Smart-UPS RT 1500 XL: internal switching issue

[yogi_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/30/2017

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Hi all,

I have a malfunctioning Smart-UPS unit (model SURTA1500RMXL2U) with AP9630 NMC.

The unit indicates an internal switching issue (the "online" and "bypass" LED both flash). Towards the rear end of the unit I hear a relay clicking (~1 click per second). The NMC reports: "UPS: In bypass in response to the UPS front-panel or a user-initiated software command, typically for maintenance."

The batteries are visually fine and all measure a decent voltage (even the NMC says the battery levels are pretty much full).

Sometimes the unit will temporarily say the batteries are "not installed properly". It makes me thing a bad contact, although the unit is stationary.

The user manual states that the unit should be sent in for repair. However, I was hoping that there might be someone out there that has a brilliant idea about where the problem might be. I've got the soldering skills to replace a bad component (I've repaired a lot of AV equipment in my life), but if I need to meter every single component, I will not finish it in under 10 years. 😉

Recently it got moved and the front panel came of. Could it be the ribbon cable to the panel is damaged? Visually it's fine and the buttons and LEDs all seem to operate properly.

Thanks in advance!