BR550GI battery charging question

[Anonymous user]

Dear APC Team,

Yesterday I installed my new APC BR550GI UPS and I was surprised by the fact, that when I started the UPS for the first time, the charging cycle didn't start, but the battery was indicated as fully charged. For me that is quite impossible, because for sure this UPS was held for some period of time on a shelve. For info the battery was disconnected when I opened the box, so all the shipping instructions were fulfilled.

Why the UPS didn't start the charging cycle of the battery on the first run? Is that normal or it's some sort of an issue? There is no fault on the display and all tests are OK.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Yours Sincerely,

Nikolay Zhelev

[BillP]

I think what you've seen is normal. Depending on when it was manufactured and where stored, it could've been close to 100%, if not 100%. I would expect a battery from a reputable vendor at at least 80% charge on the low end.

When you saw it indicated fully charged - was that via the LCD or PowerChute? The UPS is usually charging all the time, whether trickle charge or quick charge. I think the UPS starts trickle charging around 90-92% until it reaches 100%. I've also seen them say 100% and charging in PowerChute as it completes the process.

In general, I would not be concerned but you could try putting the UPS on battery for a little bit and see what it does - if the capacity drops a huge amount or if it drops normally from 100, 99, 98, etc and then make sure when you restore power, it begins reporting it is charging again.

[Anonymous user]

Hi Angela,

As always - instantaneous reply from you with the most complete answer! Thank you for that!

Regarding my question, the indication is on the LCD. I'll try to unplug the UPS from the main power supply and let it run on battery. Afterward I'll give you feedback.

Kind Regards,

Nikolay Zhelev

[BillP · Accepted solution]

You're welcome

I think on the front display too, if you're going strictly by the battery icon with the blocks in it, it could show all 5 blocks and only be 90% charged where as something like 90-100% shows 5 blocks, even though it is only 90% charged.