Smart-ups 750 rm totally dead

[Anonymous user]

hi, I have a Smart-ups 750rm 2u that has been unused for about 3 years. During this time it has been disconnected from the power and with the batteries left connected. I assumed the batteries would need replacement but hoped otherwise it would work.

When I plugged it in to the power there was no reaction at all, no lights, no sound, no nothing. 

I looked for a fuse but couldn't find one. Is there anything obvious that I can try or is it ready for recycling?

cheers,

gordon

[Terry_Kennedy_apc]

Most APC models in this range won't power on if the batteries are completely dead. If it has been sitting for 3 years it is definitely out of warranty. You could try installing replacement batteries, but the problem is that you won't know if the problem was just the batteries or if there is something wrong with the UPS itself until you spend the money for the batteries.

Depending on the planned usage (work / home, etc.) and whether or not 750VA would be sufficient, you might want to consider replacing the unit. In addition to just recyclying the unit, APC offers the Trade-UPS program. You'd need to check to see if that would be more cost-effective than simply recycling the unit and purchasing a new unit (without trade-in) from a reseller with a good discount program. That will depend on the old and new models as well as your location.

[Anonymous user]

Aah I see. Thanks very much for this information.

Do you think there is a practical possibility of charging the batteries by some other means just enough to allow the unit to start up?

It is for home use so unless I'm sure it is in working order I don't want to buy replacement batteries.

[Terry_Kennedy_apc]

Unlikely. I have been able to charge recently-dead batteries one at a time with a car battery charger. This is strongly NOT recommended, but it was after Hurricane Sandy and my choice was to either re-wire everything around the UPSs (or run in bypass mode on the models that support it) or to charge enough batteries to be able to start the UPSs, which would at least give me surge & sag protection (very important as the local utility stuttered and sputtered for a few days once it got going after a multi-week outage).

Batteries that have been dead for 3 years are unlikely to hold enough of a charge to allow you to start the UPS. I don't know offhand how many batteries are in your UPS or how they are configured, so I can't say what might work as an alternative. I think your best bet would be to purchase the proper replacement batteries from somewhere which will allow you to return them if they don't get your UPS going.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks Terry, I'll see what I can find on ebay, or maybe give your non-recommendation a go.

[Anonymous user]

I purchased a couple of cheap batteries and installed them and the unit fired up and initially looked fine. However after a couple of hours I looked at it again and all the lights were flashing.

does this mean the batteries were too cheap?

[BillP]

Hi,

Are the online, on battery, bad battery, boost, trim, and overload all flashing in unison? If so there is an internal fault. If those LEDs are flashing in sequence then the unit is in sleep state.

If there is an internal fault you should brain dead / reset the UPS. Instruction on how to brain dead the UPS can be found in Kbase FA156611

[Anonymous user]

Thanks Bill - I tried that and also the cold start. However when the mains is back on the 6 lights flash again.

Does this mean there are one or more 24V relays faulty? If so does that mean the unit is ready for the bin?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes if the LEDs are flashing in unison and resetting does not resolve the issue then the UPS need to be replaced.