Request for Smart-UPS x 750 advice

[TonyCzar]

Hi.  I have a Smart-UPS x 750 with three additional battery units that I purchased perhaps seven years ago to support my CPAP unit.  This system can no longer run the CPAP all night and I'm looking for help in evaluating the system; I'm not an electrician but very much new to anything but plug-and-play.

I understand it's time to replace all batteries and I'll do that.  My questions for this community are:

(1) How can I obtain a User's Manual for the x750?

(2) Is there a self-test I should run before purchasing the batteries to confirm that's the issue?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Teken · Accepted solution]

I have attached the full user manual here: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=User+guide&p_File_Name=SU+UM+990-91291D+MN...

The batteries are rated to provide 2-5 years of service based on usage, temperature, and environmental conditions.

If the system is within this operational range this is something to look into. Especially if the system is allowed to run flat on a regular basis.

You may initiate a manual Self Test via the LCD Menu or APC (PCBE) Power Chute software. If the system fails to pass the self test this indicates the battery cartridge are well past its service life.

You may also initiate a battery calibration via the APC PCBE / PCSS Software. Ensure there is at least 30% load attached when completing this process.

Compare the operational runtime with the online APC Calculator. If the APC Calculator indicates a specific load should provide say 60 minutes but you see 5-10 it’s time to replace the cartridges.

If you have more questions please do ask. 👍

[TonyCzar]

Thank you most kindly.  Here's the data from the front panel.  So it's been nine years.  I'm in process of replacing the batteries.

[Teken]

Wow good for you nine years of service! 👍 As a reminder if you haven’t replaced the battery cartridge yet. You can save a lot of finances simply by rebuilding the cartridge yourself.

You may consider using this link to purchase directly from CSB who is one of the major battery suppliers to APC:

https://csb-battery.ca

You can purchase the raw cells or preconfigured units for various models. 

[TonyCzar]

Thanks for your comments.  With the benefit of hindsight, i didn't really get nine years of service.  I wa just too slow to realize what I was getting was not nearly enough.

I have, in fact, done what you suggested and purchased batteries and rebuilt the cartridges myself.  It was quite a job because the batteries in two enclosures had swelled to the point of being hard to remove.  Friends, don't be like me.  Now 48 new batteries later my system is like a new man. 🤔  However the date of new battery installation and the suggested date for next replacement showing on the LCD screen have not updated.  Might you know how I do that?  Also, if there is a BIOS update I'd love to know how to do that as well.

[Teken]

Hi Tony,

You have three possible options to update the battery installation date. 

LCD Menu: Unplug the battery cartridge and wait for the system to declare a battery fault. Wait another 10-15 seconds than plug the battery cable. The system should prompt you to confirm if the battery has been changed. Toggle from No to Yes and enter the month / year and hit save.

Power Chute: You can go into the APC Power Chute Software and simply enter the new battery installation date.

NMC: If you have a Network Management Card (NMC) installed. Simply enter the internal webpage and go to Configuration -> UPS -> Last Battery Replacement: Enter Month & Year and hit save.

As it relates to updating the UPS Firmware I highly recommend against doing so because this is a very high risk process! ☹️

You have a perfectly good working system now. A failed firmware update can leave you with a completely bricked system. If you really want to pursue this step I can walk you through the process. 👍

[TonyCzar]

Thank you, @Teken.  I've ordered the APC 940-0127B cable and will work on this when received.  I'm the kind of guy who will want to try the firmware update. 😯

[RyanG32]

You may want to consider replacing the entire system UPS life span is around 7-10 years if the unit is older than 7 years old it may be time to replace it refer to article  https://www.se.com/us/en/faqs/FAQ000265093/

They offer discounts with SmartUPS and Symmetra UPS see

https://www.apc.com/shop/tradeups/us/en/tradeups/overview.jsp

[robmir_apc]

I would advise against replacing the entire system because the external battery packs have new batteries and they are practically passive boxes. This external battery packs are only compatible with the SMX series so only the main UPS should be replaced and only by a new SMX-750 !!!!

[TonyCzar]

I will research this.  Thank you.

[Teken]

Hi Tony,

Please review and fully understand all the requirements to upgrade the UPS firmware as outlined in this APC FAQ:

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA164737/

Please ensure all requirements are met and the key take always are these:

Active Faults / Errors: There should be no active faults or errors present in the system.

Output: Ensure the output is turned off.

NMC: If a NMC is present remove this module.

Batteries: Ensure all batteries are fully charged and operational.

Extended Battery Pack: If the extended battery packs are installed. This will increase the time to update the firmware. Do (NOT) unplug any extended battery packs while the upgrade process is under way.

Serial: Only use the APC RJ50 - RS-232 Serial cable to connect directly to a laptop computer.

Computer: Ensure the laptop is configured properly and all power save, sleep, hibernate, screen savers are disabled. Insure the CPU, SSD / HDD, ports, etc are not allowed to power down.

Good luck and let me know how it all turns out. As an aside if at some point you want to replace the SMX750 you may replace it with a SMX 1000 ~ 1500 UPS. Both systems will accept the extended battery pack you have now without any issues. 👍

[TonyCzar]

Question:  When you say, "Ensure the output is turned off" is that something set using the front menu or is this just ensuring nothing is plugged into the back of the SMX750?  BTW, cable arrived today.

[TonyCzar]

Happy Wednesday everyone.  Cable received.  Now I'm reviewing the instructions for firmware update and I have a question.  I see the inserted instruction at https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA164737/:

Now I do have the SMX750.  Firmware revision is UPS 09.1 and S/N is AS1545315655.  I take this to mean that I can update this unit's firmware.  Any objections?

[TonyCzar]

Output: Ensure the output is turned off.

Is this criterion met using the Menu or just by unplugging all cords from the back of the unit?

[Teken]

Hi Tony,

You may upgrade the UPS Firmware as your specific serial number meets the requirements to do so.

As it relates to the outputs please turn it off via the LCD Menu once the attached loads have been powered down and disconnected.

Let me know how it all turns out - Good Luck! 🤟

[TonyCzar]

Thank you.  Now I'm just waiting for a day when I'm well rested and have all my wits about me.  I'm well past my best MacGyver days.

[TonyCzar]

Hi, @Teken.  It's two months since my last post (sounds like a Catholic confessional).  My brother is visiting and, together, we tried to recalibrate my UPS.  I think we succeeded but I don't have high confidence.  What I really need is someone (you, I hope) to be "present" by video phone to guide me in what to do.  Is it possible?  I'm more than heppy to compensate you.  Please let me know.  Thanks.

[Teken]

Hi Tony,

Please call out all the steps you have taken to initiate the battery calibration.

Are you seeing unexpected behaviour or operations with the system?!? 🤔

If we can not resolve this over the forum we can speak over video conference. 👍