APC Pro 1200 - Please advise Correct AC Utility input supply?

[BillP]

Hi,

I've purchased the APC Pro 1200. Please advise on the following 2 questions:

1. The PDF manual/PowerChute says that a normal AC Utility Voltage is 230V however mine seems to be a constant 240V input, is this an issue/will it damage the UPS?

2. The unit seems to lightly buzz for 7 seconds, stops for 1 seconds and then continues to buzz for another 7 seconds (this happens constantly even when fully charged) again is this normal?

As the UPS did not come with a plug to connect the UPS to the wall mains (UK connection) I'm currently using an IEC cable (used previously for my Corsair AX760 PSU) which has a 10A fuse in the plug - should this be ok?

Please advise.

Thanks.

[BillP]

Hello - just to make sure we provide you accurate information, can you confirm the exact model of UPS from the back or bottom on the white sticker? Something like BR1200G-UK maybe? With that, then I can confirm the answers to the questions.

240V should be OK and is probably normal for nominal 230V. The UPS likely has boost/trim (Automatic Voltage Regulation) so I'll just need to double check the point that kicks on. That will "trim" the voltage if it gets too high which is not what the UPS is designed to do if it is doing it 24/7 for its entire lifetime. 

I'll also verify if the UPS comes with a power cable or not so that if you're entitled to one, you can get it. If not, then it is OK to use your own as long as it meets the specifications. I can't say without verifying the specific model SKU. 

[BillP]

Hi Angela,

Thanks for your reply. The model number is BR1200GI.

Look forward to you confirming the 2 queries (please include in your reply what the specification of the power supply should be - if I was not supposed to have received one).

Thanks in advance.

[BillP]

Thanks.

I found the user's guide @ http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/EALN-83EL8G/EALN-83EL8G_R1_EN.pdf and also checked http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1200GI and to me, it looks like it should come with qty 2 jumpers/power cables from everything I can tell and you should be entitled to those.

FsP83Aly%2BgFrzlijx8HV3Q%3D%3D.jpeg

At the end of the user's guide, you'll also find the Automatic Voltage Regulation specifications: 

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

(188-216) +11.2%
(252-282) -11.2%

So you'll be OK at 240V since only at 252V is when the Automatic Voltage Regulation will "trim" the voltage down 11.2%.

The buzz could be a vibration of some type so I don't know if you've tried to explore that idea to find a culprit. But in general, if you can hear the UPS while it is online and not operating on battery, then that isn't be normal (that it distracts you). I would also consider trying a different input power location - input power and certain characteristics may cause the internal AVR transformer to buzz too.

[BillP]

Hi Angela,

Thanks very much for the info, good to know its within the nominal voltage.

Regarding the sound, i dont think it's vibration as i've lifted the unit and it's still happening, also, i've unplugged everything except the power input and turned the unit off using the middle power button and the buzzing continues (whilst the power input is still plugged in). I have recorded and uploaded the sound in the link below (although quiet):

https://soundcloud.com/nomido/apc-buzzing

It appears the sound is coming from both the back top of the unit and the lower back part of the unit. I dont know whether this is normal in operation (it is not on battery, it is plugged into AC utility/online) or if theres an issue with the unit or plug im using (although this has been functioning fine with my PSU).

I did receive the two jumper/power cords as illustrated in your reply although as this does not have a BS 1363 plug on the end of it i could not plug it into my wall so have used the plug (as attached to this reply) a normal IEC plug with 10A fuse, should this be ok?

Please advise.

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[BillP]

Hello again,

I checked with our UK support to verify I provide you the correct answer.

They told me for this model, we deliberately do not include any power cords other than the jumper cables in the box because the UPS is intended to be used with IT equipment such as a PC which already has a power lead with local plug. The customer is supposed to use the PC power cord to power the UPS and use the jumper cables to connect UPS output with PC. 1200VA with 240V converts to 5 Amps current (1200/2400) so a 10 Amp fuse is plenty.

On the buzzing, I also asked for a second opinion, especially since you provided a sound clip - thank you!

The buzzing noise is likely a noisy capacitor (enclosed air vibrates with whatever frequency it's running). It's is not harmful and doesn't impact the UPS life cycle. If it bothers you, you can contact your local technical support for an RMA.

I hope that helps you.

[BillP]

Angela,

Thank you so much for your detailed and really useful reply.

That answers all my questions perfectly and you've been very helpful.

Thanks again.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

You're welcome! I am happy to help.