APC Smart-UPS VT 15KVA 3Phase - SUVT15KH2B2S - Queries about bypass voltage

[Anonymous user]

Hi,

We have a SUVT15KH2B2S, and at one of our sites we've been experiencing power fluctuations, brownouts. We've seen an input voltage drop down to 208volts from the normal ~230v. We have our servers and SAN equipment connected to this UPS which is obviously very sensitive to any power fluctuations. The UPS is clearly working as it should as the output voltage all the time is 230v even when the voltage is dropping.

Anyway, i'm seeing this message: "An input voltage or frequency problem prevents switching to bypass mode." when we see the voltage drop down to 208 volts, obviously i won't switch to bypass mode, and risk the damage to the equipment connected.

The reason I ask the following questions is, i've been told by my manager to ensure that if the voltage drops so low the batteries replace it and then the servers begin to shutdown (as we only have about 30 minutes on batteries) that I must switch to bypass mode to ensure the servers keep running. To put it in his words "I don't want the UPS we bought to protect us, deciding when to close our business!."

Obviously I think this is irresponsible to do this, so I won't, I'm just trying to collect some evidence to back up my cause.

I've identifed the cause of our voltage drop being the supply distribution board being very overloaded (i'm working on getting budget to get it upgraded), rated at 315A per phase, its drawing up to 335A per phase when the voltage begins to drop! Plus some of the insulation on the wires is melting and dripping on the floor. 😞 Oh and if that wasn't bad enough the distribution board and power switchgear was installed in 1956! 😞

So

My questions are:
*1. When does it kick the battery in, just how low does the voltage need to go before the battery starts replacing the input mains supply? I need to know how far we are off the battery having to supliment the supply because of this?*

*2. At voltages around 208 volts what kind of damage could happen to our servers and SAN equipment connected? I've always used the rule of thumb: "constant power = fewer IT problems!"*

Thanks for any advice or thoughts you might have.

g

Message was edited by: geekmungus