Please help, ES-350 won't keep computer on during power dip/outage

[Anonymous user]

My husband and I both have one of these, same model, same configurations. The power dips often where we are. Only difference is my UPS intervenes to keep my computer on and his doesn't.

We've tried the lamp test with his UPS unplugged - battery works a-ok.

I noticed tonight that he had the UPS connected to the computer via a powered USB hub that was not being powered by the UPS. Thinking "Ah Ha!" I plugged the hub into the UPS instead, but I was bitterly disappointed. It still failed to keep the computer on. So I connected the UPS directly into a USB slot in the back of the computer. No difference -- when I unplug the UPS his computer still goes off.

Husband runs XP home edition and the latest available powerchute personal edition. The only things plugged into the battery/surge sockets on the UPS are his cpu and monitor. The battery says it has 22 minutes' worth of charge and I've now officially run out of ideas. Can anyone help?

[Techie_apc]

Mary,

The Back UPS ES 350 UPS is basic backup model which can handle up to 200 Watts/350 VA on the battery backup outlets. The UPS runtime depends upon the load you plug into the Battery Backup outlets. This UPS estimated battery runtime is 9.7 minutes at 100 watts and 2.3 minutes at 200 Watts.

May I know the Power Consumption(Watts or Input current) of the CPU and Monitor? You can find these details on the equipment power specification or from the Manufacturer. How much runtime do you require in the event of power problems?

The correct runtime will not be calculated properly with the ES 350, unless the unit is on battery. After operating on battery for brief periods of time, it calibrates the UPS to reflect the runtime more accurately. Depending on the power factor of the computer system, the runtime may be a little lower than expected.

Secondly, Verify that your equipment plugged into the Battery Backup outlets does not exceed the VA rating or Watt rating by using APC's UPS Sizing Tool at www.apcc.com/sizing

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for replying so quickly. The LCD monitor's power consumption is 38W. I'm having trouble finding info for the computer and I really don't want to open it up. But judging from what I read about the P4 processor, it's got to be at least 275W. I should mention this computer used to be mine and is about 5 years old. When I had it it was hooked up to the same ES-350 I'm using now along with a big old CRT monitor, and I had no problems during power dips.

We don't require much runtime on the battery as outright lengthy power outages are not very common. It just needs to keep the computer running when the power dips, taking over for a few moments and then going back to AC power the way mine does. At the moment it's like taking the power cord for his computer out of the wall -- it just crashes in the middle of whatever he's working on.

I appreciate your help. As is the case with so many people right now, if it's at all possible we'd like to avoid throwing money we don't have at this. 🙂

[Techie_apc]

Mary,

I suspect that the Back UPS ES 350 UPS is not capable of supporting your Computer and Monitor during power problems or blackout. Please be aware that the size of the UPS that you require depends upon the equipment power draw and your need. My suggestion for you is that purchase another higher VA rating UPS which can support your load. You may utilize the UPS selector tool to choose the correct model that suits your need.

If you want to check if the Back UPS ES 350 UPS battery is fine, then you may perform a pull plug test. Make sure that the battery is charged fully. And then connect a non critical load like a lamp, with a watt rating between 60-100 Watts. Then disconnect the UPS from the wall outlet and check the runtime manually. As such with 100 watts, it should provide a runtime of 9.7 minutes. This test will help you to determine if the issue lies with the battery or the equipment requires higher VA rating UPS. I hope that it helps.

Have a nice day!

[Anonymous user]

Did you even read what I wrote? I said I'd already tried the plug test with a lamp and it passed.

I also said I used the same model UPS when the computer was mine and I was putting a higher load on it. It should work now.

Again, we are unable to afford to replace the UPS at this time. I would appreciate if you could offer some advice other than buy a new/more expensive one.

[Techie_apc · Accepted solution]

Mary,

I did read what you wrote before. As I said in my earlier response that the UPS runtime depends upon the equipment power consumption which you plug into the battery backup outlets. Please view my above posts to know the UPS runtime at half and full load. You stated that that the unit did pass the load test. So it indicates that the battery is fine in the unit. In my opinion, there is no other advice available to get more runtime if the equipment power consumption is close to the Back UPS ES 350 full rated capacity.