Regarding Firmware Upgrade

tiait · ‎2025-01-24

This article speaks about the remote firmware upgrade capability of the UPS: https://community.se.com/t5/Firmware-Upgrade/Why-Upgrade/ta-p/465746

It does not mention whether or not this will power cycle the attached equipment? I need to know if anything attach would abruptly lose power. Thank you.

Teken · ‎2025-01-28

When the system is being updated the battery protection circuit is no longer active. As such if there is a power disturbance the attached load will not be protected. This means the system is highly susceptible to dropping the connected loads and being bricked.

Thus, its best practice to connect the AC Mains from the target UPS to another UPS. Should there be a power fluctuation no matter what type it won't interrupt the firmware upgrade process. It goes without saying you must insure the Internet and connectivity to this target device is 100% reliable.

The recommended method to update any (APC UPS) is directly via the supplied *proprietary* RJ50 ~ RS-232 Serial cable. Updating over the Internet is really a disaster waiting to happen but its up to you. Lastly, even though it states you may update the firmware while there is a load present.

You're simply playing with fire in this regard . . . 😖

Questions Ask - Good Luck! 👍

See Answer In Context

Teken · ‎2025-01-27

You’ll need to call out the specific model APC UPS serial number and UPS ID.

Once known the firmware matrix will tell you if the current UPS firmware supports the outputs to remain on.

This procedure should only be carried out while the hardware is under warranty and live over the phone with APC Technical Support. ☝️

Read and fully understand all the requirements and caveats relating to firmware update process. Have an exit strategy in place should the hardware become inoperable.

Questions Ask . . . 👍

tiait · ‎2025-01-27

Hi Teken, thanks for the response. I clicked into the firmware upgrade and was presented with this graphic:

I noticed that the green banner indicates output power will remain on and undisrupted, but the language in the gray box to the left is possibly contradicting this: "the interruption of input power during the firmware upgrade will result in a loss of power supplied to connected devices."

Teken · ‎2025-01-28

When the system is being updated the battery protection circuit is no longer active. As such if there is a power disturbance the attached load will not be protected. This means the system is highly susceptible to dropping the connected loads and being bricked.

Thus, its best practice to connect the AC Mains from the target UPS to another UPS. Should there be a power fluctuation no matter what type it won't interrupt the firmware upgrade process. It goes without saying you must insure the Internet and connectivity to this target device is 100% reliable.

The recommended method to update any (APC UPS) is directly via the supplied *proprietary* RJ50 ~ RS-232 Serial cable. Updating over the Internet is really a disaster waiting to happen but its up to you. Lastly, even though it states you may update the firmware while there is a load present.

You're simply playing with fire in this regard . . . 😖

Questions Ask - Good Luck! 👍