Back-UPS LS500 Bad?

[BillP]

I have an XP Pro SP3 computer protected by a Back-UPS LS500 of undetermined age. It is shutting down now when there is a flicker on the line. I had been using XP native UPS so decided to install APC Powerchute Personal edition 2.0. It passes self test but still shuts down if I pull the plug. Is the UPS bad or do I just need a new battery?

[EZ_Button_apc]

Could just be too much load for that unit.

Was it ever able to provide more runtime to your system?

What does it read for runtime in the software?

What is the watt consumption of the load on the UPS? (you can get this in the software)

You can always try a small load and pull the plug, such as just the monitor. Make sure it gives you good runtime.

If it doesn't with a small load, it's probably a weak battery.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

does the unit turn completely off or just the attached equipment? how old is the UPS? the battery should be replaced every 3-5 years (depending on usage).

it is puzzling to me that the UPS passes the self test but does not pass a pull plug test? do you see the UPS on battery light come on?

how long as this been hooked up like this? i want to make sure that for some reason that this isnt plugged into the "surge only" outlets rather than the "battery back up + surge" outlets?

assuming everything is connected properly, i'd want the first questions answered before we make an assumption 🙂