Does there exist documents that . . .

[Anonymous user]

New to working with APCs.  We have a Rack of gear with an APC at the bottom of the rack.  Its a model SMX1500rm2U.  I'm looking for the documents that might discuss theory of operation, that is, how does an APC in general do its job or suppose to do its job?  I know that the APC is a backup battery BUT is it only for graceful shut downs OR is it expected to carry a load for a specific period of time?

On the small panel screen when the rack is powered up the panel says "Load 47%"  - "Battery 100%"  I'm looking for something to tell me what these figures tell me.

Is there a document that shows a discharge curve for each model?

These questions are just to get started.  I have lots more.  Suddenly its my responsibility to know the health of our APCs, we have several models.

Am I posting in the right group?

Please advise,

Thanks

Amanda

[BillP]

Hello Amanda,

Here is the product page for your UPS which has some documentation and even a video attached to it -> http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMX1500rm2U

There is a documentation section there APC Smart-UPS X 1500VA Rack/Tower LCD 120V Documentation - Manuals, Warranties, Brochures and More |... and I think the operations guide will help you understand.

At a high level, this device is an Uninterruptible Power Supply and is intended to provide output power to the devices you plug into it. When the input power to the UPS is lost, it provides battery power from it is internal battery or optional external batteries. One of the main features is indeed graceful shutdown of attached equipment either via a USB or Serial connection or with a Network Management Card accessory. This is a bit involved once you decide if you need to use the graceful shutdown and there are a few different methods.

There are also an abundance of application notes for Smart-UPS available, some of which apply to your model of UPS -> http://www.apc.com/prod_docs/results.cfm?DocType=App%20Note&Query_Type=3&Value=165

I hope the information provided so far gets you started.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hey Angela - Good stuff, discharge curve is cool. Thank you.