APC Smart-UPS U.S. to Japan

[CShock]

What if any problems would there be with using a Smart-UPS 1500 configured for the U.S. (120V) in Japan (100V)? For what it's worth, every U.S. product charges/works with the 100V. Thinking of taking the UPS with me the next time I return to Japan.

Thank you for your time.

[Teken]

Really depends on which model UPS you have and how it’s designed. If the unit is a multi voltage / multi frequency unit it may operate fine.

Depending upon where you’re in Japan the frequency can be either 50 / 60 Hz. The line voltage is 100 VAC throughout Japan.

If your unit allows you to adjust the power quality and the transfer voltage - do so. Otherwise the unit will constantly be running on battery only power and thus reduce the service life of the same.

Meaning the unit will never go on line (AC Mains) and will drain the internal batteries.

You’ll need a universal adapter in case the site you’re at only has the two prong outlet vs three prong. Which leads to the last problem of a building wiring fault error.

If your location doesn’t have a three prong grounded outlet. The unit will constantly declare a building wiring fault. Because it doesn’t see a proper grounding system in place.

Good luck, let us know what you decide to do. If the information proves helpful please do mark this question as solved. 👍

[CShock]

Thank you Teken.

Now all I need to do is find someone who sells APCs in Japan. Attempts to reach D & H Distributing Company, Ingram Micro, and TD SYNNEX Corporation have not gone well. No voicemail or method to speak to a live person.

[Teken]

If the information provided was on topic and resolved the question please insure you mark this as solved. So the information can assist the next person asking the same. 👍

[CShock]

My apologies for the delayed response. The models I have indicate the following:

Nominal Input Voltage: 120 VAC

Input Voltage Range: 82 t0 144 VAC

Input Voltage Adjustable Range: 75 to 154 VAC

Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz +/- 3 Hz

Nominal Output Voltage: 120 VAC

Based on this, it appears to indicate (1) with a 100V input, the APC will provide 120V output or (2) with a 100V input, the APC will provide a 100V output.

I found a forum of other peeps using APC units (towers) in Japan and they reported the systems run without issue. 

[CShock]

Update: The APC works perfectly. I'm guessing since the (Japan) input voltage is 100V, and falls within the required APC specs, the output from the APC plugs are 100V.

You can plug a US model APC into a Japanese outlet. Please note the residence where the APC unit is located, has three-pronged outlets (ground). Questions or comments...send them my way.

Thank you Community.

[CShock]

Another update. I may have spoken too early. It appears the APC goes to the battery when under a full load. For small items such as phone chargers the APC ran without any problems. However, when I plugged in a desktop computer and monitors, the batter immediately kicked in. The battery drains, but at a much slower rate since it continues to receive a 100V charge. I'll continue testing.

[Teken]

Adjust the upper and lower transfer voltage and report back how the system operates. Based on your last reply the system is running on battery only power which isn’t ideal or fine.

Ideally the system would be running on AVR mode to trim / boost the input line voltage. Given the system is still plugged into AC Mains and the battery continues to drain indicates the unit is on battery only and not AVR.

This assumes the unit you have has AVR circuitry. 

[CShock]

And yet another update. While using the APC unit, the display said the battery needed to be replaced. I ran a test and the unit said the system passed. Luckily, I had another APC. I set it up and it's been running for that past 2 days without the use of the battery. It is currently under a 17% load (running a Mac Pro (desktop), XDR and external SSDs). I've seen the load slightly exceed 20% based video tasks. Tomorrow, I'll plug in the other monitor and then one of the NAS boxes. I'll also be ordering a new battery for the 1st APC.