Backup XS 1500 overloading

[Anonymous user]

I just bought a new Backups XS 1500 with the extra battery pack and have had it connected for a couple weeks. According to the APC application my devices are pulling 311 of the 800 + watts available and cheerfully tells me I can add more stuff. However, when I do a self-test it causes an overload and the unit shuts down, and if I get a power outage the same thing happens. There does not appear to be any firmware update available.

I started to chat with tech support, but the "technician" suggested that I check the unit's circuit breaker even though I told him repeatedly that the unit would power up fine using the power button, so my confidence in that avenue has been shaken.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

What type of equipment is taking up those 300Watts? Are they Power Factor Corrected power supplies? This UPS will output a step-approximated sine wave when the UPS switches from online to on battery. Some more sensitive equipment can overload the UPS. In this case, a Smart UPS would be recommended.

If this is not the case, try just a standard reset of the UPS. This involves powering the load down and removing from the UPS. Turn the UPS off and unplug from the wall. Disconnect the internal battery and reconnect after about 30 seconds. Leave the UPS unplugged and push and hold the on button. You should hear a short beep followed by a longer sustained beep. During the second sustained beep let go of the button and the UPS should fire up on battery power. If this does not reset the overload. You may want to call into our Tech Support 800-890-4272 to talk to a support rep to dig deeper into the issue.

Thanks.

[BillP]

I had the same problem. The procedure did not work. Since you UPS is new it comes with a three year warranty. With mine, since it was made before 2006 it only came with a two year warranty and was not covered - it failed at the 30 month point. I had the BR-1500 connected as well. APC wouldn't cover the problem since it was out of warranty, even though I had a similar issure prior to the warranty expiration.

Against better judgement I have purcahsed another XS-1500 so I could continue to use the BR-1500 and not just pitch it (I'm cheap).
I also picked up a Conext CBN900 UPS and have split my load to insure that I am not overloading the APC UPS. When I bought the Conext when CompUSA was closing stores I did not know that Conext was a subsidiary of APCC. Oh well. Three months later the battery died on the Conext - I guess part of the problem is that once the units leave the factory they have no control over stock rotation or storage at the retailer. Anyway, Conext is going to send me a replacement unit so that is a good thing.

I just wish APC would have replaced the XS-1500 as easily even though it was out of waranty since I have over $300 tied up in the XS & BR units and have had several other APC units in the past.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

You may want to consider a reconditioned classic Smart-UPS or Back-UPS. These units are built like a tank and refurbishers often offer their own 1 year warranty. The warranty isn't as long (usually) as APC warranty, but the price is much lower. Try searching Google for refurbished UPS.

As for your exisiting UPS, as Sgt. Slaughter suggested, you might have a compatibility issue. Do you have a large incandescent light, in the range of 300W or a few 100W lamps? Disconnect everything from the UPS and try powering the lamp(s). If the samething happens, your UPS is bad. If not, you have power supply/UPS interaction.