Smart-UPS SUA3000RM2U Online light will not stay on

[Anonymous user]

We have 5 of the Smart-UPS SUA3000RM2U, all of a sudden on one of them.  The "online" light goes off and the unit switches to battery power.   (power is good) plugged another UPS in the same receptacle and it works.  

So we replaced the batteries with a new battery pack.   But now the unit will not start via a power on, but it will start from a cold-boot. However, the online light flashes  six times then switches to battery. 

The L5-30R has 120 volts.  When I run the self test or try to power it on,  Here's what happens. 

1. Press power on - one quick beep - No power 

2. Tried Cold start,   released after beep - unit battery indicators full (with the old batteries) - (new battery pack shows half full)

    Online LED blinks six times - Then orange light "on battery" comes on. 

3. Hold for self-test - Remove battery unit powers on but Does the Same as #2 

4. network cards has solid green and flashing orange but still can't connect via IP Address. 

5. Unit does have output power , but it's using battery. 

Not sure what could be happening , it sounds to me that  unit is not getting power . 

[Anonymous user]

No comments? or No Clues? or just Sorry out Luck? 

[BillP]

Staff do not work weekends.

[Anonymous user]

I'm neither of terribly knowledgeable about these larger units nor am I affiliated with APC/Schneider in any way. My only thought would be to try what is called a "braindead" on the unit: safely power down any attached load, turn the UPS off, disconnect both the batteries and AC line power. Then depress the power on button for a few seconds. The unit should flash its lights, click the relays and beep. When it has done so, this should clear the microcontroller's volatile memory. (No customized settings should be lost.)

Reconnect the battery, restore power and see if the unit is any happier.

It's definitely odd that the network management card wouldn't start up normally. If you have a 940-0024 communications cable, you might try hooking up a computer with terminal emulation software (2400/8/N/1, no flow control per default) to see if there is any response from the network card before you attempt the "braindead" procedure above.

[voidstar_apc]

I would check the back of the unit for a circuit breaker. Sometimes they appear like round push pins.

[Anonymous user]

Yes, its seems strange to me.    I believe it's something  relative to the inverter?  this unit does have a breaker switch that I can see. there are rest buttons on the output  panel, which I have pressed many times.  

I went through the "Braindead" procedure, afterwards the unit powered on.  But the battery light nor the online light comes on.  Only three battery indicators.

The NIC has a solid green and a blinking orange light, seems like it communicating.   However, after numerous resets of the NIC card the MAC does not appear on our network.  

I don't have the original cable for some reason our network cabling guys throw them out.     

I hear a loud click when I press the power button.   But nothing happens, it only comes on when I do a cold start but the online light never comes on. 

These unit are old and they have served us well.   I guess we'll just put the new batteries in another unit.  

We're non-profit so anything we can do to save a little always helps. 

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hello Duane, I do apologize for the delayed response, but we do not typically check the forums on the weekends, and yesterday was a holiday in my home (and current) state of Rhode Island (Victory over Japan day, yes we still celebrate it).

Based on what you mention it looks like the UPS is operating correctly, able to power up and run on battery, but it is not able to go online and utilize incoming utility power. It looks like you verified that the outlet is working, from putting another UPS. 

Have you checked the input circuit breaker on the back of the unit? It should be very close to where the power cord enters the unit, and it might be popped out. If it is, please reset it by pushing it in, until it clicks. If you cannot get a click, then it has not tripped

If the circuit breaker is not tripped, and you are still unable to get power, I would inspect the power cord for any issues. It could have a loose connection or be damaged. In either of those cases, you would most likely have to replace the unit.

That being said, these units do typically have a lifespan of 5-7 years, based on the different electronic components inside, and there might be an issue with the UPS itself.These units have been discontinued for quite some time and it is most likely in that age range or older.  Again, in this occasion it would also have to be replaced. 

I acknowledge that especially for a non-profit, cost can be an issue. I would advise that you call into sales at 800 800 4272 and inquire about or Trade Ups program, where you can get a significant discount by trading in your old unit, and we will even cover the shipping cost of sending it back to us. 

Thanks, 

Shanon

[Anonymous user]

No Problem.   I wasn't really expecting an official response considering I posted this  Friday afternoon.  I was assuming this was an open forum and was really looking for others who may of had the same problem.  Like I said,  we have five of these and they have been good to us.   When you do good work, good things will happen.  A visitor was touring our Datacenter when he notice the UPS was powered off and we ran power from another rack.

He made a generous donation ,  and our CEO came by and thanked us.   She said , we do all we can with the small budget and these were some of the things that showed how hard we work.  

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