BR1300LCD - Continuous Beeping, Will it charge battery?

[BillP]

Hi,

I just purchased two APC  UPS used, the BX1500LCD (says RS 1500 on front) and the BR1300LCD (XS 1300LCD markings).  I hope I have these model numbers correct.

Anyway, I am new to UPS.  I purchased these because I have a server and a home PC where I do my work, and I'm concerned about being able to save changes in the event of a power out.  We had a scare here over the winter where a lot of people lost their power.  We luckily didn't fall into that category, but it was nerve-wracking nonetheless.

The two UPS appear to power on correctly.  However, the BR1300 had a battery that reads 3.1v and 4.1v from its battery terminals.  Plugging this battery into the BX1500 makes the unit unable to function - it's LCD flickers and makes a ticking sound, and none of the buttons appear to be operable.

Plugging the low-v battery into the BR1300 (from whence it came) makes the unit produce a short beeping sound which seems to continue until the mute button is pressed.  

My primary question is --   Would this low voltage reading be something that could be produced just by the unit not being plugged in for a period of time?  Is this battery toast, or can I leave it in the unit and hope that it charges back up?

Other issues:  The battery which came from the BX1500 shows a full battery meter on the LCD.  Its terminals read 12v and 13v.  Is this the amount to be expected from these batteries? (they are 12v, right?)  

However, if I plug the (supposedly) good battery into the BR1300, it shows one "space" of the battery LED being charged (e.g. 20% charge).  Why would there be this discrepancy between the two units?

The batteries ARE the same for both units, right?  (They certainly look that way!)

Thanks for helping out a new fellow, as I'm a little befuddled about the entire situation - and having used devices definitely adds to the mire.

Sincerely,

Avery Freeman

[BillP]

Hello Avery,

Yes both the units you have mentioned use the same battery (APCRBC109).  Do you happen to have the serial numbers of the units and do you know if the batteries were ever replaced?  Given that these units are discontinued, if the batteries were never replaced, they may require new batteries (especially since one is reading around 4vdc). Do you recall the beep pattern of the unit and any visual signals the unit gives (again most likely low battery)?

This manual may also help:  http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/ASTE-6Z7VAU/ASTE-6Z7VAU_R0_EN.pdf?sdirect=true

[BillP]

Hi Jordan,

Thanks for the quick reply!  I did read the manual for both units, but I'm still not sure why they would act differently with the same battery in them -- why the BR1300 would give a beeping pattern, and why the BX1500 would just flicker and be unresponsive.

I definitely understand if I have to replace the battery, but again -- do you think it has a chance of charging up?  

I am leaving it plugged in now to see if it changes over time.  I thought I read lower voltage readings on the battery earlier today - around ~2v for each set of terminals - so I am thinking maybe it's charging up a little bit(?).

The beeping pattern produced by the BR1300 is a very short sequence of 2 quick beeps, which repeats in perpetuity after about a 2-3 second pause.  

The LCD battery meter outline flashes, and the meter has no "bars".  However, there is no "LOW" message which I thought the manual said would appear if it were a low battery.

Now that I'm looking at the serial number I realize I got the model number wrong.  It's a BX1300LCD.  My mistake!

The serial number is JB0703008288

Thanks again for your help!

Avery

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Avery,

That beep pattern and the flashing empty battery bar graph are both indicators of a "battery disconnect" meaning the unit is not recognizing the battery because it is too low voltage.  Most likely, this battery is too low voltage to fully charge, but you may attempt to let it charge for 24 hours and then run a self test to verify (again, I am not optimistic given the voltage you states as well as the battery disconnect beeping).

The serial number also notes this unit is from 2007 - batteries generally have a lifespan of 3 years depending on various use/storage factors, and the unit as a whole is on the older side as well.