Opening C10 Power Filter's Case?

[Anonymous user]

I ordered an APC C10 from Circuit City. When I received it I was very disappointed in their manner of shipment--they just stuck a mailing label on the retail package and sent it via United Package Smashers. The item physically looked okay through the package so I opened it. Unfortunately, the only way to open the retail package is to destroy it. Great design job, APC.

After opening the package, I was turning the unit over in my hands to examine it and heard a thump/rattle from the end opposite the power cord. Additionally there was a screw fastened through the back panel that fell out. Hmm. I thought I might try to physically open the unit and see if what was wrong was fixable (I've repaired electronics for over twenty-five years). After careful examination I cannot tell how to pop the end caps off the unit.

Here's my dilemma...I can try to return the unit to CC for exchange and will have paid both the shipping cost ($15.00) and the return cost (roughly $15.00) negating the rebate I'm due from their recent offer. I can simply try returning it for a refund, but again I'm out $30.00 and have nothing to show for it. Or, I can try to fix the unit if that's possible and minimize my losses at this point.

Can anyone help with this?

[Anonymous user]

Answering my own question...

There's a label/cover on the end of the C10, opposite the end where the AC cord is. That gets peeled up, then 4 screws get removed and the end cap pops off. (There's also another screw under the big APC label on the bottom, but it doesn't pertain to what I needed to do.) It seems there's a ferrite core with wire wrapped around it that lays loose in that end of the case, and that's what caused the 'thump.' It isn't mentioned in the manual or on the unit that the noise is normal. I was able to get the loose nut out of the unit (it went to a grounding lead for the case) and reattached it. Powered the unit up and all is well.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

i'm glad you were able to save the money to repair the unit yourself because i most likely would have done the same thing.

but, technically, just as an FYI, opening the case does void your warranty on the product so just keep that in mind for those of you that were thinking of doing something similar..