Smart UPS 1500 - battery disconnected message; replace UPS or battery?

[Anonymous user]

Agent version: 7.0.4.114
OS: Windows 2000 5.0
Model: Smart-UPS 1500
Serial: AS0618111860(
Manufacture: 4/28/2006
Firmware: 601.3.D
Battery Replaced: 4/28/2006
Status: No Batteries Attached
Output voltage: 123.1 VAC
Input voltage: 123.1 VAC

Self-test result: Failed

We have been using our SmartUPS 1500 for over three years at very low load and have had no problems until this:
Monday morning, the server had suffered a reset and the UPS was beeping every few seconds. I assumed that perhaps the battery was in need of replacement, but further investigation shows that the unit thinks the battery is unplugged. I find this notion physically improbable(ninjas? earthquake?).

I unplugged everything from the UPS and left it off and plugged in for 48 hours to try to recharge the battery.
Now when I turn it on, everything is green for a few seconds then it goes back to the battery disconnected mode (red light blinking and beeping every few seconds).

Event Log:
12:10:34 Battery Reconnected
12:10:40 Battery Disconnected

I want to know if I should buy a replacement battery or a replacement unit. I would hate to buy a battery only to find out that the unit's circuitry is the problem and have to spend even more money.

[BillP]

You probably either have bad batteries (the voltage could be so low it isn't detecting them) or the sensor in the UPS isn't working. If you can, you could try a pull-plug test to see which it is - if the UPS stays on with the power cord unplugged, it's just a bad sensor. If it turns off, you need new batteries. Since the batteries are over 3yrs old (almost 4 actually, based on the manufacture date), that's entirely possible.

Then again, ninjas are sneaky...

[Anonymous user]

Thank you for the quick response.

I pulled the cord and the unit immediately shut off.

We will be ordering a replacement battery pack post-haste.

I shall post the results when I have some.

[Anonymous user]

Replaced the battery. All is well.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Great! Glad order is restored. 🙂