DLA1500RM2U won't power up...

[Anonymous user]

I bought a new-in-box DLA1500RM2U from eBay.  I received it today and plugged it in and it won't power up.  I assumed that the batteries were dead.  I pulled the battery pack and inspected them and they look okay (no corrosion, leaking, swelling).  It has only been plugged in for 4 hours or so, but I can't see any indicator that it is charging or alive in any way. 

Am I just being impatient or is there a way to determine if there is a problem or if it is really charging?  When I plug the cord into the back, the line fault light just blips on but goes right off, I presume as a side effect of plug insertion.

I thought I might have a 230V unit instead of a 120V unit because the docs state that the 120V unit has a fixed cord plus a line fault indicator light, but mine has a removable/interchangeable cord (came with both a 15A and 30A cord) and a line fault light, but the receptacles in the back are the standard (6) NEMA 5-15 plugs so I'm a little confused.  Maybe the removable cord is a feature of this specific model.

Thoughts?  I wish the docs would elaborate on whether the batteries must be charged before the unit will power on and for how long.

[Anonymous user]

I bought a new-in-box DLA1500RM2U from eBay.  I received it today and plugged it in and it won't power up.  I assumed that the batteries were dead.  I pulled the battery pack and inspected them and they look okay (no corrosion, leaking, swelling).  It has only been plugged in for 4 hours or so, but I can't see any indicator that it is charging or alive in any way. 

Am I just being impatient or is there a way to determine if there is a problem or if it is really charging?  When I plug the cord into the back, the line fault light just blips on but goes right off, I presume as a side effect of plug insertion.

I thought I might have a 230V unit instead of a 120V unit because the docs state that the 120V unit has a fixed cord plus a line fault indicator light, but mine has a removable/interchangeable cord (came with both a 15A and 30A cord) and a line fault light, but the receptacles in the back are the standard (6) NEMA 5-15 plugs so I'm a little confused.  Maybe the removable cord is a feature of this specific model.

Thoughts?  I wish the docs would elaborate on whether the batteries must be charged before the unit will power on and for how long.

[BillP]

I am vaguely remembering that on the OEM Dell units, a removable power cord was the norm versus our APC branded 120V units that did not have that.

Does the white sticker on the back actually say DLA1500RM2U?

I have personally seen mixed responses on the different units and which requires DC voltage present from the battery to start. My understanding is that typically, the DLA units won't require it unless they have been sitting for a really long time. (I will have to go verify this).

I would try to cold start it first so remove the power cord and ensure the battery is connected securely (which I figure you probably have done??) and old down the test button on the front ( | ) and see if you get two beeps - if you do, let go during the second one and see if the unit starts.

If it doesnt happen like that, let me know what you do see happen, if anything.

[Anonymous user]

I believe the batteries are plugged in securely.  It does feel like it clicks into place but it wiggles a bit.  -*+It's been plugged in since about 6:30 last night (13 1/2 hours). 

I pulled the plug and left it out while holding down the power button for approx. 20 seconds.  No beep, no lights.

I reseated the battery plug and tried again for about 20 sec....still nothing, no beeps, no lights.

I plugged the unit back in and held the power button down for approx 20 seconds and nothing.

As for model...here is a picture of the sticker.  I registered it online with APC last night.

[BillP]

Yes - the AS07 in the serial number indicates 2007 as the year of manufacture. I'll await your testing results.

[BillP]

Are you able to measure the voltage on the batteries? If not, I am still checking on this model's behavior.

[Anonymous user]

I have a voltmeter that I can try and use.  Are they DC 12V?

[BillP]

I am told:

They all need a battery to turn on, but even a bad battery is OK as long as its not totally totally dead. Usually when you see them not turning on its when it has been stored with the battery connected for an extended period of time and the battery is entirely dead.

We ship the UPSs with the batteries disconnected though but the unit indicates it was manufactured in 2007 so it is fesible the battery is dead after six years now.

Yes, I believe this one is a 48V system so you'll have some 12V batteries connected in series. Though, I would just suggest you measure the voltage coming from the single connector and see what you get.

[Anonymous user]

I bought it as "new" when I got it, the batteries were unplugged and the sticker was still attached covering the control panel and securing the battery connector, so the batteries were likely "completely dead" if it really was manufactured in 2007 and sitting for this long.

I will run home for lunch and dig out the voltmeter.

[Anonymous user]

Assuming I set it right, it shows 2.01 VDC.  I've included a snap of the settings.  I guess I need to measure again later and see if it's gone up or down but it is definitely too low.  I sure wish there was an indicator that it was at least attempting to charge to know whether it was the batteries or the unit.

[BillP]

Did you try the 200 setting too just incase? Honestly, batteries that old and that dead probably are not capable of being charged up and if they are, then there is the potential of problems with that (swelling, leaking, etc) because of the chemical breakdown.

My thought is the batteries are most likely the culprit especially if this is a "new" UPS. I suppose it is possible charger could be broken but it is not as likely as batteries that are too old and dead to be used now.

[Anonymous user]

I guess I'll get a new battery pack and try again.  I contacted support and they won't warranty it because they claim it isn't a "first purchase".  I don't know what that means.  If I'm the first to buy it, register it and turn it on, isn't that first purchase?

Oh well.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hi Jeff and Angela -

I am having the exact same issue with the exact same unit DLA1500RM2U

I have 2 battery trays - one has swollen batteries ( YUK ) and one - though it is the the older of the two trays - has good looking batteries - hmmm..... either way these batteries are years old -

I'm letting the batteries charge today and will check them with a voltmeter tomorrow - If they are low I am wondering the following:

                    ' how can I possibly kick start the unit 'on' before going through getting new batteries - I'd like to make sure the unit is working before sinking more money into it - though I'm not able to afford a new unit - 

What were you're results Jeff ? Did you ever get yours running ?? 

thanks