Backup-UPS constant alarm BN650M1

[BillP]

I bought 2 Backup-UPS's at at Best Buy on 10/2/16 model BN650M1 (Serial # 4B1547P43496 & 4B1547P43234). Since that time both backups would shutdown and emit a constant alarm with no indicator light on (5 times for one and 6 for the other). One backup has my desktop and modem/router connected to it and the other my wife's desktop.

I unplugged my desktop from one of the Backup-UPS and just left the Xfinity modem/router connected to it and it still shutdown with a constant alarm at 4 am which was the straw that broke the camel's back. This does not happen all the time but when it does it is very annoying especially when it shuts down your computer unexpectedly.  

Looks like some others have issues with constant alarms.  Was there a batch of Back-UPS's that were defective ??? 

[BillP]

Hi Scott,

Are you using the software for Graceful Unattended Shutdown of the operating system?

The units carry a 3yr warranty. I would recommend contacting Schneider Electric for continued troubleshooting.

Secret Squirrel

[BillP]

Hello,

I am using the Powerchute software from APC. The Powerchute software is showing under Current Status for my wife's computer that "The battery backup is currently providing 64 watts of power. You can connect more equipment to your battery backup". There is a wattage bar called "Load on Battery Backup" and it goes from 0 to 360 watts. So her Backup-UPS is definitely not overloaded.  When I had my desktop and modem/router connected to my Backup-UPS it said it was providing 124 watts of power and that more equipment can be connected to the Backup-UPS. There were a couple of times when the desktop was not turned on and the Backup-UPS would have the constant alarm without any indicator lights flashing. So basically these Backup-UPS's are supposed to protect my computer equipment from unexpected shutdowns but they are causing unexpected shutdowns. I unplugged my desktop from my Backup-UPS and just left the modem/router on it and one day when I was watching TV and my wife was on her tablet, she looked over at me and said we have no Internet so I went to check the modem/router and saw there was no power to it because the Backup-UPS was off with the constant alarm running.  I did call APC for support and spoke to a woman who asked me how much power my computers are using and I told her the readings from the Powechute software and she said that was not what she was looking for. I told her my desktops are old models, one which Vista came out and the other when Windows 7 first came out. They are just regular desktops and not power hungry gaming PC's. She hung up on me and that is when I posted my problem on here.

This is probably my first and last APC product that I will buy.     

[BillP]

Scott,

Were you given a case number when you called in or was any of your personal information gathered?

I would like to see if I can help resolve this or you from here.

Secret Squirrel

[Anonymous user]

BAD BATCH!

Exact same problem. Waste of time,returned 2 units (BN650MI-CA) exchanged then refunded to Staples. Purchased different brand. End of story.

[BillP]

Hello Secret Squirrel,

When I called, I introduced myself by giving my full name and where I was from and the model of the Back-UPS. The support person asked how can I help you and that's when I started explaining the problem before she ended the call. No information was collected and no ticket number.

I tried to provide her with the information that I saw from the Powerchute software but I guess she did not like that. 

If the Powerchute software says I am able to connect more devices to the Back-UPS then I cannot see a reason that it would be overloaded.

I have everything connected to a regular surge protector like I did before buying the BN650M1.

Not sure what to do with the two BN650M1s that I have.

Thanks,

Scott 

[BillP]

Hi Thomas,

Thanks for the feedback about your experience with the BN560M1-CA.

Depending on how things go with APC, I will probably go the same route as you and purchase a different brand.  

I went with APC because they are known for their dependability and quality and my first experience with them was the total opposite.

How's it going with the other brand UPS that you bought ?

[Anonymous user]

Hi Scott,

been using APC products for over 10 years! No problems, outside of having to replace a battery. Currently still using 3 BE750G at work, without problems for many years.

But if a company skimps on Quality testing of components, which they buy from 3rd party's the result, which is failing devices should not be my (The Consumer's) problem.

So, I move on and buy a different product (Brand)! Bought CyberPower, so far so good!

Cheers!

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Sorry, in my first post I reversed a couple numbers. I did mean APC BN650MI-CA.