SMC1500 doing a weird "cycling" thing

[BillP]

Having a new problem with a formerly reliable SMC1500. Have a computer, monitor and NAS plugged in, none of which are affected by the behaviour. However, when you look at the front of it, it looks good, voltage within range, low (25%) load, battery gauge shows full. Then, the fan comes on, about 5 seconds later there's an audible "click" in the UPS, the battery gauge goes to empty, a picture of a battery with an X appears, and the leaf appears on the LED. This lasts for about 10 seconds, then there's a click again, and everything returns to normal. Again, the devices plugged into the UPS don't appear to be affected, but the noise is driving me crazy - it happens about once every minute.

I cannot enter configuration mode to do a self-test (I hold down both buttons, hear the beep, but it never actually enters configuration mode). If I try to do a reset (let go of the button during the long beep), I hear a little squawk and it shuts off, but nothing else really changes. I'm assuming that there's something wrong internally rather than with the battery. Does that sound likely? Is there anything I haven't tried?

Thanks very much in advance,

Ian

[BillP]

Hi,

The leaf indicates the UPS is switching to Green Mode. When in Green mode the UPS is operating at the most efficient level by bypassing unused AVR components while acceptable AC voltage is present. The UPS will enter and exit Green mode automatically and will not compromise power protection.

To correct the issue with Configuration Mode you can try the brain dead procedure. The brain dead procedure will reset the UPS.  See Schneider Electric FAQ FA156611 for assistance with the brain dead procedure. 

If Configuration Mode is working, you can disable Green Mode. See page 12 of the users guide. https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_File_Name=AHUG-9D8BRK_R4_EN.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=SPD_AHUG-9...

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Bill, I've tried both type of resets and neither seem to have worked. I disconnected battery with the plug out, and it didn't go through the start-up test, and the problem recurs once I plug it in. I've attached a video that shows what's happening, and while I understand what the green leaf represents, I don't think this is what you're describing.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide. I fear that this UPS is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace!