How to Maintain 30% Load

Coaster1200 · ‎2022-12-02

I have just replaced the UPS batteries in my SmartUPS1000 (2005 model) and am having the charge lights constantly flashing and a zero minutes run-time. I have tried the recalibration in Powerchute (v9 and 10) and, last night ran the manual calibration. All with no joy. The only thing that I am not 100% sure of is whether the load fell below the 30% figure given.

The procedure for manual recalibration requires:

There must be at least a 30% load attached to the UPS during this procedure, and this load cannot fluctuate more than +/- 5%. THIS IS IMPORTANT

FYI: I set my load to the computer (11 to 13%), a 60W heater, and a power drill set to a low speed to get me to around the 35% figure. This seemed fairly constant while I monitored before I unplugged the USB lead and the mains supply. The drill etc ran for a good 20 minutes (I didn't time it) but after leaving the UPS on charge overnight, I still have 0 minutes of runtime remaining in Powerchute and flashing charge level lights.

Does anyone have any tips for making sure the load percentage is 30% minimum and within +/-5%? I would like to make sure of this before I try again. Or, is there something else I can try?

JonPro · ‎2022-12-15

Hi @Coaster1200

Based on the serial number, I am guessing that your UPS could be an SU/SUA/SURTA model that has encountered the issue mentioned in the FAQ article below:

Why are the battery charge LEDs flashing on a Smart-UPS? (FA156538)

The FAQ outlines the recommended steps to address the issue and as mentioned, if it couldn't be resolved you would have to reach out to our Technical Support. In my experience, for SU/SUA units there is something that we call as CalKey which we send to our customer, not sure though if this is still available since the UPS has been phased out for quite some time now.

Coaster1200 · ‎2022-12-18

Many thanks for the reply. It went to my Junk Mail folder and I have only just seen it.

I followed the FAQ before. Options 1 and 2 didn't work and I have tried Option 3 but don't know how to make sure I always have a minimum of 30% load. I ran an electric drill to get my overall load above 30% (including the computer load). This didn't reset the runtime calibration and Schneider has now said that it is not advisable to use a drill but has failed to tell me what is advisable as load except "computer equipment". Most of that is a pretty variable load in my experience and the FAQ says I need to keep the load within +/-5%.

FYI: the runtime remaining is always shown as zero minutes in Powerchute but when I have done the manual calibration, the computer stays on for well over 20 minutes (with the drill running). The batteries are brand new. I will try again one day in the hope that Einstein was wrong - “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

JonPro · ‎2022-12-19

I am sorry to hear that @Coaster1200. If both Manual and Software calibration didn't solve the issue my next guess would be that it is an issue with the EPROM of the UPS.

Coaster1200 · ‎2022-12-20

Is there a way of verifying please that without buying a new UPS?

JonPro · ‎2022-12-20

From the behavior that the UPS is showing, it is an indicator that there is an issue with the EPROM.

shimonp · ‎2023-03-30

What can be done to resolve EPROM issue? APC UPS costs small fortune and we expect a better performance from the unit. In my case I have similar model with similar issue - Smart UPS 1500. Nothing I do is fixing flashing lights.