Powerchute says RS 800 is overloaded, no led though

[Anonymous user]

The last few weeks I have 2 RS 800's that are giving me fits. The set ups are nearly identical, so I'll focus on one, but the problems are identical with both. We have one small server plugged into each of them, about 300W according to the server manufacturer. APC replaced the original two units, but I'm getting the same symptoms on the new units. I let the units charge over a full weekend. I have been exchanging emails with APC tech support, but my questions aren't answered very well.

Powerchute PE says that there is an overload condition, that the unit is supplying 216W. The front panel overload led is NOT lit. I've attached a pdf screen snap of the overload message.

I don't believe the unit is or should be overloaded; if it truly is, why isn't the front panel led lit?

What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Chuck

[Anonymous user]

Two instances - one OS is Windows Server 2000 SP4, the other is Server 2003 SP1.

Based on the question, I looked a little bit at the Power Options in Control Panel, but didn't see anything obvious there that could be/should be changed. How does the OS talk to Powerchute or the UPS?

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Chuck,

If PowerChute is installed, you cannot configure or control anything via Control Panel. However, if you remove PowerChute, you lose the graphical interface, and there is a bare-bones base setup for low battery shudown.

[EZ_Button_apc]

I'm curious, does this overload happen as soon as you install the software, or only after a self-test / on battery instance?

[Anonymous user]

Good question. This has been an ongoing situation and it was first discovered a few weeks ago during a casual inspection, so I don't remember exactly what the circumstances and sequence were.

When I replaced the UPS', I ran self-test via Powerchute very shortly after the servers were up. The overload condition as reported by Powerchute happens as soon as self-test completes. (FWIW, the overload condition is cleared during the first part of the self-test.)

Edited to add: (I thought I'd put this information in earlier, sorry.) Dell's configurator tool says that these servers should draw 301.7W.

Thanks,

Chuck

Message was edited by: Chuckhubbert

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello Chuck,

The Dell configurator holds true with APC's selector, maxing out at 354W/506VA, therefore should be enough to be supported by the UPS. What operating system is included in this package? It's possible that the UPS is sensing a near overload and is not reporting it, but the software is sensing the at or near overload and reporting it as an FYI.

[Anonymous user]

Came in this (Monday) morning to find the units alarming with the Overload led flashing and the servers powered down. I went ahead and took the UPS' out of service, since they aren't helping in any fashion right now, apparently.

I still have lots of questions... These servers should not be overloading the UPS', but it appears that they are. I don't have any way to measure current.
Anybody have any guesses as to why that might be happening?

What triggers the overload condition in Powerchute? And does anyone know what that threshold should be for the RS 800's?

I have put one of the UPS back into service on my workstation/PC and it seems to be working fine, drawing about 75W.

Message was edited by: Chuckhubbert

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello,

For starters it should be mentioned (if it hadn't been prior), that Back-UPS are not desigend for server use. They are Home/PC UPS systems. Smart-UPS, due to their intelligence, and output of a pure sine wave on battery, are more geared towards network and servers. Secondly, it could be that there was some type of load fluctuation if the server was scheduled to do a backup of files, or any type of service that may have required an increased power draw.

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

What is exactly connected to the UPS Battery Backup outlets?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

The last few weeks I have 2 RS 800's that are giving me fits. The set ups are nearly identical, so I'll focus on one, but the problems are identical with both. We have one small server plugged into each of them, about 300W according to the server manufacturer. APC replaced the original two units, but I'm getting the same symptoms on the new units. I let the units charge over a full weekend. I have been exchanging emails with APC tech support, but my questions aren't answered very well.

Powerchute PE says that there is an overload condition, that the unit is supplying 216W. The front panel overload led is NOT lit. I've attached a pdf screen snap of the overload message.

I don't believe the unit is or should be overloaded; if it truly is, why isn't the front panel led lit?

What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Chuck