Back-UPS ES 350R making clicking noises!!

[Anonymous user]

Hi there!

My battery back up ES 350 ER has been making clicking noises the past few days - it would happen every few hours or so (lasting a minute) but now it's happening every few minutes or so. It's not a beeping noise and the green light is on. What is going on?? I did buy a new computer about a month ago - not sure if this has anything to do with it (the older computer it used to be hooked up to was about 6 years old -and I'd think the newer one would be more energy efficient). Anyways I appreciate any advice!!! Thanks 🙂

[Techie_apc]

Could you please let me know the Operating System of your Computer?

[Anonymous user]

It's Vista.

I was able to download the PowerChute software but got this message at the last step of installation:

"The installer is not able to locate a APC battery backup connected to your computer. In order to disable native power management, an APC battery backup needs to be attached. If native power management is not disabled you may receive messages from Windows relating to a battery."

Then I received this message: Please check USB between PC & UPS.....but I don't have a USB connected from the computer to the USB - it's a regular power cord, I believe.

Also, when I turned on the battery back up this morning, it made a beep beep beep sound (with green light) once a few moments after it was on...so far that's all its done....

I appreciate your help!!

[Anonymous user]

one more thing - I think this battery backup is about 2 years old. Hope that helps! 🙂

[Techie_apc]

Please have a look at this document which discusses about Clicking sound. Is the UPS receiving normal AC power from the wall? Do you have Power Chute Personal Edition software installed on your Computer? If so, could you please check the Power Performance which can be found under Monitor System? The Power Performance will help you to find out your site Power quality. If possible, could you please adjust the UPS sensitivity to Low and check if the Clicking sound persists?

I hope that this helps.

[Anonymous user]

I don't have the Power Chute Personal Edition software installed - I'll have to download it from the website - I'll let you know if I have any luck with that 🙂

[Anonymous user]

I did try to download their software but their website server is down - when I click on "download" it gives an error message. 😞

[Techie_apc · Accepted solution]

APC Power Chute Personal Edition software requires the RJ45 to USB to be connected in order for it to communicate with the UPS. The RJ45 to USB(Part# 940-0127) cable should have been shipped with the UPS.

I suspect that the UPS is not receiving normal AC Power from the wall. In this situation, the UPS may transfer to battery back and fourth due to frequent power problems. Thus, you will hear clicking sound from the UPS if the Relay switching is audible in your environment.

I suggest that you to have a qualified electrician to check your site. You may also try connecting the UPS in a different circuit and check if the same thing persists.