SMART-UPS X-3000: Internal Hardware Fault

[BillP]

I am receiving the following message:  UPS: In bypass in response to an internal hardware fault. (Code : 0x011B)  This initially started after receiving the critical alert yesterday saying, "UPS: The internal battery temperature exceeds the critical threshold." (Code : 0x012C)  This message resolved itself about 2.5 hours later sending, "Informational Events - UPS: The internal battery temperature no longer exceeds the critical threshold."  The internal hardware fault message has continued.  I have attached my event and data log files.  Previous to this, the UPS has not indicated any problems during self-tests.

Is it possible this error can be cleared and all is ok again?  Or does this mean the battery or UPS itself needs replacement?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer,

Carolyn K.

[BillP]

Hi Carolyn,

Given the details in the log, it appears that you have an issue with either a battery failing and overheating or possibly an issue with the temperature in the physical room. It appears that on May 28th the temperature of the UPS spiked up to 99°F. Have you checked the UPS to see if the room where it is installed is overly warm? You may also want to remove the battery from the UPS to see if it feels overly hot or is swollen/bloated.

Batteries in a Smart-UPS generally last 3-5 years, but that lifespan is dramatically affected by the temperature of the install environment. If these 99°F temperatures happen with any sense of regularity you may find the lifespan of your batteries to be much closer to the 3 year mark. If you can provide the exact model/serial number of your UPS I can find the age of the unit and whether or not it is under warranty.

thanks

Liam

[BillP]

Hi Liam,

Based on the ambient room temperature readings, the room never went above 77 F.  Checking on the room today, it's in the lower 70's.  I pulled out the battery, and it's not overly hot or swollen/bloated.  We don't generally have temperature problems in that room, except an occasional HVAC malfunction resulting in hot temperatures for no more than 2 days, which happened 2-3 times over the last 5 years.

The model number/serial number is:

Model #:  SMX3000RMLV2U - SN#IS1118000524 (we also have 1 external battery pack)

It was installed in 11/2011, so I know it is quite old.  Does this mean the battery is definitely failing?  And given the age of the unit would it make sense to get a replacement battery or replace the entire unit?

Thanks,

Carolyn

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Carolyn,

Given the age of the batteries, it makes sense that they would need replacement. The UPS isn't showing any other issues, so it is likely that the batteries themselves were causing the temperature problems. I would recommend replacing the batteries - I think that will resolve all of the issues. When you replace the batteries in the UPS you should also replace the batteries in your external pack at the same time. Given the behavior so far, I would recommend doing this as soon as possible. Leaving them in place could result in further heating/swelling which could result in damage to the UPS and/or loss of power to your attached equipment.

Thanks!

Liam

[BillP]

Thanks for your help, Liam.  I will replace them ASAP.

Carolyn