APC BR550Gi UPS clicks endlessly

[Anonymous user]

Reffering to post http://forums.apc.com/spaces/5/smart-ups-symmetra-lx-rm/forums/general/3885/su2200rm3u-dead/1#47084 (Clicking from a new BR550GI whilst turned off)

here is my story/problem/question

The unit while is turned off clicks every 40 seconds (exactly) then humming for about 5 seconds then clicks again to start an new cycle after 40 seconds. Between the clicks at the 5 seconds period, the "control by master" sockets have no power. Then the power in the sockets is up again. I remind you that those sockets suppose to give only surge protection (no battery) no matter if the unit is on or off.

My configuration is: one modem-router at master socket, and one usb drive, while in the surge only protected sockets I have a netbook, a multi printer (scanner, copier etc) and an NAS (intel). The green leaf (mode) is either on, or off, I have tried both modes, and I have calibrate the minimum current to master socket numerous times. No luck. I also have tried numerous compinations in socket selections, no luck.

I have this unit as a replacement because the previous one did the same thing and I thought this was faulty behaviour (to shut down power to controlled by master sockets every 40 seconds for a period of 5 seconds) and this will end up to my printer or/and my NAS-drive get fried eventually.

When I have the later devices in a non controlled by master socket then the power is always on (but the clicks don't stop). I guess this is an internal process but I really can't take the risk to have the unit switching on and off the power to certain sockets endlessly.

The only time that the clicks stop is when I turn off the modem router, turn off the UPS and immediatelly shutdown the netbook, not through windows, but with the power button (forced shutdown). This sequency is not working all the times. Sometimes have to do it again and again. And take the risk to some point to lose my netbook to a fault in the drive, power circuits, or something.

When the unit is on, nothing of the above happens but I really have to turn it on every two days or three because that's my needs. the most time I wish to have it powered off, consuming the minimum.

Please advice..

[Anonymous user]

Yes. The first unit I bought has that "defect" and it was replaced 3 days after the purchase. The second unit arrived straight from holland europe headquorters (I think). I guess, because there are times that clicking stops, meaning it doesn't starts at all when I shut down the unit, that there is a sequence that triggers it. I think I will deal with it another week to find a solution and then I will replace the unit with another, not apc I'm afraid. My only concern is to protect the rest equipment from that 40 second on-off in the power supply.

[Anonymous user]

I found that there are a lot of issues about clicking
http://www.apc-forums.com/search.jspa?objID=f21&q=clicks

can we find a solution?

[Anonymous user]

I agree with you about the small statistical percent of failures, but I 'm the statistical percent in this case and it isn't pleasant. I wish, someone would figured out the reason. since I have tried anything in settings (all combinations) and the clicking is when the unit is OFF, hence there isn't any reason to interfier and switch on and off. anyway thanks for your time and effort.

Message was edited by: bambaaacha

[Anonymous user]

Yes. Even if there is not any device connected to master socket.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I am too having this problem and I found out that the sensitivity was too high despite my old UPS having the same sensativity setting. I have now adjusted to the medium setting in hope that it was a sensitivity issue. Looking at the UK power (according to the UPS voltage meter) it does fluctiated but not massively. 

So far what I have done is this: I have allowed the battery to be run down (run time calibration) and then turned the UPS after a graceful shut down and the turned the electric back on to the UPS and then shut down the UPS to allow it to charge. While charging there have been no clicks or other strange goings on. I have even turned the printer on which was connected to the Surge only part of the UPS but was controlled under the Master. Incidentally I will mention that the power save option is NOT enabled. even though I have set the threshold of the UPS in case this was set incorrectly. 

originally the printer would turn off because of the clicking as the UPS was disconnecting power to the outlets. I was concerned that it would fry my printer while the printer was booting up or printing. I changed the printer power cable to one which was NOT supply power by the master and the printer stayed on all the time. This indicates to me that there is either a. threshold setting incorrect. b. a sensitivity issue c. A faulty UPS. I would be intrested is anyone at APC would get back to me with their views.

I have submitted a returns authorisation in case the UPS develops a fault under the changed setting. 

Thanks