APC Smart Ups SURT8000XLI - Halp !!

[hilzz_apc]

Hi,

I've got a SURT8000XLI with 3 additional battery bays, I have set the external battery value to 2 with only 1 external battery bay connected.

I keep getting the following error and my ups battery charge is at 100% with 23% load.

Discharged Battery

The battery power is too low to support the load; if power fails, the UPS will be shut down immediately.

When I try and perform a calibration from the web interface with 23% load and 100% battery, the ups drops everything connected to the ups, as a result, devices power cycle meaning the load goes to 0% then goes back to 23%; then battery charge shows 1% and then begins climbing back to 100%. The ups has batteries that are about 6 months old, some of which are brand new. If I use a multi-meter against each battery cage, it shows 105VDC.

Last Battery Transfer: Due to software command or UPS's test control
Internal Temperature: 25.2°C
Runtime Remaining: 0 minutes
Power
Input Voltage: 240.4 VAC
Output Voltage: 231.6 VAC
Input Frequency: 50.03 Hz
Load
Load Power: 23.0 %Watts
Apparent Load Power: 20.0 %VA
Load Current: 6.99 Amps
Battery
Capacity: 100.0 %
Battery Voltage: 218.1 VDC
External Batteries: 2

Please find the attached logs of my ups.

[hilzz_apc]

I should mention the following.. if I perform a self test, the ups passes the self test but battery capacity drops to 11% then to 6% and then begins to climb back to 100% which takes 2 hours.

[BillP]

Hi,

Are the internal batteries new? If so disconnect the external battery packs let the internal batteries charge to 100% then run a self-test. After running the self-test check the battery capacity if it has dropped to 6 percent as noted they the internal batteries are not holding a charge and should be replaced. 

What is the serial number of the SURT8000? If the unit is under warranty you should contact local support for assistance. If it is determined the unit is not working properly and under warranty the local support rep will be able to assist with a replacement. 

You will find local support contact information at this link http://www.apc.com/au/en/support/contact-us/index.jsp

[hilzz_apc]

Batteries are 6 months old.

Not under warranty.

I just disconnected the ups from a power source and let it run on batteries which it did fine for about 40 minutes with 23% load. It was running on the internals and 1 external.

[MarkC_apc · Accepted solution]

I'm suspicious (from experience) that you have a weak battery (or several) in one (or more) cages that is causing the % battery readings to fluctuate.  Try this:

1.  Charge all battery cages to 100% (assume you are monitoring with the NMC?).  Log all cage voltages at start

2.  Start the "calibration" test - 23% is OK

3.  Log all individual cage voltages as the batteries are depleted.

4.  Let me know the results.