Confusion over data port on APC BACK-UPS 800VA

[Anonymous user]

Hi All,

I have just joined this forum. Hope you don't mind the first post being a query.

I purchased a APC BACK-UPS 800VA 230V yesterday. This UPS doesn't come with a data cable for using the PowerChute PE application. Neither does the user manual state anything about this topic nor does the product description in the APC website state something about it. However, I can see a port labelled 'Data Port' on the right hand side of the UPS. It is an RJ45 port and I tried inserting one end of an ethernet cable, which fits in perfectly. On posting a query to the customer support, this is the answer that I received from them -

"With regards to your mail, the back ups model BE800-IND comes with the port that is telephonic surge protector, it is used to connect a telephone from surge protection.

Still if you have any queries; please feel free to revert to us."

I am not convinced by that answer. If it is indeed a telephonic surge protector port, why would it be labelled 'Data Port'? Can anyone throw more light on it?

P.S: This is my first APC product.

Thanks in advance.

Rituraj

[BillP]

Hello,

The data port is typically for use with a RJ-45 to USB cable that you connect to your computer to use PowerChute Personal Edition with. I found this user's guide -> http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/JGNY-96UETV/JGNY-96UETV_R0_EN.pdf

But, in that user's guide, it says the Data Port is only for use with BE700Y-IND. Every other resource I can find also says the same thing.

Can you show us a picture of your unit? Was there a piece of plastic or anything over the data port that you removed since you said you stuck a cable in it? I would think that if it is unsupported on this unit, the RJ-45 data port jack should not be there or it should be covered but someone suggested perhaps they use it at the factory to put the firmware on the unit.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks Angela,

Here is a picture of the 'Data Port' that exists on the right side of the UPS.

There was indeed a flimsy plastic cover over the port which came off without much effort.

Rituraj

[BillP]

Ahh, OK. Thanks for the picture! Yes, it was there because that port was likely only for manufacturing purposes on this unit to load the firmware on it after it is built. This unit won't support using the data port with PCPE, only the BE700Y-IND would as explained in that user's guide.

[Anonymous user]

If I used a USB to RJ45 cable just to confirm things,do you think it will induce some sort of damage to the unit or the connected equipment? I ask this as the BACK UPS 800VA isn't listed as a unit 'without auto shutdown software' here - http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=29

[BillP]

I don't think trying the cable will cause any damage. If you do try it, you want part number AP9827 (http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=AP9827). I am not sure what they've done to make it not work but I assume it is in the UPS firmware. If anything, I expect it to just not be detected by your computer/PowerChute.

The specific SKU you gave me is indeed listed in the user's guide and all brochures I can find as not supporting data port communications. We have plenty of other models, like BE700Y-IND, that do come and are intended to work with PowerChute though.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hi Rituraj, did the data port work normally as expected in your model or was it locked out?

I am planning to buy the same ups as yours but only if the data port can be made to work. As for the cable I already have one from my old ups.