Random outlet group commanded to shutdown issue

[Anonymous user]

I have 8 Smart-UPS X 1500 units installed at 8 different branch locations and they all are supporting roughly the same type of equipment, which is 1 server, 2 - 3 switches, and a router.  All locations also have an additional external battery enclosure attached as well.  However, I recently started experiencing an issue with one of the locations in which the outlet groups would be "commanded to shutdown", as reported by the NMC's event log.  Thinking that it may have been a configuration issue on the NMC, I have since reset the NMC to factory, excluding the TCP/IP config.  The issue has occurred at least one other time after the reset so I'm wondering if there's something else that I should be troubleshooting.  In comparison with my other units, this site has the greatest load.  This unit is running around 4.00 - 4.25 Iout and the most any of the other units is running is around 3.50 Iout.  Also, this unit is running around 35 - 36 %out and the other units are running around 28 - 30 %out.  Finally, this unit's internal temperature is running around 100 - 102 F and the other units are running around 90 - 92 F.  Reviewing data and event logs on the unit didn't reveal any issues regarding input power prior to any of the reported "commanded to shutdown" events.  Given the information provided, is it possible that I'm experiencing an overload condition, even though the logs don't indicate such?  What value in the event log should I monitor for possible overload and what would be the threshold for my environment (Smart-UPS X 1500 w/ 1 external enclosure)?  Also, is it possible that the unit is going into a thermal shutdown and if so, what is the Tups threshold?  Sorry, if I'm off on a tangent here, but I'm pretty much at a loss.  Any help would be appreciated.  TIA.

[BillP]

Hi Wayne - 

Heat seems like the most likely culprit. the Hardware is rated for 32-104F, but battery life will be affected at anything over 77F. If you are seeing a steady 100+F you are definitely going to run into issues, and the other units that are at a steady 90+F will see much shorter than usual battery life. (Think 1-2 years instead of the usual 3-6) 

It might be useful to see the logs from the unit that is having the erratic behavior. You could also try resetting the UPS to defaults via the LCD screen in case anything was ever configured there rather than via the NMC. If you need assistance with any of these things, it might be useful to contact tech support at 800-890-4272 (assuming you are in North America).

Thanks

Liam

Liam

[Anonymous user]

Liam,

Thanks for the response.  We had issues again with the UPS and I was able to determine that it was a battery/heat issue.  The internal temperature actually got up to 107 degrees before shutting down.  I'm guessing it's as you had said and the heat has just diminished the life of the batteries.  After powering everything back on, the %Cap values kept going down and the event log reported that the UPS couldn't support the load multiple times.  I'm ordering new batteries and making arrangements for the server closet to be better ventilated.  I'll update the post in a few weeks to let you know the outcome.

[Anonymous user]

One quick question...  I wasn't on-site but a staff member at the branch reported that unit was making a clicking noise and was cycling through LEDs (green, orange, red) repeatedly and that the display was cycling through messages "group 1 turn on by sltn 300s" and "ups self test in progress" as well.  Would I be correct in assuming that the UPS was doing this because it kept shutting down, rebooting, sensing it couldn't carry the load, and then repeating?

[BillP]

Hi Wayne - 

I havent had the opportunity to actually work with a unit in such a high temperature situation, but I think you are probably correct.

Liam

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Liam,

It has been two weeks now since the batteries were replaced and there have been no more problems since then.  Thanks again for the help.