APC Back-UPS RS 1500 issues

[Anonymous user]

First post, I will try to make this as specific as possible.

The model I am having trouble with is: APC Back-UPS RS 1500

When I plug the unit into a fully-functional power receptacle and press the power button on the unit, this is what happens:

-Online button flashes green several times

-LED toggles between On Battery (Amber LED with 4 beeps) and Online (solid Green LED)

Here is what I have tried doing, all to no avail

-Replaced the internal battery with a brand new battery.

-Tried to reset the circuit breaker with the reset button on the back of the unit

-Enter Programming Mode by pressing the Power button on front of unit for 10 seconds (which never goes into that mode, only power cycles device)

-Unplug unit from power receptacle (same results)

No devices are plugged-in/connected to the UPS. It is an older model, used UPS. While I would love to replace the unit entirely, please don't suggest that because it is for a non-profit organization.

Any help, advice, assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Anonymous user]

First post, I will try to make this as specific as possible.

The model I am having trouble with is: APC Back-UPS RS 1500

When I plug the unit into a fully-functional power receptacle and press the power button on the unit, this is what happens:

-Online button flashes green several times

-LED toggles between On Battery (Amber LED with 4 beeps) and Online (solid Green LED)

Here is what I have tried doing, all to no avail

-Replaced the internal battery with a brand new battery.

-Tried to reset the circuit breaker with the reset button on the back of the unit

-Enter Programming Mode by pressing the Power button on front of unit for 10 seconds (which never goes into that mode, only power cycles device)

-Unplug unit from power receptacle (same results)

No devices are plugged-in/connected to the UPS. It is an older model, used UPS. While I would love to replace the unit entirely, please don't suggest that because it is for a non-profit organization.

Any help, advice, assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[BillP]

We have a few models of Back UPS 1500s - can you confirm by the white sticker on back or bottom? It could be BR1500G, BR1500, or BR1500LCD and I just want to make sure. I have a feeling it is just BR1500.

What it sounds like is that the UPS is operating on battery power even though you have it plugged in which can be due to a power problem it senses that you can't see (like a blackout when you have no voltage) or if there is a problem with the unit.

When you try programming mode, you need to make sure that the unit is plugged in and turned off before you start holding it. This helps you adjust the sensitivity of the UPS which is good to try in this situation as well.

Once I confirm the model, I can give better instructions. Also, do you have the included USB cable so that we could potentially connect it to a computer and check PowerChute Personal Edition to see what it reports. It could report 0V and if it says that, we know it's not likely.

Have you tried a different physical electrical circuit or location to connect the UPS to?

If it is a unit with an LCD which I don't think it is, we could check some items via the LCD.

[BillP]

I think that once you're in programming mode, you just press the power button and cycle through the settings. When 3 LEDs are on, it's at high, 2 indicates medium, and 1 equals low. What issue do you see?

The cable you need is APC cable part number AP9827 (or 940-0127) and looks like this:

[Anonymous user]

There are 3 LEDs on when I power device into Programming Mode. I guess I am just trying to understand what setting to adjust the sensitivity to. The beep sequence remains even after reset and without any devices plugged into the UPS.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

High sensitivity is what is set with the three LEDs blinking. Try leaving it so only one LED (low sensitivity) is selected and see if any change. This is the most tolerant sensitivity setting we can put the UPS on so we know if it starts working, the UPS is seeing some type of power event preventing it from coming online.

[Anonymous user]

Thank you Angela! That worked. Changed the sensitivity to the lowest setting (first LED only), powered unit off, powered back on and it is functioning normally.

[BillP]

You're welcome. It is possible then that there is some type of power problem present that you cannot see i.e. electrical noise, THD (total harmonic distortion, etc). Now that the UPS is online, you could potentially connect PowerChute to it some time, adjust the sensitivity back up, and see if it goes to battery and indicates why (if you felt like it).