Problems with SU1400NET changing to AC Power

[legacy777_apc]

Hi,

I have an APC SU1400NET that I've had probably since about 2007.  It's worked without any issues over the years.  About a month or so ago I got a notification from it that the battery needed to be replaced (this battery was the second battery I had installed in it).  So I ordered a new battery and during the time the battery was being shipped, one day I noticed an odd smell and discovered that the UPS was very hot and the fan was running.  I shutdown the server, unplugged the UPS from AC power and disconnected the jumper in the back. I used an external fan to help cool everything.  The old battery was bulged, but had not leaked/ruptured.

Once I got the new battery I installed the battery to see if everything was working, the UPS came up and everything appeared ok.  However, I didn't reconnect the server at this time and the UPS sat for a 2-3 weeks.  Now when I try to start up the UPS, it appears to go through the self test process, but when it trys to switch to AC power, it doesn't switch and the AC power light just flashes.

I've taken two videos of the startup.  The first was earlier this week, and the second is after trying to brain dead the UPS.  The only difference, other than the case being off since the plastic clips broke that hold the circuit board in, is that it beeps once turned on.  I'm not sure if that's related to the battery juice draining.

1st Video - http://youtu.be/yYGRp5thwS4

2nd Vido - http://youtu.be/FP8Gra5h-As

I've tried the test mentioned in this link, http://forums.apc.com/message/30266#30266 and I can get it to power up on the battery.  However, when I plug it in to the outlet, it acts the same way as in the videos.

The last post in this thread, http://forums.apc.com/message/48533#48533 mentions that with the UPS plugged in, but no battery it should read 27-28 volts DC, and mine does not.

Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Josh

[legacy777_apc]

Hi,

I have an APC SU1400NET that I've had probably since about 2007.  It's worked without any issues over the years.  About a month or so ago I got a notification from it that the battery needed to be replaced (this battery was the second battery I had installed in it).  So I ordered a new battery and during the time the battery was being shipped, one day I noticed an odd smell and discovered that the UPS was very hot and the fan was running.  I shutdown the server, unplugged the UPS from AC power and disconnected the jumper in the back. I used an external fan to help cool everything.  The old battery was bulged, but had not leaked/ruptured.

Once I got the new battery I installed the battery to see if everything was working, the UPS came up and everything appeared ok.  However, I didn't reconnect the server at this time and the UPS sat for a 2-3 weeks.  Now when I try to start up the UPS, it appears to go through the self test process, but when it trys to switch to AC power, it doesn't switch and the AC power light just flashes.

I've taken two videos of the startup.  The first was earlier this week, and the second is after trying to brain dead the UPS.  The only difference, other than the case being off since the plastic clips broke that hold the circuit board in, is that it beeps once turned on.  I'm not sure if that's related to the battery juice draining.

1st Video - http://youtu.be/yYGRp5thwS4

2nd Vido - http://youtu.be/FP8Gra5h-As

I've tried the test mentioned in this link, http://forums.apc.com/message/30266#30266 and I can get it to power up on the battery.  However, when I plug it in to the outlet, it acts the same way as in the videos.

The last post in this thread, http://forums.apc.com/message/48533#48533 mentions that with the UPS plugged in, but no battery it should read 27-28 volts DC, and mine does not.

Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Josh

[BillP]

I don't suppose you have PowerChute Business Edition configured or a Network Management Card installed to see if it reports anything i.e. output relay failure or similar?

Oh and thank you for the videos

[legacy777_apc]

I do have PowerChute Business edition setup and my memory is failing me on exactly what it said.  I'll try and take some screen captures this evening of the software and what it's saying.

Thanks

Josh

[BillP]

Alrighty. Thanks.

[BillP]

I had someone else check the video and they said it appears to be an incomplete self test due to internal failure and it is hard to say what the fault could be for sure because these older models don't have much in the way of error reporting.

My first thought is if you're interested in getting it repaired, CoastTec is our authorized service provider.

[legacy777_apc]

Angela,

I hooked up the Powerchute communications cable and when I turned the UPS on this time I got a different response, it made a buzzing sound and then all the lights came on.  However, it did leave an error code in the Powerchute software indicating a main relay fault.

Here is the video from this evening:

http://youtu.be/Y2K_l8uB0xE

Attached is the screen capture from the Powerchute software

Does this sound like the main relay is the culprit, and is it something I can replace myself if I order the parts?  I am comfortable taking apart the UPS and working on it.

Thanks

Josh

[legacy777_apc]

Angela,

Thanks for the iniput, I really appreciate it!  When I get some time I may try and look at it a little closer to see what I can see.

My concern now is that the new battery I bought has been drained and I've heard/been told that if lead-acid batteries are drained too far for too long, they never come back to an original charge.  My only thoughts are to separate the batteries and put them on a standard 12v battery trickle charger.

Josh

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Yes, that can be true about lead acid batteries, typically though that type of thing happens to older batteries and after many deep discharges. Let me know if you have any other questions.