APC Smart UPS SUA1500i - new batteries, battery lights keep flashing

[davidoffc_apc]

I have an APC UPS SUA1500i about eight+ years old.

A few days ago I had to replace the old flat and dead batteries with new ones, and since then the battery lights on the unit keep flashing simultaneously. Batteries have been charging for more that 24 hours since changing. Have also set the date of newly installed batteries in Powerchute.

If power goes out, the UPS shuts down all connected equipment straight away. It seems that it reckons the batteries are drained.

Tried discharging the batteries and unplugged the UPS from the mains, discharging took about 30 minutes which indicates that the batteries are fully charged and working fine. Even after letting the unit fully recharge the batteries, the battery light indicators keep flashing.

Have tried calibrating with APC Power Chute Business Edition, but there is no difference.

Status in Power Chute is:

Device Status On Line, Battery Discharged (Software Update Available)
UPS Load 20.1%
Runtime Remaining 0 Minutes
Internal Temperature 23.4°C / 74.1°F
Load Power 20.10% VA
Load Current 9.1 Amps

- Power Status
Input Voltage 231.8 VAC
Output Voltage 231.8 VAC
Input Frequency 50.0 Hz
Output Frequency 50.0 Hz

- Battery Status
Battery Charge 53.0%
Battery Voltage 27.7 VDC

Battery Status
Battery Status Normal
Battery Charge 62.0%
Battery Voltage 27.7 VDC

Diagnostics
Self Test Status
Last Self Test Date 20 March 2020 07:57:39 CET
Last Self Test Status Refused

Runtime Calibration Status
Last Runtime Calibration Date 20 March 2020 07:57:48 CET
Last Runtime Calibration Status Passed

As you can see Last Self Test Status is Refused (every time I tried it, even after charging the batteries for more than 24 hours).

What can I do to make the flashing disappear and the UPS recognise the new batteries.

Thank you and wishing everyone all well.

[davidoffc_apc]

Issue solved.

Yesterday I did the weekly battery discharge process which took about 3 hours and 10 minutes. A sign that the new batteries are OK and working.

When batteries were completely flat I completely switched off the UPS with the power off button on the front panel, disconnected the mains, opened the chassis, took out the battery pack, disconnected the batteries, reconnected them after 10 or 15 seconds, closed the chassis, plugged the UPS to the mains and let the batteries charge without powering the UPS on.

And voila, this is it. Everything works fine, no more flashing battery LED lights.

[Brad_C]

On 23/3/2020 3:38 PM, David said:

And voila, this is it. Everything works fine, no more flashing battery LED lights.

Nice work. Even nicer that you came back with an update. Always much appreciated!

[davidoffc_apc · Accepted solution]

Why keep things to myself only, I am always happy when a solution comes up and it helps others, too.

Cheers and #StaySafe