matched and balanced before assembly.

What are the charging parameters of the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

The charging parameters for the Fogstar Energy Rack Batteries are;

Bulk: 57.6

Float: 55.2

Low DC Cut Off: 43.2

Does self-installation void my warranty on the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

We understand that many people who purchase these racks will be installing them themselves in preparation for system 'sign-off'. This does not affect the warranty at all.

Why are you not on the approvals list for my chosen inverter?

We may not be on the approved list for your chosen inverter because we believe that these lists are anti-competitive and limit consumer choice.

Numerous battery approvals lists exist, particularly for popular inverters in the market. At Fogstar, we firmly believe that these lists serve only to restrict the market and reduce consumer options. Our mission is to make lithium batteries affordable and accessible to everyone, and we view approvals lists as a hindrance to progress and innovation across the industry.

Can my Fogstar Energy Rack Battery be mounted on the side?

Yes, you can mount the batteries on their side as part of your installation. However, this approach may make it a bit awkward when reading the battery vitals on the touchscreen. You may wish to consider one of our Rack Battery Wall Mount kits.

Will the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery work with my Solis Inverter?

Yes, the Fogstar Energy Rack battery will work with all 48V Solis inverters thanks to the PACE BMS. 
You will need to select the CAN > Pylontech protocol on your battery.

Will the Fogstar Energy Rack work with my Victron Inverter?

Yes, the Fogstar Energy Rack battery will work with all 48V Victron inverters thanks to the PACE BMS.

The Victron Inverters don't have direct battery communication, therefore you will need a Cerbo GX which will plug directly into the battery with a Type B cable. The Cerbo GX will then plug directly into your inverter. This is how the system communicates.

To connect your Cerbo GX to the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery, simply;

1. Slot the Type B cable into the CANBUS input on the Cerbo GX.
2. Then select CAN > Victron when changing the protocol on the battery screen.

Will the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery work with my SunSynk Inverter?

Yes, the Fogstar Energy Rack battery will work with all 48V SunSynk inverters thanks to the PACE BMS.

You can connect your SunSynk Inverter to your Fogstar Energy Rack using the yellow CAN cable provided by SunSynk.
Then simply set the protocol (via the battery screen) to CAN > Pylontech.

Will the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery work with my Growatt Inverter?

The Fogstar Energy Rack Battery will work with 48V Growatt Inverters. However, it will not work with high voltage inverters - these systems require Growatts own batteries.

The latest Growatt inverters need a high-voltage battery (300V), not the 48V we supply. Please check your inverter type before purchasing a 48V battery.

To set-up your 48V Growatt Inverter with the Fogstar Energy Rack Batteries, simply;

  • Ensure CAN > Growatt is selected as the protocol language on the battery screen.
  • Ensure the red and white dip switch on the master battery is Number 1
  • Select Protocol 51 on the Growatt inverter
  • Use the CAN cable that came with the Growatt Inverter, from the CAN port on the battery, to the CAN communication port on the inverter.

Are you MCS registered?

Our batteries will need to be installed by an 'MCS-approved' installer, to be MCS approved. 

Will the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery work with my Sofar Inverter?

Yes, the Fogstar Energy Rack Batteries will work with 48V Sofar Inverters.


Will the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery work with my GivEnergy Inverter?

Yes, these are compatible with 48V GivEnergy inverters using the Pylontech protocol, which you can select from the battery screen prior upon installation.

What is the cycle life of your Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

The 5.12kWh Server Rack Battery contains Grade A EVE LF100LA cells capable of >4000 Cycles at 1C to 80%. After 4000 cycles, you will still have a battery that can deliver 80% of the stated capacity - 5.12Kwh is fully useable.

What are the dimensions of the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

Our 5.12kWh Rack Battery is 3.5U or 450(W) x160(H) x 440(L) mm in size.

How do I connect the RS485 Battery Linking cables?

These instructions presume that your main battery will be your top most battery in the cabinet.On your battery, you will see two 'Battery Link' ports.

  • The left port (number 1) connects to the next battery (sending communication).
  • The right port (number 2) receives the connection from the previous battery (receiving communication).

The main battery at the top should only have one RS485 linking cable in the right port.

Your bottom battery should only have one RS485 in the left port. All middle batteries should have cables connected to both.

What are the pinouts for the PACE BMS?

The pinouts for the PACE BMS are as follows;

What are the Dip Switch configurations on the Fogstar Energy Rack Battery?

For a more comprehensive list, please get in touch with our Customer Service Team.

How do I update the Inverter Protocol on the touchscreen?

You can update your Inverter protocol via the Touchscreen on the battery, this negates the need for downloading the Pbms Tools BMS Software.

1. Hit the ‘Settings’ button in the top right hand corner

2. Select CAN or RS485 communication type

3. Select the correct protocol (Pylontech/Solis/Growatt/Goodwe/Sofar/Victron)

4. Click ‘Confirm’ and use the back arrow to navigate back to the main screen.

 

Where can I download the PACE BMS Software?

The PACE BMS software (Pbms Tools) can be downloaded here.

Will the Fogstar Energy Server Rack Battery work with high voltage inverters?

Our Server Rack Batteries do not work with high voltage inverters. A good example of this is inverter manufacturers such as Solax, they only accept extremely high voltage batteries such as their own.

Will the Fogstar Energy Server Rack Battery work with my Solax Inverter?

Solax inverters only accept extremely high voltage batteries such as their own - they will not work with our 48V batteries.

What is the warranty on your Fogstar Energy Server Rack Battery?

Fogstar Energy warrants this Fogstar Energy 5.12Wh 48V Battery ("Product") to be free from defects in cells, BMS and workmanship for a period of eight (8) years from the date of purchase ("Warranty Period").

What is Covered:

  • This warranty covers the repair or replacement of any defective parts of the Product during the Warranty Period, at Fogstar's sole discretion.

What is Not Covered:

  • This warranty does not cover:
    • Damages caused by:
      • Gross negligence
      • Normal wear and tear
      • Accident or collision
      • Abuse or misuse
      • Incorrect installation
      • Acts of God (e.g., lightning, flood, fire)
      • Any disassembly or modifications to the Product not made by Fogstar or its authorised representatives
      • Alterations or modifications to the Product not made by Fogstar or its authorised representatives.
    • Any claims made after the Warranty Period has expired
    • Transportation costs associated with returning the Product for warranty service
    • Installation or removal costs of the Product
    • Any consequential or incidental damages, including but not limited to, loss of use, loss of data, or lost profits

Repair or Replacement:

  • In the first instance, Fogstar will attempt to troubleshoot and repair any issues with the Product before resorting to replacement.
  • If repair is not feasible, Fogstar will, at its sole discretion, replace the Product with a new or refurbished unit of equal or greater value.
  • Refurbished units will be of equivalent functionality and performance to a new unit and will have undergone rigorous testing to ensure compliance with warranty standards.

How to Make a Warranty Claim:

  • To make a warranty claim, please contact Fogstar customer support at customerservice@fogstar.co.uk. You will be required to provide a copy of your purchase receipt and a description of the problem you are experiencing.
  • Fogstar will then guide you through the troubleshooting process and determine the appropriate course of action.

What is the password to 'Write' the settings in Pbms Tools?

The password for writing changes to the PACE BMS is Pz#168178. Always re-start your battery after writing changes to the BMS.

A simpler way of changing you inverter protocol is via the LCD Touchscreen. 

Will the Solaredge SE10000H work with your 48V Fogstar Energy batteries?

Unfortunately not, the Solaredge SE10000H is a high voltage inverter, and as such, will not work with our 48V batteries.

What is the shipping cost for a Fogstar Drift Lithium Leisure Battery?

All mainland UK shipping of the Fogstar Drift and Drift PRO Litihium Leisure batteries is free.

How do you ship the Fogstar Drift and Drift PRO Lithium Leisure batteries?

We've partnered with FedEx to offer Next Day Delivery across mainland UK. You will be provided with a tracking number, allowing you to track your battery every step of the way.

For your safety, the safety of our couriers, and to comply with all UK regulations - all of our litihium leisure batteries are shipped as Class 9 Hazardous Goods. This means we only partner with specialised couriers trained to handle these batteries accordingly.