Remote Automation Solutions

Emerson Process Management

6005 Rogerdale Road
Houston, Texas 77072

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTIFICATION

PRODUCT SAFETY CONCERN: FloBoss 103 & FloBoss 104 with internal battery option
FB103C1 using a constant power source.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION ON THE RELATED ISSUES
Configurations using a constant power source with the FloBoss 103 and
FloBoss 104 Flow Manager products (the Products) which contain the
internal battery option (FB103C1) can produce thermal events which in
explosive environments could result in serious personal injury or property
damage.

Due to continuous application of power, the failure of a battery cell in the Products may be masked in
certain cases, which may result in the overcharging of the remaining battery cells. Analysis of field
returns shows that when the Product is powered with a constant power source and at least one of the
three battery cells reaches the end of its useful life, the other batteries may be overcharged which may
cause the battery system to short to ground resulting in excessive heat and may lead to a thermal
event.
Remote Automation Solutions strongly recommends the following actions to avoid
overcharging and related hazards.
1. First, check the connection of the power source. If you are connecting the Product in one of the
following ways, then the Product may be at risk of overcharging.
External constant power (i.e. batteries, battery farm) wired to CHG terminals with internal
batteries installed (FB103C1)
External solar power panel greater than 5 Watts with internal batteries installed (FB103C1)
External power source (solar or DC) wired into TB1 terminal located on the battery terminal
board (FB103C1)
If you are unsure of your configuration, please contact Remote Automation Solutions Technical
Support.
2. Next, determine whether you have a failed battery cell.

Do not open the enclosure in the presence of

an explosive or dangerous atmosphere.
To determine whether you have a failed battery cell:
Disable all external power.
Determine whether the unit is functioning.
If the unit does NOT continue to function, then you have a dead cell.
3. If you have a dead cell, change the configuration as follows:
Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling the battery assemblies.
Be careful to limit the amount of flex put on the board during removal as corrosion and
dendrite growths may enable an electrical short across the battery when flexed.
o This can also occur while in transit between sites or from the site to a recycle facility.
Once the battery assembly is removed from the enclosure it is recommended to be
immediately placed in a Liposack bag for transport and until the charge on the batteries
have been expended or the batteries have been removed and properly recycled.
Dispose/Recycle the batteries according to local laws and regulations. Please do not return
the batteries to Remote Automation Solutions as hazards may present during shipping.
Continue to step 4.
If the unit continues to function, then you do not have a dead cell and should take the
following steps:
4. Repower the unit using one of the configurations listed below:
Remote Automation Solutions solar power option (FB103FA & FB103FB) with internal
batteries installed
a. This option requires that the unit be returned to the Factory for installation of kit
b. Please contact repair center for authorization, cost estimates and further
instructions
External solar power (maximum of 12V / 5 Watts) wired to CHG terminals with internal
batteries installed (FB103C1)
External constant power without internal batteries installed
c. DC power (batteries or otherwise) wired to CHG terminals (FB103C2)
5. Please continue to perform routine maintenance, including regular maintenance checks for
battery systems in the field.
If you have questions about this issue and your particular use case, please contact your local business
partner or Remote Automation Solutions Technical Support 1 (800) 537-9313.

For & on behalf of Remote Automation Solutions

Paul Crockett
Sr. Quality Engineering Manager
Emerson Process Management
Remote Automation Solutions
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