Smart ups rt 5000 xl Batteries need immediate replacement RUN TIME question

[Anonymous user]

We just had a self test fail on our SMART UPS RT 5000 XL and the UPS is indicating the batteries need immediate replacement. However, the RUN TIME indicates 2 hours. How much actual run time on battery can I expect with the status of bad battery. I will take some time to replace the batteries. Should the servers attached to this UPS be moved to an alternate UPS until the batteries are replace?

[Anonymous user]

Hi Artman,

Would you mind sending me the serial number in private message. You are probably seeing the ideal runtime that the UPS can provide,the actual runtime can be projected when UPS goes to battery state.

Best suggestion would be to have the battery replaced not more than 2weeks starting the date you first saw the Replace Battery LED went on. The UPS might not provide sufficient runtime when you encounter power outage.Or you may have it connected on other UPS that can support the load and still has good battery.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Good day Artman!

The Replace Battery Indicator usually lights up 1-2 mos before the battery actually needs to be replaced, you may want to look at this document for troubleshooting. If this is the first time that the indicator was lit then you have enough time for the replacement. Units like this usually has a pre-installed Network Management Card, log in to the card (if it was configured before)go to Logs tab >> Event Logs to check if the unit has failed a self-test previously.

The runtime of the unit depends on the load, battery charge/capacity, the number of external battery packs attached to the unit and and [other factors|http://nam-en.apc.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10691]. If those servers are critical then transfer them to a different power source. There is a possibility that the load may drop if the unit switches to battery operation since the Replace Battery Indicator is lit. The unit may be showing a 2 hour runtime when it's Online but that runtime may go down faster than when it should when the unit switches to battery operation.