Runtime 1 Minute

[BillP]

Hello.  I have a Symmetra 40K that recently started showing 1 minute runtime.  It has 16 batteries which are all good.  There are 4 power modules which all show On & OK in the GUI.  The Output VA at n+0 is L1=044   L2=043  and L3=024.  I was wondering if a self-test oor Run-time calibration will help the UPS to properly reflect its runtime?  Or am I missing some statistic that can shed light on the 1 minute runtime?

[BillP]

How old are the 16 batteries?

[BillP]

Well the batteries have been in the UPS for about 8 months now.  On the front of each battery it says "Batteries Charged 6-17-13."

[BillP]

Hello again. Upon researching, this is normally indicative of batteries that need to be replaced. It is also likely that the UPS has recently gone through a deep/complete discharge - is that the case? This is the only way the runtime would adjust to 1 minute.

My other question is - when did the runtime start reporting as 1 minute? By reading what you said, I thought the development was recent, like the last few days but I just want to verify specifically. Since they are only 8 months old, I'd be a little concerned and suggest that a Field Service Engineer inspect the batteries to understand if for some reason, they have failed prematurely and 1 minute is accurate or if a runtime calibration is worth it.

Depending on what you want to do, you could potentially try a runtime calibration on the UPS and see how long it actually runs on battery. By design, the Runtime Calibration should abort if there are any larger problems with the UPS.

We could also review your UPS Network Management Card logs if you want and have them available. Instructions here -> How can I download Event, Data, Configuration, and Debug files from my Network Management Card? | FA...

[BillP]

I'm not exactly sure when the runtime started reporting 1 minute.  I reviewed the event logs and didn't see anything that stood out as to why the runtime went to 1 minute.  So Scheiner Electric reviewing event/data logs and debug files is a free service you'll provide to customers with your equipment?

I'm going to go ahead and capture the logs.

[BillP]

Yes - we can definitely look at your Network Management Card logs for free - I might not be able to give an answer based on them but it is certainly worth a look. We will also provide free phone tech support regardless of service or warranty status. The only time that comes into play is for parts or Field Service Engineer dispatch. We also offer a "Time and Materials" if you required someone out there and wanted to pay out of pocket for a Field Service dispatch.

For your situation, I only need config.ini, data.txt, and event.txt. Debug files are not needed.

[BillP]

Okay.  I have the files needed.  Will I send them directly to you or will I submit them via Schneider's Support Center?  Thanks.

[BillP]

You can attach them here. When typing your reply, make sure you are not replying from your "inbox" rather than going to the full view of the thread and select "use advanced editor" to attach the files. You can remove any private info like IP addresses, etc. I just want to see the UPS events/data log and any UPS settings.

[BillP]

Angela

The files are attached.  Thanks.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Thank you.

I definitely think we have a battery problem, perhaps one bad pair or module - I am not sure. I think you'll need service unfortunately or someone to come check these batteries. Let me know if you need help with how to go about that.

I looked in the data log. On March 5, the UPS did a self test at about 9:30 and the entry for the same time in the data log indicates a large battery capacity drop - from 100% to 55% which is certainly not normal at all.

Also, on March 11 (yesterday), did you remove or reseat a battery module? I see an entry in the log indicating number of batteries decreased/increased which is indicative of someone removing/reinstalling - if not, this is also an indicator of battery problems. At this time, the battery capacity also dropped 20% and also charged back up slowly.

[BillP]

Thank you so much for reviewing the logs.  Yes, yesterday I did take a power module out to see if there was any other indication of the battery service date.  I'll turn to our maintenance provider to see about a field rep coming out.  In the beginning I thought it may be something I could fix since the UPS is on emergency power anyway.  Thanks.