Issues with Back-UPS XS 1000 (BX1000)

[BillP]

I am currently having issues with my Back-UPS XS 1000 (BX1000).  Every few minutes or so it will go into the On Battery Mode, beep, then go back to the On Line Mode.  The Overload and Replace Battery lights are not lit.  I have tried to reset the circuit breaker on the back, I have tried changing the Sensitivity Level.  Tried to shut off the unit and restart it, and I even had everything unplugged and left it to charge overnight.  Once it gets turned back on, it starts the same thing.  It goes into the On Battery Mode, beeps, then goes back to On Line Mode and continues that cycle many times over time.  Everything that is plugged into it will work, so I do not know what is really going on.

What else can I check to see why this is happening?  The clicking, and beeping every few minutes or so is annoying.  I look forward to an answer/solution.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I have a few questions:

• When did this start? Was there an event that occurred to trigger the behavior?
• By what method did you adjust the sensitivity?
• Are you able to try this on a different electrical circuit to rule out a problem with where this is plugged in? i.e. electrical noise, THD, etc
• Do you have PowerChute software installed to see when this happens if there is anything obvious? (perceived loss of input voltage by the UPS or similar)

[BillP]

• It started Tuesday, and there was nothing to my knowledge that happened to cause this issue.
• I used the method described in the User Sheet, unplug the unit, plug it back in, hold the power button for 10 secs, wait until all the lights light up, then push the power button to the desired Sensitivity.  I chose the medium level since that is what the User Sheet suggested for my issue.  After it was programmed I turned the unit back on with nothing plugged into it, and a few minutes later the unit went into On Battery Mode (clicked, then beeped), then went back to On Line Mode a few seconds later and continues this cycle.
• I moved the Unit from where it started happening in my bosses office and put it on my Work Bench in my office, and it still does the same thing.
• No I do not have PowerChute software installed.  Where can I get that software, how will I use the software, and what will I be looking for?

[BillP]

Hi again,

Thanks for the clarification.

• On the sensitivity front, I'd also try low, just in case, but if it does it in two physical locations it is not likely a sensitivity issue.
• Regarding PowerChute, you'll want PowerChute Personal Edition. If you go to Software / Firmware and filter by Software/Firmware by the first drop down list, choose Software Upgrades - PowerChute Personal Edition and go ahead and download. You'll need the USB to RJ-45 cable that would've come from the UPS so that the UPS can talk to a computer with PowerChute loaded. You'll need to connect this cable before installing the software. Once complete, I would have the software up on the screen and then watch the problem occur with the UPS while watching the software. Look for the input voltage reading, reason for last transfer to battery, etc. Also, your computer does not need to be powered by the UPS for this to work by the way.

Here is a screenshot of the software screen I would start focusing on with the items I am suggesting you check.

You could also check under Monitor System->Performance too there on the left and see what you get.

[BillP]

Ok, I download and install the PowerChute Software, and then ran the Self-Test and it Passed.  So then I figured I would take a screenshot for you to see.  Let me know what else to check since I am still having the issue (Blackout?).  This is happening in a totally different office and building then where it first started on Tuesday.

[BillP]

I was just watching it when it clicked over to "On Battery" and the Input Voltage was at 119 volts, and did not go down.  In the bottom right corner it did say "Battery" in the Power Status, but that switched back in a matter of seconds to "AC Utility Power".  Not sure what else I can check on.  Please advise.

[BillP]

Blackout generally means complete loss of voltage. Did you happen to catch the voltage reading read 0V instead of 119V?

Further, did you try sensitivity to low? Can you go to Configuration->sensitivity and verify your change to medium took at least? Then try low and see what you get.

Am I right in saying that your office and boss's office are in the same physical location/building? If so, I still wouldn't feel completely comfortable ruling out power as being a problem at the site.

[BillP]

My office is in one building, and my boss's office is in another builiding across the parking lot.  So yes, two different building.  Nothing else that has been plugged in to the power outlet or office went out, loss power etc.  Has me stumped.

[BillP]

Well, it could be that PowerChute is too slow to update some of the fields. Did you check sensitivity again?

[BillP]

I now I have it set on Low Sensitivity, I haven't seen or heard it go off.  Yet I have been in and out of my office.  I will keep an eye on it.

[BillP]

Sounds promising

[BillP]

Ok, that seems to have fixed the issue.  The last "Blackout" was recorded at 2:34 pm EDT which was about two hours ago.  I will see how it goes overnight.  My only issue is at the Low Level Sensitivity, will the APC Back-UPS still protect anything that is plugged into it?

Why would it all of the sudden have to have the Sensitivity Level adjusted?

[BillP]

Yes, it will still protect anything plugged into it. Sensitivity would not allow the UPS to output power to the equipment that was below a certain standard.

My only explanation would be to say the same for the power at the site - why would all of a sudden the power change at the facility? I could understand in the summer, power usage goes up but I think we should be wondering what changed power wise since the UPS is just doing its job presuming it does not continue to happen.