SC620 Just Died All of A Sudden

[SamirD_apc]

We have two SC620s that were installed at the same time with our POS system.  Both have literally been on for the same time, same hours, same days, same conditions, etc.

We own several different types of businesses and have APC units going back to 2000s so we know the product and insist on it because they always do the job.

Except that one of the SC620s just all of a sudden died--no lights, no breaker, no beeps--nothing!  I was off site so I couldn't put my hands on it until today, and it's definitely just not responding at all.

I read how to remove the batteries, but it's really in there snug.  Besides removing the battery and giving it power, any other diagnostic advice?  The unit is just maybe 2 years old now.  First time we've had a failure like this.

Any assistance appreciated.

[BillP]

Hi,

If the battery is swollen that indicates the battery failed and has over charged. You should unplug the UPS from the AC source and let it site for 24 hours. After the wait time if the battery can be remove you can swap the old battery for a new one and put the UPS back into service. If the battery cannot be removed after the wait time then the entire UPS should be replaced. 

[SamirD_apc]

Thank you Bill.  I've almost never been able to get out a battery without it being somewhat stuck, even after days of sitting.  I'll get this battery out and swap in the battery from the known working one to completely eliminate the UPS itself.

A couple of questions though--why would this have happened? (UPS issue?) and should the unit power on when I finally get the battery out?

[BillP]

Hi,

Normally it is a battery issue. When one of the cells in the battery dies the other cells absorb the energy that cell should have causing them to swell and heat up. Occasionally it is a charger fault but 98 percent of the time it is the battery.

On 1/7/2016 9:38 AM, Samir said:

should the unit power on when I finally get the battery out?

 Yes once the battery is good the UPS should power up. 

[SamirD_apc · Accepted solution]

Just got the battery out--it was in there so tightly that it took 30 minutes with two screwdrivers to pry it out.  But once it was out it looked like the normal thing we see with spent batteries--swelling on the case.  I checked the precise usage time of this particular unit and it's almost exactly 3 years, so this is to be expected.  I'll get an RBC4 ordered right away.  Thank you!

[SamirD_apc]

As a followup, battery replacement got the unit back in service.  Have replaced the battery in this unit one more time and the other unit once as well.  They're still doing their job. 🙂