Most Common Matrix 5000 Failures

[Anonymous user]

I get the impression that these Matrix 5000 UPS units are very reliable. Even so, nothing lasts forever. Just curious for those of you that have experience with the Matrix 5000 units, what is the most common mode of failure (apart from batteries)? What part of the unit usually fails first (upper control unit or lower transformer unit), and what components usualy fail?

Thanks.

[Anonymous user]

I get the impression that these Matrix 5000 UPS units are very reliable. Even so, nothing lasts forever. Just curious for those of you that have experience with the Matrix 5000 units, what is the most common mode of failure (apart from batteries)? What part of the unit usually fails first (upper control unit or lower transformer unit), and what components usualy fail?

Thanks.

[Anonymous user]

Hello!

I have Matrix 5000 and Matrix 3000 with the same trouble. Both pass self test after powering them on, but during 5 minutes after that, indicate "Bypass relay fault". Can you advice what could be the reason.
Another question - may be anyone does have schematic or service manual for Matrix UPS. Could you please share with me. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Sergey

[Anonymous user]

The Matrix units are definitely very reliable (we see units from "98-"99 all the time still kicking along. I would say the The Electronics Unit is more like to go first just due to the nature of the electronic components in it. The Isolation unit is a fairly simple isolation step down transformer that will most likely outlast the Electronics unit. That being said 90% of the interactions I deal with the matrix are always battery issues, even with these units form "98-"99. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I concur that the MX5000 is one of the most reliable ups around - here at the University of B.C. there are units that were some of the very first off the assembly line that are still in service - we are talking 1993/94 vintage - 17 years old now! I have done all sorts of repairs on these, mostly common repair is rebuilding the smartcells with fresh panasonic batteries, (Tip: be watchful of the smartcells, as the built in fault light system does not always work properly. If you ever hear your matrix emitting continuosu chirping sounds this means the battery charger is working overtime as it is forcing current thru a faulty battery - and the Matrix's battery charging circuits are so powerful that a failed (resistive) smartcell can quickly melt down (cells overheat and swell badly and will crack open and leak acid). The second most common fault is the need to replace the EU and IU cooling fans which are rated at 80,000 hours. Another point of failure is the interconnectivity between the EU and IU. Its a good idea to put the UPS in bypass every 2 - 3 years , remove the EU and clean the contact busses on the bottom of the EU (circuit board edge connection and metal power/ground bus fingers)...oxidation of the contacts can lead to problems. Only once did I experience a dropped load becasue of this; the EU shut down (blank display). When I have the two halves apart I also take this one step further and clean the inside of the EU and vacuum off the air intakes on the IU (blow the dust out) as these can get plugged with dust easily as the vent holes are skinny.

...Dave