Back-UPS ES 550 - Red Light Flashes and Continuous Beep

[Anonymous user]

My UPS has been shutting itself down over the past few days. I assumed that this was related to a surge or something. Now, when I turn it on, the red light flashes and the unit makes a continuous tone. When I checked PowerChute yesterday, it said the battery was at 67%.

Does anyone know what this means? Model: BE550G-CN.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

See if your situation is covered by this KB article:

http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA158810/

Post back with your results.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Larry,

Since I posted this, the UPS has been steady. However, yesterday when I got home from work, I tried to power on my PC but the UPS had turned itself off some reason. I turned it back on and it was fine. Today, I was on the PC when the UPS started making that continuous beep. I got a PowerChute popup message that said the battery was disconnected (see attached). I quickly checked the battery level in PowerChute and it was at 86%. I shut down and then checked the UPS battery. Both jumper cables were tightly connected to the battery terminals. I really had to pull to get one off. I can't see how this is the problem.

I plugged everything back in and turned on the UPS. It chirps once but the red light flashes. I turn on the PC (which is plugged into a backup/surge outlet). After about 5 or 10 seconds it starts beeping continuously. One thing I have noticed is that if I turn off and on the UPS, but don't turn on my PC, the UPS just flashes red. It's when I turn on the PC that it beeps continuously.

Any ideas what could be happening here?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Time to go back to basics and ask questions.

When did you purchase the UPS?  Check the serial number if you are uncertain; the format is leading number, alpha, two digits (which indicate the year of manufacture).

What OS are you running?

What version of PowerChute are you running on that OS?

And finally, did you follow the instructions in the provided KB article?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

S/N: 3B1033X50761. Can't remember when I bought it.

Windows 10

PowerChute 3.0.2

I did read that KB article an followed the steps but I'm not sure what I learned from it. I seemed to have reset the unit but the problem persists.

[Anonymous user]

Here is what PowerChute says now.

Also, I should point out that I always turn off my PC when I'm not using it and it's the only device plugged into the battery/surge outlets. In an HP ENVY all-in-one. All that's connected to the other outlets are an iPhone adapter, a cable TV receiver and a SlingBox.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I just ran the warranty check based on your serial number.

Your APC Back-UPS 550VA, 8 outlet, 120V Canada (BE550G-CN) comes standard with a 3 years repair or replace factory warranty. The warranty is effective from the date of purchase. In the event that you are not able to locate a dated proof of purchase receipt, your warranty is effective from the product's manufacture date. Your product was manufactured on August 12, 2010.

This device is clearly past the 5 to 7 year life span of a desktop UPS.  My suggestion is that you use the APC TradeUPS program (Canada/English link: http://www.apc.com/shop/tradeups/ca/en/tradeups/overview.jsp) and get yourself a new one...

The APC Trade-UPS Program gives you:

• Up to a 25% discount on new APC UPS(s)
  The APC Trade-UPS program* is a cost-effective way to upgrade your existing units and protect your latest investment. Trade in any UPS, regardless of its manufacturer or its working condition, for the latest APC UPS technology and receive up to a 25% discount on your new purchase.*** The Trade-UPS program is currently available in the United States, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.** This program is applicable for original equipment owners only.
• Up to a 25% discount on APC accessories
  As a benefit to our customers, now you can also buy additional APC accessories at a significant discount, if purchased along with your Trade-UPS.
• Upgrade to four times the VA of your current UPS capacity
  Trade in up to 4X the VA of your current UPS capacity or trade in two UPSs for one larger unit.
• Up to a 3 year factory warranty on new units
• Free removal and/or shipping of existing units
  Order new units today and receive free return shipping of your retired units back to APC. APC will also pay to have larger UPSs picked up and returned.* *Applicable only to defined easy access areas
• Proper ecological disposal of returned UPSs and batteries for free
  All old units, including hazardous UPS batteries, returned to APC will then be properly and ecologically disposed of according to Environmental Protection Agency standards (a $5 to $500 value depending on the UPS).

[Anonymous user]

OK, I guess mine is due for replacement. I was thinking of the BE600M1 or BN650M1. Do you think that's what I need? All I have connected is my all-in-one desktop and I just want to be able to wrap up and shut down in event of power failure when working.

[BillP]

While the specs are slightly different, they are - for your purposes - equivalent.

The former is available through the APC TradeUPS program.  The latter is a retail-only model (Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy). Staples, at least, should let you drop off the old unit for recycling.