APC Smart-ups 3000 XL clicking sound and flashing LEDs

[Anonymous user]

Hi.

I have a problem with my APC Smart-ups 3000 XL i just bought (used). When I power it on, the LEDs are flashing in the battery indicators and in AVR boost and On battery, while the LEDs are flashing there's also this clicking sounds, sounds like a relay or something.

Any suggestions to what might be wrong?

Thanks

/Nicolai

[BillP]

Can you give me the exact model from the white sticker on the back? Is it something like SUA3000XL?

Whatever it is, it does not sound good. I do not see anything listed for this light combination though. Usually its the right half, left half, or center 6 LEDs along with their respective bar graphs.

Can you double check also according to this diagram and verify back to me the ones you saw match up with the names below just to be 100% sure?

[Anonymous user]

Sure, it's SUA3000XL I

I took a little video so the problem is more clear:
I can take a better one if necessary.

An update:

If i take one of the batteries out, it comes with one click and the LEDs are blinking once. If I switch the batteries it doesn't do anything. And finally, if I take out both batteries, the UPS just remains powered off and I'm not able to turn it on.

[BillP]

I am not sure what the problem is but it is definitely broken. It could be a bad relay. Regardless, I'd have to suggest a TradeUPS ( APC Trade-UPS) or contact your local support for repair options. Since its used, any factory warranty would not carry over.

[Anonymous user]

I am wondering whether this might be caused by badly discharged /dead batteries, or more to the point, badly deteriorated batteries ... that when plugged in immediately drag down the charger  / DC bus in the unit causing this erratic behavior.

What happens when you disconnect both batteries, then plug the ups in, then connect just the first battery module (without pushing any buttons) ?

- if you immediately get  the flashing / chirping after that, unplug the battery module and check its output voltage at the connector so see if you have over 24 volts DC. If the battery you measure reads below 24 volts, see if the other battery module has 24 volts - if it does, repeat the process above with that battery, then refer to below:

- if you don't get the chirping/flashing, just leave the ups sit plugged in, with the single battery connected, to attempt to see if it will charge at least one battery module. Give it at least a couple of hours and then see if the ups will power on normally.

- if you get the chirping/flashing with both batteries, and neither will charge up (nor do they measure around/above 24 volts) , you are faced with the dilemma of whether to buy a fresh set of batteries, which for this ups would be $400 minimum ( just the individual 17amphour cells cost $75 to $90 apiece).

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the suggestions, I have plugged in one of the batteries, no blinking and clicking so far. I'll just let it sit for a few hours and then try to power it on.

Will try some of the other suggestions if it doesn't work.

I'll get back with some results