Battery is not connected

[NiallPunch]

Hi all, 

Please excuse any mistakes within (this is my first post).

I have a APC Back-ups pro 1500 (BR1500GI) with a battery is not connected warning (I believe) but it is connected to the mains power supply. 

The closest to it I could find in the manual is if the empty battery icon is illuminated? 

(My one is flashing)

Is the battery near the end of its life/in need of replacement, or is there some setting I can adjust. I don't believe the system has any apps/programs such as APC or PowerShute installed (that I could find anyway).

Thank you in advance.

Regards

Niall

[Teken]

The average service life of the battery is 3-5 years based on usage and environmental factors such as temperature. If the battery is used in this (3-5) years it’s time to replace the same. If we assume the battery is fine for now you can at least confirm the following.

Connectors: Verify the ends of the connectors are clean and free of any corrosion / debris. If the unit you have uses crimp style plugs on the battery terminals ensure they are firm and tight. If they are loose simply take a plier and gently crimp them closer so they are firm when inserted on to the battery posts. 

If your UPS has a slide out battery sled that incorporates a middle plastic plate. This plate has a connector that mates to the inside of the UPS battery input. It’s extremely common to see the (inside) connector damaged or bent. So when you insert the battery cartridge inside it doesn’t engage and seat correctly to make a proper connection.

Take a flashlight and look inside you’ll see a similar mating connector that is on the (center) battery cartridge. If it’s bent just use something to gently bend it back into place.

If it’s missing or broken you’ll need to repair or replace the entire UPS.

Fuse: If there is nothing wrong with the battery connectors. Verify that the inline fuse on the battery cartridge is connected and NOT blown open. If it is, simply replace the fuse with the same ampacity.

NOTE: It’s very common to see if you turn the unit sideways and insert the battery cartridge that the UPS clears the battery not connected fault. If that is the case it affirms the internal connector is misaligned / damaged. You can find several YouTube videos outlining how to repair or diagnose this specific problem if it exists. ☝️

Let us know what you find . . . 

[NiallPunch]

Hi Teken,

Thank you for your prompt reply, very much appreciated. 

So apparently the battery is over 3 years old, I'm looking into getting it replaced, might just be the simplest solution. (I'll have a chat with the Spares and IT depts)

The connectors look good, clean, aligned and tight to me. 

While the battery was out I checked it with a multimeter, and got a reading of 12.32V? Is this the expected reading do you know?

I did not see any inline fuse on the battery cartridge, when I had it out (very possibly could have missed it?)

Thanks again for your reply an advice, 
Niall

[Teken]

For your reference the image you uploaded is not viewable. 🙁 If you could upload using a different image format that would be great. 👍

The current battery voltage is considered low but more than fine to pass the self test process. Depending upon the type of battery chemistry and design a full battery at rest should be ((approximately) 12.80 - 12.90 VDC. If the battery was just charged it will show (approximately) 13.60 13.80 VDC.

Please also note that some EU models also incorporate a (rear) battery disconnect plug. Insure it’s not unplugged or missing. If the plug is there verify its properly seated by removing it and reinstalling it.

Let us know what you find . . . 

NOTE: If the UPS only has a single battery no fuse will be present. If the unit has more than one it’s common to see a fuse present and wired at the battery terminals.  It’s very common to see units without a fuse because users don’t transfer the fuse during the replacement process. 🤦‍♂️

[NiallPunch]

Hi Teken,

(Photos just show the connectors, their fine, I believe )

I'm in process of getting quotes for a replacement battery, we should have a spare if nothing else. 

It is a single battery so that explains the lack of inline fuse.

What is involved in the self test process? 

Again, I would like to thank you for your time and effort.

Niall

[Teken]

Hi Niall,

Unfortunately, I still can not see the images you loaded to the forum. 🙁

Self Test: There are three ways the unit will complete a Self Test. On lower end models this process happens upon first start up when a unit has its battery connected and AC Mains is applied. After which the self test will happen every 14 days.

On most units there is a button that can be pressed to initiate the self test. It can be either a dedicated self test button or integrated with the power button. 

The last method is to initiate the Self Test through the APC Power Chute software. The software is for 64 bit Microsoft Windows software and in most cases the user also has the ability to define when or (IF) the self test is run. The most basic option (IF) present is to invoke the self test. Very low end models there isn’t a choice to disable the self test but can invoke (start) a self test. On higher end models you can define no self test, self test upon start up and every X days, etc.

Generally speaking the APC Self Test completes a POST (Power On Self Test) similar to a standard computer. Upon activation it checks basic states and functionality of the main electronics. Verifies the internal temperature, battery voltage, battery presence if applicable, and runs a very basic load test on the battery cartridge / cell.

More expensive units the self test verifies relays, transfer, and fan states. Almost all units are able to determine building wiring faults, abnormal line voltage, over loaded output(s).

NOTE: Since you’re waiting for a new battery. Please complete a (Brain Dead) procedure. This process will clear any random errors in the unit if present.

Simply remove AC Mains. Unplug the battery from the unit. Press and hold the power button until you hear a click / beep.

Reconnect the battery, AC Mains, Turn on the UPS by pressing the power button. Please let me know what you observe when this step is done.

Cheers! 👍🍺