APC 1500 Won't Charge Past 57%

[MarkGinger_apc]

Anyone have a clue why a SUA1500 wouldn't charge above 57%? Firmware 603, a couple of years old. Unit has been reset, disconnected and reconnected. A calibration has not been performed as it won't charge past 57%. Any ideas?

Much appreciated!

Message was edited by: MarkGinger

[BillP]

Is this reported in PowerChute Business Edition or a network card? Do the battery bar graph LEDs stay at 2-3 lit up or all 5? Do they fluctuate at all (i.e. run a self-test, pull the plug, etc)?

[Techie_apc]

In this situation, I would discharge the batteries completely by unplugging the UPS from the wall. Once the batteries are discharged, try charging them till the five battery bar lights come on. If this does not work, could you please provide the details which was asked by buzz? Secondly, did you replace the battery with genuine APC battery or third party batteries? What is the exact Model and Serial number of the UPS?

[Anonymous user]

What difference does it make if the battery is Genuine APC or third party as long as a quality battery is used?

APC doesn't make batteries anyways. They're usually Panasonic, CBS or UB with APC label affixed.

[BillP]

Using a non-APC battery voids the unit's warranty, though if you're paying for a replacement battery anyway, I'd assume it's out of warranty to begin with. Then again it also voids the equipment protection policy warranty. The APC batteries are designed for these units unlike others - that's all.

[MarkGinger_apc]

Hey Buzz,



Can you tell me the difference between the "APC Batteries" and generic CSB, Panasonic batteries?


"The APC batteries are designed for these units unlike others - that's all."

- Can you elaborate on the above line?



Thanks!

[MarkGinger_apc]

Hey Buzz,


Does APC manufacture batteries?

[BillP]

No, APC does not manufacture batteries.

As for your other question... Well, the APC batteries (RBC part #) are the ones designed for APC units. If you go to CSB or Panasonic, you may be able to find an equivalent size/amp-hour/etc battery, but it isn't necessarily the one designed for any particular APC units. If you buy an APC RBC battery, then it is. That's about what you can tell from face value alone.

[MarkGinger_apc]

Hey Buzz,


Thanks so much for taking the time to elaborate, however I am still unclear on the issue. You say

"If you go to CSB or Panasonic, you may be able to find an equivalent size/amp-hour/etc battery, but it isn't necessarily the one designed for any particular APC units. If you buy an APC RBC battery, then it is."

- So you're saying that a 12v 18ah from CSB is different than a 12v 18ah CSB battery used by APC?

- Is there any process performed on the batteries after APC buys them?



Thank you for clarifying the situation.

[BillP]

Honestly, I don't know how CSB (or anyone else, for that matter) manufactures their batteries. They could be different, for example in terms of shape or size, and that could cause a problem trying to install a replacement battery - there's very limited space in most units as it is. There's no way to know for sure really, unless CSB puts something like "guaranteed equivalent for APC RBCx" in the description for a battery.

As far as I know APC doesn't do anything additional to the batteries (except maybe put the APC labels on). I'm sure many people use other battery manufacturers all the time - to be clear: I'm not saying it won't work, I'm just saying it's a bit of a gamble and it voids warranties as it's unsupported. That means APC can't really help you if your non-APC battery flakes out after 3 months or isn't charging properly, just to name a couple of scenarios.

[MarkGinger_apc]

Anyone have a clue why a SUA1500 wouldn't charge above 57%? Firmware 603, a couple of years old. Unit has been reset, disconnected and reconnected. A calibration has not been performed as it won't charge past 57%. Any ideas?

Much appreciated!

Message was edited by: MarkGinger

[MarkGinger_apc · Accepted solution]

The old battery needed to be replaced. This is happening with a new battery.