Back Ups XS 1500 is acting up

[Anonymous user]

Computer shut off like the plug had been pulled.Battery charge indicator is flashing with no bars.Input voltage is 127V. Battery tested charged with multimeter (25.8V) and red and black connections test 27 volts .Backup chirps every 2 seconds.Icon in notification area on computer says no battery connected when it is connected
.APC PCPE shows Remaining battery charge is: Unknown and Battery is currently: Unknown.Can't run self test .Online icon is on. No system faults.No replace battery icon.No over load icon.
Is this a malfunctioning back up?

[BillP]

It doesn't see the battery is connected and it drops your load - sounds like a bad battery to me. How old is it (serial number would help) & have you replaced the battery before?

[Anonymous user]

I did try that and the lamp didn't stay on.Sure seems odd that this would happen so suddenly.

[Anonymous user]

Hi Joseph,

I would like to know the exact model and serial number of the UPS that you have? Is this a brandnew UPS? What type of device do you have connected to the unit (if possible, please provide the Watt/VA drawn by the device)?

[Anonymous user]

Model number is BX1500LCD.Serial number is JB0641004738.Firmware revision is 837.H4.D This unit is Just shy of Two years old.Total watts of system connected was under 400 watts.
I've been trying to diagnose it with my system connected to an older model for power.

[BillP]

Heh... sorry for the double post.

Based on the serial number, it was manufactured toward the end of 2006, so the battery is probably that old as well. Batteries usually last about 3-5 years, so I'll agree that it's a little early for a failure, but not unheard of.

Try to connect a small load (lamp, radio, etc) to the Back-UPS and pull the plug. See if the load stays on. If not, something is definitely amiss - either the battery is completely toast or the battery connector isn't secure or is otherwise malfunctioning.

[Anonymous user]

I assume nothing has been changed on the configuration or no loads added on the UPS.

I would agree with buzz. It could be a battery problem, however, it's best to swap a battery from a good known unit (if you have similar unit available, and as part of troubleshooting) and see if it will show the same problem. We would like to see if it's something from the battery or the unit itself.

Message was edited by: juangele

[BillP]

I suppose it could be possible the relay is broken if you doubt the battery... I would try a new battery first, personally, especially if you have another you could swap in temporarily.

[Anonymous user]

I managed to split the two from the XS1500 and drop one at a time testing on a LS 700(which takes a single) and they both failed.Individually they're the same battery.So it seems the batteries are toast and will have to order new ones thanks for the help.

[Anonymous user]

I have a nearly identical problem with a BX1500LCD. The only difference is that the UPS back-up outlets are powered as long as the UPS is plugged nto the wall. In other words, my PC didn't abruptly shut down when this failure occurred. I tried the "lamp test" suggested above - the lamp stays lit if the UPS is plugged into the wall. If I unplug the UPS from the wall, the lamp goes out. And yes, the lamp is plugged into a battery backup outlet on the UPS. Removed from the UPS, the battery pack voltage measures about 25 volts with a digital multimeter. SN of the unit is JB0649020512.

I've had battery packs go bad with APC units before (not BX1500LCD, though) and this isn't consistent with the other symptoms. I'm hestitant to simply order a new battery becasue the UPS circuirty could be at fault.

Did a new battery fix yours?

Peter

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I think what you're describing IS the same that JosephW posted. The battery backup outlets will simply pass utility power as long as it's plugged into the wall. They only provide battery backup when you pull the UPS plug, at which point your lamp turns off, so I would suspect a battery as well. Your batteries are also about the same age as JosephW's (only a few weeks newer) so it wouldn't surprise me.