SmartUPS 3000 repairable?

[Anonymous user]

I have a customer with a SmartUPS 3000RM. They got a battery replacement warning but put it off for a couple of weeks, finally replacing the batteries last week. The system has a management card and the management card web interface indicated that the new batteries were installed -- we could see the charge rate going up over time.

They complained about their server restarting and I wondered about the UPS -- management card said everything was OK, but we shut the server down and pulled the utility power from it and off it went.

Batteries were removed, checked for obvious problems (loose terminals, etc) and put back in and the UPS will not turn on at all. Batteries pulled again, checked, swapped position, checked with a voltmeter (showing the right voltage), and still no luck. Utility circuit is good.

My question is -- did I lose something inside? Are these units repairable (logic/control board)? Is there some risk from not replacing batteries when warned? I've had a ton of customers that have put this off (sometimes for months, against my advice, naturally) and never had UPS problems.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello,

Please keep this in mind when considering repair of the UPS through Coastal Business Machines (1-888-234-9877). The repair price also factors in a two-year warranty with CBM if anything goes wrong with the UPS. The refurbished unit has only a 90 day warranty. Outside of that, if anything goes wrong, even on the 91st day, you're going to have to replace the UPS.

[Anonymous user]

That makes very little sense to me. refurbishing an UPS implies that the unit would be just as good as new as worn/old parts have been replaced. And then only give a 90day warranty? Where as, a mere repair of a part would recertify a whole unit with a 2 year warranty?
Besides, as per their website ( http://www.buyupsonline.com/products/smart-ups-3000-rackmount-3u) "Refurbished APC Smart-UPS 3000 Rackmount 3U. Unit is completely reconditioned and will carry a FULL 3 YEAR Bumper-to- Bumper Warranty." It also carries a $549 pricetag. About 50% of the street price of a new APC unit with 2 year warranty.

[Anonymous user]

And the official answer from APC:
I am sorry to say that, APC do not repair these parts. If you wish you can participate in Trade-UPS program to upgrade your old UPS. In trade Ups you can trade-in your old UPS for a brand new unit and avail the following benefits :
a. Get up to a 35% discount on new APC UPSs.
b. Up to a 35% discount on APC accessories and additional smaller UPSs.
c. Upgrade to two times the VA of your current UPS capacity.
d. Trade in multiple UPSs for larger upgrades.
e. Get up to a 2 year factory warranty on new units.
f. Free removal and/or shipping of existing units.
g. Proper ecological disposal of returned UPSs and batteries for free.


Its amazing that this 'GREEN' ( item g ) effort does not include the repair of the circuit board. It is interesting that the 'GREEN' does result in a refurbish unit. Its not really an ecological green is it.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello,

There is a huge difference in what was being described to you. There have never been repairs on Smart-UPS, as that's what extended warranties are for. The repair cost for the Smart-UPS is actually higher than the price of the refurbished unit, therefore, it's not cost-effective to you. We offer the Trade-UPS program so that you get that unit off of your hands, as well as get the discount off the new UPS.

[Anonymous user]

it is a big difference. There is no repair price - so how can you compare? And how APC prices them out is what makes it a big difference. Why would you want an extended warranty - apc does not repair them - right ? And the ability to refurbish, but not repair appears to be a bit shady. And the offer to take the unit off your hands could be better served if one were to dispose of unit at local electonic recycling center ( saves gas and all that postage ).

If my UPS broke I want it repaired. I want it repaired for a reasonable cost.

Hence, the topic. AND the reluctant answer: ABSOLUTELY NO!

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Out of warranty repair on most of our Single-Phase units is around 300-400 dollars. You would want an extended warranty because the unit is replaced Next Business Day. For the Trade-UPS, the unit is sent back to APC, so you receive a new UPS with a new manufacturer's warranty, and WE refurbish it and we pay for the shipping back to us. Maybe there's something I'm missing, but CBM is definitely a better deal on a case-by-case basis, unless of course your UPS is 10 years old.

[BillP]

are you talking about the Trade UPS program?

if so, [take a look here|http://www.apc.com/recycle/index.cfm]

if not, you can contact coastal business machines if you are looking for repair - www.cbmi.com

[Anonymous user]

I have a Smart Ups 3000 that failed at a remote site (swollen batteries). I replaced sting of batteries with OEM batteries and charged for a day. UPS showed full charge but shuts off when unplugged. UPS fails power up diagnostic most of the time giving audio alarm and battery alarm. After complete visual inspection w/lighted magnifier, I have found R38 & R 43 smoked and cannot distinguish colors or find specs to change. How do I qualify for the exchange program?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I have a customer with a SmartUPS 3000RM. They got a battery replacement warning but put it off for a couple of weeks, finally replacing the batteries last week. The system has a management card and the management card web interface indicated that the new batteries were installed -- we could see the charge rate going up over time.

They complained about their server restarting and I wondered about the UPS -- management card said everything was OK, but we shut the server down and pulled the utility power from it and off it went.

Batteries were removed, checked for obvious problems (loose terminals, etc) and put back in and the UPS will not turn on at all. Batteries pulled again, checked, swapped position, checked with a voltmeter (showing the right voltage), and still no luck. Utility circuit is good.

My question is -- did I lose something inside? Are these units repairable (logic/control board)? Is there some risk from not replacing batteries when warned? I've had a ton of customers that have put this off (sometimes for months, against my advice, naturally) and never had UPS problems.