SMX-1000 exhibits a slight ticking sound.

[BillP]

I have an SMX-1000 that exhibits a slight ticking or clicking sound that occurs all the time and at random intervals from between 3 and 15 seconds betweem clicks.  Possibly sounds like a relay clicking in or out and, although I can't be sure, the frequency of these clicks seems to higher if the battery is not at full capacity.  I am wondering if this is something in the charging circuit and should I consider this ticking a "time-bomb" waiting to go off?  Has anyone else noticed this behaviour?

[BillP]

Hello Joe, 

I am sorry that you are having an issue with your Back-UPS. What it sounds like is you UPS is switching on and off battery.

Do you know what voltage is typically coming in? Do you have problems with power often? 

You can adjust the sensitivity on your UPS to reduced, through the "Configuration" menu. Let me know if that helps the issue. 

Thanks,
Shanon

[BillP]

Hi Shannon and thanks for the response.  The UPS is a Smart-UPS and I've got an AP-9630 installed in it.  The data log shows input AC at a constant 123VAC +/-  a volt and the sensitivities are set at 127 vac upper and 106 vac lower limits.  There is another Smart-UPS, although a different model, on the same circuit.  Switching to battery would normally show an event in the NMC's log, correct?  Also my power is quite stable here as evidenced by the data logs on both the UPS systems.

The noise, the click, is very slight almost like gently tapping a finger nail on a piece of plastic.  It's done it all its life so, I guess, I'm not in any real danger of failure or anything and was just wondering if the SMX-1000 was known for making such a noise.  I may be able to catch the noise recording a video via a phone if you think it might help.

Regards,

Joe

[BillP]

Hey Joe,

Thanks for the info. Based on what you described, there is probably nothing wrong with the power. The SMX does utilize a high-frequency switching transformer, so it could be that the switch might be a little more noisy then spec'd. That being said, if it's done it all it's life, you are probably not in danger of failure at all. 

You are completely correct, the on battery would also be logged in the event logs.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Thanks,
Shanon

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the feeback Shanon.  I'll consider the ticking sound the UPS's heartbeat letting me know that it is still alive.