APS Back-UPS ES 700 Continuous Tone

[Anonymous user]

Hi there, 

We have a couple of APS Back-UPS units on site, and one suddenly started producing a continuous tone. Reading from a previous thread, I have replaced the battery and it is continuing to do the same thing (annoying after buying a replacement battery). The unit is three years old. 

Model: BE700G-UK Serial: 5B1241T04332

To answer the diagnosis questions in that thread: 

* On the said occasion wherein the UPS produced the constant tone, did the system block and monitor turned off? How about the load that are attached on the Surge only side?

No power from any outlets. 

* Have you ever noticed that the circuit breaker near the input plug of the unit was popped out while the UPS was on that state?

Circuit breaker is in, and hasn't popped out. 

* With the UPS attached to the wall outlet/ power source and the regular load are connected to the unit I would like you to unplug the UPS from the power source and let me know what will happen.

Continuous high-pitched tone continues when disconnected. Power LED is off. 

* Is the UPS making any type of noise?

When power button is pressed, power LED blinks briefly, there is a brief 'scratching' noise from inside the unit (sounds like relays?), then the power LED goes out and the continuous high-pitched tone continues. Pressing and holding power button causes the noise to sop, turns unit off. 

   
* The LED next to the power switch, was it blinking or solid? If it is, what color was the LED?

As above, LED was green briefly then goes out and continuous tone sounds.

 
* Make sure as well that the battery is properly attached to the unit. Check if there's any noticeable damage to the battery, see if there is any crack or acid coming out from the battery.

Double-checked connections. As noted above, battery has been replaced. 

What does the continuous tone mean?

HB

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Reset the UPS and if that does not resolve the issue then the UPS should be replaced.

To reset follow the below procedure;
 

1: Disconnect any attached load.

2: Unplug the UPS from the wall socket.

3: Disconnect the UPS' internal battery.

4: Push and hold the "On" button on the UPS for 5 seconds

5: Reconnect internal battery.

6: Plug UPS in to known good power source.

7: Turn UPS on.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Sorry for the late response, but hopefully it will help someone else.

I had the same issue. I wrote a blog post on how I fixed it here: https://surdu.me/2019/09/03/fix-apc-es700-constant-beeping.html

[Geo]

I'm sorry but I'm very disappointed by this UPS.

I have the same problem and the "reset" didn't do anything. Same continuous beep and no power given to any socket.

This is ridiculous, from all points of view. Business strategy, quality of service, eco-awareness etc - you name it.

Here's why:

I paid (not cheapest price) for a tool (APC) to protect my important electric devices.

The tool died after 2 years or so (as you confirm that "the UPS should be replaced") and I am pretty sure contributed to frying my computer's motherboard.

This "Uninterrupted" power supply not only did not ensure power to my expensive computer but in fact *INTERRUPTED* power by itself without any power failure from the wall socket, forcing my machine to go into a forced hard reset.

Therefore, we conclude that once the UPS becomes a "faulty UPS" for whatever internal circuit reason - it also becomes a computer/motherboard frying solution.

I will write a blog - how to fry a motherboard by using a UPS.

Furthermore, once the owner is aware that the UPS can destroy devices - s/he is stuck with a (very likely) not recyclable black thing that cannot be used even as a bulky power extension with some sort of surge protection at least - which would have avoided killing my motherboard.

Whoever is in charge with designing these UPS's should rethink everything from scratch.

The UPS functions on the premise that *only* the power source can be *ever* at fault - and not itself, which is clearly not the case.

These UPS's *MUST* have a compulsory fail-over solution for its own faults, by allowing power source to reach devices, while informing the owner (beeping, flashing whatever). But don't cut the power to my machine. Just don't.

[BillP]

@Geo 

Sorry to hear of your inconvenience. The UPS has a lifetime equipment protection policy. You should contact local support for assistance. 

Local support contact information will be found at this link.

https://www.apc.com/us/en/support/contact-us/index.jsp

You may need to change the region in the upper left of the contact us web page. 

[andreiox]

Hello, the link (https://surdu.me/2019/09/03/fix-apc-es700-constant-beeping.html) is not working any more!

[Chris.scotland]

The internet archive has a copy of this page: https://web.archive.org/web/20210514033853/https://surdu.me/2019/09/03/fix-apc-es700-constant-beepin...

For anyone else basically the issue for this guy was some blown capacitors on the main circuit board.

[Chris.scotland]

For future reference and in case it is helpful to others I also experienced a random shutdown of my UPS accompanied by a continuous tone which did not stop until I turned it off using the power button. When I powered the unit back on it did function correctly for a while. However I then began to notice the battery backup kicking in even though mains power was present. The usual transformer buzz which is present when operating on battery sounded different this time and it had a harsher almost sparking sound. Shortly after that the unit began to make a continuous tone and switched off again. Each time I reset it it would function for a shorter time. I believe due to failing capacitors (common heat/age related problem) the unit is struggling to detect the mains voltage accurately.

I followed the instructions in the linked article and it fixed by issue. Easy task for anyone with a soldering iron or a TV repair shop etc.

I disconnected power, removed the battery and opened up the case. For safety make sure to discharge (short out) any capacitors before you start working on the unit. Because I did not have the means to test any of the capacitors on the main circuit board I replaced all of the small 4.7uf and 22uf capacitors with new ones of the same value (105C, I used 50v but 25v also ok). This completely solved my issue and returned the unit to working condition. The transformer buzz is now quiet as it usually is when operating on battery. Happy with that and my 9 year old unit continues on for a total cost of under £4!