Back UPS RS 800 switching between online and battery

[Anonymous user]

I have a Back UPS RS 800 and recently it started to refuse to stay online, and keeps flipping between battery and online one every second or so. The behaviour can be seen in this video:

https://youtu.be/PAAOV0-J2iA

The device is probably about 5 years old, and replaced the battery about 18 months - 2 years ago, though the replace battery light is not on.

I have tried it plugged into different ring mains within my house to eliminate that, and with no load.

Do I just have to accept it is too old and needs replacing?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi David,

Based on the video, it looks/sounds like there might be an issue with the internal relays.  This could be due to age, just looking at the style of the unit, it is an older type unit.  Would you be able to provide the full model and serial number of the unit?  It should be on a white sticker on the back or bottom of the unit.  That will help us determine the actual age of the unit, since it was manufactured.

In the mean time, you could try what we call a brain dead procedure.  This process will cut all power to the output of the unit, so make sure to properly shutdown and disconnect any devices if you have any connected currently.  See steps below:

1. Power off the unit

2. Unplug it from the wall, and disconnect the internal battery

3. Press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds to clear any power held in the internal components

4. Let the unit sit for another minute

5. Reconnect the battery, reconnect the input plug, and power the unit back on

- Ben

[Anonymous user]

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the quick response.

There are 2 numbers on the bottom. BR800I, I assume is the model? If not on the front it says Back-UPS RS 800. The other number,  which I assume is serial is 3B0835X59331.

I tried the brain dead procedure and the same thing happened. The only difference, is there is now a beep as it changes. Probably because I had that turned off and the reset has gone back to default and put it back on?

I'm guessing it will be way outside warranty, so will probably just buy a new one.

David

[BillP]

Hi David,

Thanks for the information.  Your serial number has the unit being manufactured in 2008, so the unit is 10 years old.  Our units have a life span of about 7-10 years, so your unit is at end of life. Unfortunately the best option would be to buy a new unit at this point.

- Ben

[Anonymous user]

Hi Ben,

Thanks for confirming that. It's a bit older than I originally thought, so it's had a good run!

David

[Proxicon_apc]

Hello, 

Found this forum after my old faithful 800 rc died today with the same symptoms described here. 

I am qurious on the units age. Can it be advised when this unit was manufactured?

It must be a good show and tell seeing a forum where the devices die way after the life expectancy 🙂

BR8001

3B0821X80019

Im located in South Africa. 

Thanks

[BillP]

Hi Konrad

Your Back UPS was also manufactured in 2008.

Regards

Matt