how to perform a runtime calibration on a Smart-UPS RT 8000 XL ?

[bernd_apc]

Hi,

sorry for asking such a simple quesion, but i never did it before. I found a web page (http://powerblog.apc-home.de/batteriekunde-wartung-und-pflege/) (soory, just in german) which recommends to perform a runtime calibration every 6 months to prolong the life time of the accumulator.
APC states someting different: "Draining the battery and recharging puts some wear and tear on the battery system and is not recommended unless there is a specific issue you are trying to address" (http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA284198/). So, recommened or not ?

How can i perform such a runtime calibration ? The manual does not say anything about it. My load is constantly 20%. 

There is a "User commanded" and a "Manual" Calibration (http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA284198/). It says the preferred mode for a SU UPS (which i have) is the manual way. But for that i need at least 30% load. APC says this is important ! But i don't have that load. So do the "User commanded" ? But that is not recommended for a SU UPS. OMG. I'm turning around in a circle.

Will the UPS be drained completely in both cases ? So i should detach my servers and connect something needing much power (water cooker, coffee machine ...) ?

Thanks for any answer.

Bernd

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Unless there is an issue with the unit it is not necessary to perform the runtime calibration.  If you are going to perform the calibration the unit must have a 30% or greater load for the calibration to be effective. If the load is not 30% or greater the calibration will not be accurate and therefore a waist of time. 

 The options to run a calibration are manually or via PowerChute or if the UPS has an installer network management card via the card. The processes are explained in the FAQ you referenced http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA284198/ User Command would be either PowerChute Business Edition or the network card. Manually is just that manually.