APC BackUPS won't turn on after battery died, is UPS dead or just battery?

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

One morning without warning that my battery was getting low, the unit (UPS BE550es) started beeping like crazy and Powerchute said that the battery was completely dead. I silenced the alarm (SO annoying!) and finished my work on the computer (~2hr) then turned off the computer and left for the day. In the evening, the unit could not be powered on and the battery side of the unit would not supply power (with and without battery installed). I figure I need a new battery but am concerned that the whole unit may require replacement. Can someone give me an idea if my unit is OK or requires replacement? Thanks!

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

I checked the battery, no visible swelling. I tried to run the UPS with the battery in again, in hopes that it just had a bad self-test and needed to be reset. After playing with the computer for a while trying to get the battery tested, I noticed that the UPS power plug was quite warm! Maybe there is a short in the battery itself. I'd be tempted to think it's just the battery, but the 'wiring fault' on the UPS is lit intermittently, even though another UPS (the 750G) doesn't register a wiring fault and I've also had an electrician look at the wiring and he deemed it fine. Hmm..

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Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

I think I had a similar problem with an APC a few years ago. Upon opening the battery compartment, the battery had bloated and cracked. Fortunately, it didn't leak. A replacement battery was installed and I continue to use it today. Good luck.

Peace.
Chris

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

Not sure if I'm finding the serial number but I found a sticker on the bottom of the unit with the number: 3B0828X41478. I can't find the 6-digit number you're referring to in this serial number though.

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

that is the serial number that indicates it was manufactured in mid 2008 so the battery should be from the same time. if you have had a lot of usage on the battery, it may be time to replace it. have you checked the battery compartment as Chris mentioned at all? these units have a 3 year warranty which also covers a battery.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

I checked the battery, no visible swelling. I tried to run the UPS with the battery in again, in hopes that it just had a bad self-test and needed to be reset. After playing with the computer for a while trying to get the battery tested, I noticed that the UPS power plug was quite warm! Maybe there is a short in the battery itself. I'd be tempted to think it's just the battery, but the 'wiring fault' on the UPS is lit intermittently, even though another UPS (the 750G) doesn't register a wiring fault and I've also had an electrician look at the wiring and he deemed it fine. Hmm..