1300VA being extremely loud

[Anonymous user]

I have had a 700LS model for a few years, but over time my needs grew so I thought that it would be a good idea to upgrade to a more powerful UPS. The 700LS never gave me problems but the battery did give in. This is when I bought a 1300VA unit (a few days ago). I Installed it according to the instructions, and allowed it to charge for 16 hours without having anything plugged into it. After a few nice hours the noise that came from the device got louder and louder, until I could bear it no more. We are talking, LOUD. I tried to walk away and see how many meters away I could still hear the humm/buzz and I was atleast 20 meters out ( while having music in the background as well ). The thing is, I am not sure how much louder it would get because it seems to get louder the longer it runs.

Now I think I should mention a few things. I plugged it into my computer via the data cable, installed the software and ran a few tests. the tests passed fine. No problems anywhere to be found. Electricity seems stable ( between 119-122 ), and I have no warnings showing up anywhere. When I have all of my devices running I am only using about 200watts ( when my computer is on idle ), and power chute tells me that I am only using 25% load.

I tried to use the unit in different areas of the house but after 20-30 minutes it becomes super loud.

I am wondering if it is possible that the unit is defective.

Thing is, I can easily live with some unit noise, and I expect some, but the type of buzz that is being emitted is literally causing me headaches. The weird thing is, when the battery is being tested, the noise that the unit gives out is MUCH quieter than when the unit isn't utilizing the battery.

EDIT: This is how the buzz sounds. just as a point of reference, at 57seconds I perform a self test and that is where the battery kicks in. Notice how much quieter it is than the regular buzz that I hear.

http://www.tofconstruction.net/ambient-whisper/Buzz3.mp3

added link to buzz file.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

hi,

thanks so much for the link to the mp3 file. excellent idea.

that is definitely not normal and i can say so after owning one as well as working at APC.

there would be a SLIGHT hum, like the one you hear when it goes to battery and performs the self test, but nothing like you have told/shown us with the file.

the only thing I would double check if you havent is make sure nothing is randomly stick in the fan causing that or that nothing is vibrating that you can see.

if all that checks out okay, i'd recommend contacting APC for a replacement because we certainly dont want you to keep that and I am sure it is very annoying.

you can contact them via phone at 800-890-4272 or esupport@apcc.com or www.apc.com/support

you can send them that link too for a good example if they ask any questions. reference this thread if you need to as well.

let us know if you have any questions.