UPS internal temperature seems rather hot

[Anonymous user]

I recently set up a Smart-UPS 2200 RM XL with a network card for monitoring. At this moment the web interface reports an internal temperature of 30.6 deg C and our Nagios monitoring shows this has been the case for the last few days, although it was a few degrees cooler before and had some strange-looking instability right before settling into the new, higher range. (See attachment.) FW is 83.14.D. The network card is an AP9618 with FW 3.7.2.

We have a couple other UPSes:

Smart-UPS RT 3000 XL

internal temp: 79.3F

FW: 805.3.D

Network card: AP9630

FW: 5.1.7

Smart-UPS 3000 RM XL

internal temp: 70F

FW: 691.16.D

Network card: AP9617

FW: 3.5.5

I just changed the temperature scale on 2200/9618 unit to F and it reads as 87F.

I can give more details if necessary but basically I'm wondering if these temperatures are normal for this unit. The case is still cool to the touch.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hello.

I think this is relatively normal. I' usually anywhere from 70-90ºF typically. I have a unit sitting at 85ºF currently. The cooler you can keep it though, the better. I'd recommend aiming for 75ºF ambient temperature for optimal battery life though - further info here though on what that really means - What is the expected life of my APC UPS battery? | FAQs | Schneider Electric US).

The Smart UPS have an internal fan though which comes on when it gets too hot (higher than ~104ºF internally) among other conditions to keep it cool (on battery, charging, etc).

You could make sure there is no server exhaust or similar blowing on it to see if it cools down a bit but I would not be too worried at this point.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks, Angela. The room that UPS is located in does have some cooling challenges at the moment; nothing severe, and I expect it'll get sorted out soon. But that's probably the explanation, and I'm glad we don't have to worry about it in the short run.

[BillP]

Nope - you're welcome!