APC: APC UPS Blog

Smart-UPS Battery LED’s Flashing

by Tony ExcessUPS

If  all of a sudden the Battery Charge LED’s on your Smart-UPS started blinking, there could be several things going on.

 

1. The battery LED’s start blinking once the UPS knows it can’t support the attached load for longer than 2 minutes. This could be because your batteries are aging and at that load, you won’t have more than two minutes of run time. It could also be because you increased the load. Try and take some of the load off and see if the LED’s stop blinking.

2. Reset the Low Battery Signal – For example, take a Smart-UPS 1400 with 15 minutes of run time at the current load, if the low battery signal is set to 9 minutes, then if there’s less than 8 minutes of run time available the LED’s will start blinking. Set the battery signal warning time to a lesser value in the configuration menu and the UPS shutdown parameters sub menu in Powerchute plus.

3. Perform a run time calibration – this will give you accurate run time availability. This will also let you know if it’s time to change your batteries, they might have aged to the point where they can’t provide enough run time, but they haven’t completely expired. Follow the calibration procedure to do a calibration.

Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

by Tony ExcessUPS

The batteries inside of a UPS discharge during storage. There are several factors that affect the discharge rate including temperature in storage and battery rating. Also, the type of UPS and the method of storage will affect the discharge rate. Take a look at these interesting figures of discharge rates.

Keep in mind that the type of batteries used in a UPS have a “self discharge” characteristic.  In 20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit) temperature, the battery naturally loses 3% per month. After 6-9 months, the battery could become completely discharge and not usable.

Also, with some series of UPSs, it’s best to make sure the battery is totally unplugged during storage, this will reduce the discharge rate to the natural self discharge rate.

 

Back-UPS,  Back-UPS Pro and the rest of the Back-UPS family:

APC BE750G front sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- when they’re powered off, it’s the same 3%, the natural discharge rate

 

APC Smart-UPS series

SUA1500sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- if the battery is disconnected with the “battery disconnect” at the back of the UPS, the discharge rate is the same as the natural discharge rate (3% per month)

- if the battery is physically disconnected (by disconnecting the battery from the UPS inside the battery bay), the rate is the same as the natural discharge rate (3% per month)

- if the UPS is turned off from the front control panel, then the discharge rate rises to 5%. The extra power goes to keep the microprocessor in the UPS powered

 

Smart-UPS RT (1-10KVA)

APC SURT3000XLT front sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- batteries should be disconnected as soon as possible

- batteries can discharge below start up voltage (85vDC) within 72 hours

- if batteries are physically disconnected, the discharge rate will be the natural discharge rate,  can still fall below the the minimum required start up voltage

 

Smart-UPS RT (20KVA)

APC SURT10000XLT front sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- batteries should be disconnected if going into storage or if power is out for an extended period of time. This will reduce the discharge rate

- the 20KVA RT’s can charge the batteries while in by pass mode, so if the UPS is operating in by-pass, it’s ok to leave the batteries connected, they’re being charged and maintained anyway

 

Matrix UPS

APC Matrix 5000 MX5000 sm Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- if disconnected by the rear switch, the discharge rate is slightly higher than natural, around 5%. The extra power goes to the bleeder circuits which are required to discharge the large capacitors and keep service folk from getting hurt.

- if the Matrix UPS is turned off from the front control panel, the discharge rate jumps to 7% a month. The extra power goes to the microprocessor that keeps the settings

- if storing for an extended period of time, disconnect the battery packs from the Matrix completely. This should reduce the discharge rate to the minimum

 

Symmetra UPSs

Symmetra Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- anytime the power is off or bypass for over 24 hours, disconnect the battery modules (SYBT2, SYBT5, SYBATT)

- battery modules can quickly discharge below the needed start up voltage (90vdc)

 

Please note:

- UPS batteries batteries don’t like the heat. The hotter the temperature in the room, the higher the discharge rate rises

- at 30° Celsius (89.6° Fahrenheit) ups batteries discharge at 3% a month, at 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit), they discharge at 10% per month

12 sweat Battery discharge rates during storage (All APC UPS Models)

- if room temperature is 30° Celsius (89.6° Fahrenheit), charge at least once every 6 months to maintain battery life

- if temperature is hotter, charge the batteries every two to three months to make sure you get the longest life possible

 

ExcessUPS.com – The advertising campaign continues!

by Tony ExcessUPS

As you know we’re going all out and creating massive advertising campaigns to help spread our message in our fight against power fluctuations, power interruptions and power anomalies.

Check out this great video that explains it all!

Thank you to Esalaah who made this great video!

Battery LED’s flashing on a Smart-UPS even after Battery Replaced

by Tony ExcessUPS

“I replaced the batteries on my Smart-UPS, the replace battery light went OFF but the battery charge LED’s are still flashing, what do I do?”

There are several reasons the battery charge LED’s flash, but in this case, the calibration is inaccurate. When the previous battery was coming to the end of it’s life, it wasn’t able to support the protected load for more than 2 minutes. That sets off an alarm in the UPS and it starts blinking the battery LEDs to let you know. The firmware in the UPS has reprogrammed itself with this error.

When you replaced the battery, the UPS sensed the battery was holding a charge and the replace battery light went off, but the UPS really doesn’t have a way of knowing how good this battery is.  So the blinking lights remain to let you know the UPS doesn’t think that it can provide more than two minutes of run time.

In order to clear this error, you need to perform a run time calibration. If you have a newer SUA unit like the SUA750, SUA1000 or the SUA1500 you can try the software calibration feature in PowerChute. If you’d like to perform a manual calibration, that will work as well (some say even more accurately). Make sure to charge the battery to 100%, it’s even better if you let the unit charge for 24 hours.

If you have an older unit like the SU700NET, SU1000NET, SU1400NEt then it’s best to perform a manual run time calibration. The software calibration isn’t as accurate with these units.

Follow the manual calibration instructions to perform this calibration and clear the error.

Once the calibration is complete, the UPS should be reprogrammed with the new run time availability and the blinking lights on the battery bars should disappear.

Site Wiring Fault Light is ON

by Tony ExcessUPS

If the site wiring fault LED indicator (small red light on the back of the Smart-UPS) is lit on your UPS, this means that there could be a site wiring fault in the building or in the outlet providing power to the UPS. The site wiring fault indicator doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with the UPS, usually it’s one of the following:

 

1. Overloaded neutral wire (>5vdc measured between Neutral and Ground)

2. Reversed polarity (hot and neutral wires are reversed)

3. Missing ground wire (also includes using a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter)

 

If the site wiring fault indicator is lit up, the wiring in the facility should be inspected to make sure everything is wired and grounded properly. This could be a shock hazard so it’s important to address it and get it corrected as soon as possible.

 

How to Discharge (Brain Dead) a Back-UPS

by Tony ExcessUPS

If  you replaced the batteries on a Back-UPS 800 or any other Back-UPS model but the replace battery light didn’t go away, the unit might need to be reset. This is called “brain dead”, to purge the brain of the UPS of any remaining charge. This is also useful if your unit is acting strange, it’s always good to give this a try to see if the problem can be reset.

APC BACKUPS BR800 med How to Discharge (Brain Dead) a Back UPS

Follow this easy procedure to brain dead the Back-UPS:

 

1. Disconnect any attached load. (any equipment that’s plugged in to the UPS)

2. Unplug the UPS from the wall socket.

3. Disconnect the UPS’ internal battery. (you can disconnect the connector or pull the battery out completely if it’s easier)

4. Push and hold the “On” button on the UPS for 5 seconds (you might hear a click, chirp or lights will blink)

5. Reconnect internal battery.

6. Plug UPS in wall socket.

7. Turn UPS on.

 

 

This procedure should reset the UPS.

Backup Power for Aquarium Lights, Pumps, and Heaters

by Tony ExcessUPS

APC Battery Backups can provide back up power to aquarium equipment such as lights, pumps and heaters. Before picking the perfect UPS you need to make a list of everything that needs to be backed up.

Aquarium 247x300 Backup Power for Aquarium Lights, Pumps, and Heaters

For example:

 

1. 1x Light (30W)
2. 1x Pump (100W)
3. 1x Heater (20W)

 

Write down the power consumption on each one of these devices. Usually you’ll be able to find that information on the transformer that plugs in to the wall, the manual or even online on the manufacturer’s website. Once you know how much “load” you have, you need to think of how much run time you’ll need.

When you look at battery backup options you’ll see the maximum capacity and how much run time you’ll have at half load, and full load. You’ll be able to get an idea of how much time you’ll have with that UPS should the power fail.

An even easier way to get the perfect power backup for your tank is to make a list of the equipment and give us a call at toll free 866-311-1945 or send us and email  at sales@excessups.com. We will work with you to make sure you get the perfect battery backup for your aquarium. We’ve done power backup configurations for aquariums that provided run times of 10 minutes to 72 hours! I am sure we can help you get the set up you need.

Manual Runtime Calibration for APC UPS

by Tony ExcessUPS

Battery calibration can be performed by software, network management card, or manually. On the newer units (SUA, SMT) software calibration has become more accurate so you can give it a try. On older SU models, it’s best to do the manual hardware calibration. If you’re not getting the run time you thought you should have with the software method, perform a manual calibration to get a more accurate run time calculation.

Some people only do software calibration and consider that good enough, others prefer to do a manual calibration as a tried and true way of getting exact run time numbers. Neither is really wrong, it’s a matter of preference.

 

Follow these steps to do a proper manual calibration on your APC UPS:

1. Battery must be at 100% capacity when the Runtime Calibration is initiated/started. (charge the UPS for 24hours prior)
2. The UPS must have 30-34% load on it during the calibration (Constant load, try: lamps, computers, monitors. Measure load % by PowerChute)
3. Disconnect the serial/USB comm cable from the UPS (you don’t want PowerChute to shut down equipment)
4. The battery must be discharged completely  (unplug UPS from wall outlet, let the UPS to shut off completely due to a discharged battery).
5. Remove the attached load (ie – lights, computers)
6. Let the UPS charge for 8 hours while OFF (plug back into utility power, press OFF button when UPS turns ON)
7. Turn on UPS (run time should now be accurate)

 

If you’re confused about this process or stuck on one of the steps, email us at sales@excessups.com or give us a call toll free at 866-311-1945.

APC Back UPS RS 800 BR800BLK Flashing Overload and Replace Battery Light

by Tony ExcessUPS

APC Back-UPS RS 800 flashing the overload and replace battery lights

APC BR800BLK front med APC Back UPS RS 800 BR800BLK Flashing Overload and Replace Battery Light

This is indicative of a board failure, this is not a battery problem. This could have been caused by a surge or by aged components. This is not repairable, the UPS will need to be replaced. If your battery is still fairly new, you can save some money and make use of your batteries by buying a refurbished core (the unit itself) without the batteries. If your batteries are over 3 years old it’s best to either buy a refurbished br800blk ups with new batteries or buy a brand new UPS.

If you need a refurbished core without the batteries, get in touch with us to check availability.

APC Back UPS 900 BR900 Chirping, beeping and cycling through the lights

by Tony ExcessUPS

If  your APC Back-UPS 900 (BR900) is chirping, beeping and cycling through all the lights, it’s not a battery issue, it’s a board problem. The cycling, chirping and relay noises are indicating that the unit had a board failure. This isn’t repairable, the unit needs to be replaced. If the batteries in the unit are fairly new (less than 3 years) then you could save some money by replacing the core of the unit and using your batteries.

0527EFFC 5056 9170 D3585FA57EF28566 pr APC Back UPS 900 BR900 Chirping, beeping and cycling through the lights

 

Get in touch with us to see if we have a refurbished BR900 in stock. If we do, we can sell it to you without the batteries.

APC UPS won’t power up with a dead battery

January 20, 2012

A Smart-UPS that has a dead battery or doesn’t have a battery will not turn on. If you’ve stored your unit for a few years and when you brought it back out it didn’t turn on, most likely the battery died but the unit is functional. If you removed the battery from your UPS or [...]

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APC Back-UPS HS (BH500NET) Password Problems

January 19, 2012

When you’re setting up the password on the Back-UPS HS 500 web interface, don’t put an exclamation mark in the password. If there is an exclamation mark in the password the UPS will lock you out.  The unit will be need to be reset and a manual reset through the reset button  won’t necessarily fix [...]

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Big Budget ExcessUPS.com Advertising Campaign

January 19, 2012

We continue with the production of the big budget advertising campaign for ExcessUPS.com. This commercial just might show up during the half time show on Superbowl Sunday so look out for it! Make sure to watch, it’s hilarious, made by a very talented guy.  Enjoy!  

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Battery Backup for the Mac Pro 8-Core & Mac Pro 12-Core

January 17, 2012

We’ve been getting a lot of emails and calls about a battery backup to protect the Mac Pro 8-Core and the Mac Pro 12-Core. People have been getting confused by the power consumption specifications provided by Apple. Can it really consume that much? Do I really need to have a massive UPS? Do I need [...]

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APC Back UPS ES 750 BE750G – Refurbished with New Batteries

January 16, 2012

We have the APC Back-UPS 750VA in stock! These are fantastic units for a small home/office set up. The unit has 5 battery protected outlets and 5 surge protected outlets for a total capacity of 450W.  As always, these units are fully tested, refurbished, come with fresh new batteries and a one year replacement warranty. [...]

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APC Smart-UPS 750 LCD & APC Smart-UPS 1500VA LCD

January 16, 2012

For everyone who has been asking us about the Smart-UPS 750VA LCD and the Smart-UPS 1500VA LCD refurbished with new batteries, we finally have them in stock ready to go. We only have a small quantity at this time so if you need them grab them quick!      

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Hilarious ExcessUPS.com Ad!

January 16, 2012

Check out this hilarious ExcessUPS ad by a very talented guy named “The Preacher”! Hilarious!

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Don’t buy “clearance”, “overstock”, or “end of the line” UPS Batteries

January 16, 2012

It’s a  bad idea to buy “clearance” or “overstock” UPS batteries. Batteries are perishable goods, you’re probably buying batteries that have been sitting on the shelf somewhere for a few years, mostly drained and won’t offer much run time. UPS batteries need to be fresh new stock in order to provide you proper protection and [...]

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BE750G and BE750G-CN – What’s the difference?

January 16, 2012

Question: What’s the difference between the BE750G and the BE750G-CN? Answer: There’s no difference, they’re the same unit. The -CN is on  UPSs that are meant to be sold in Canada. Both models are identical and will work perfectly both in the USA and Canada.

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APC PowerChute for Mac

January 16, 2012

Do I need to install PowerChute for Mac to setup and monitor my APC UPS? We recommend using  the native Mac software  (Energy Saver) to monitor and control the UPS. When you attach USB cable to your Mac, the Mac will auto recognize the UPS and will provide settings in the energy saver pane. * [...]

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