SMX1500RM2U

[Brianbence]

We have a SMX1500RM2U with two additional battery cabinets at a customer location.  For sone reason it keeps powering itself off every few days. I can go out on site turn it back on and it works fine. Is this a known issue?   If so, is there a fix? 

[Teken]

If the date and time of the shutdown is the same it sounds like a schedule shutdown is programmed. If no scheduled shutdown is enabled the next step is to review the error logs to see why the unit shutdown.

The following are some of the possible reasons for a system shutdown. Go down the list and validate they are not the root cause(s).

- NMC: Programmed scheduled shutdown 

- Power Chute: Shut down due to loss of AC power and completed shutdown sequence.

Remote User: Shutdown was initiated by a person or program via serial connection, USB, NMC. 

- Battery: If the batteries are more than 3-5 years old they may be expired. Verify the battery installation date to confirm on the LCD / NMC. If the battery health is in doubt complete a real world lights out test.

Unplug the AC Mains from the wall. If the unit shuts down immediately the batteries are toast - Replace! ☝️

If the system runs for X minutes compare it to the APC Runtime Calculator based on a defined load. To see where the system is in terms of runtime. If the runtime calculator indicates the main system plus two external battery packs equates to 60 minutes (example) but you see 45 minutes schedule a replacement in the future for battery purchase. 👍

If the runtime is 5-10 minutes - Replace! 👎

Serial Cable: Some less likely causes for a shut down is someone using a none APC Serial cable to connect to the UPS. This will cause the system to immediately shut down.

EPO: If an Emergency Power Off (EPO) switch is present. Verify the entire circuit is fine from switch, wire, phoenix connector on the back of the UPS.

As an aside, there have been many reports of EOP failures in certain production dates of SMX / SRT UPS lines.

The error logs should indicate the active faults / errors seen during the shutdown. If the system is connected to a NMS via SNMP more historical information can be seen and gleaned from the traps. 

Any Syslog server obviously should be reviewed. Lastly, if email notifications are enabled review them to see what was declared before, during, and after.

• Let me know what you observe and find as you go down the troubleshooting list.