SUA1000 Blinking "Replace Battery" and Beeping Every 2 Seconds

[Anonymous user]

I actually just got this UPS free from someone on Craigslist who said that it just started doing this. As far as I know the batteries have never been replaced, but I want to make sure this is a battery issue and not something with the unit itself. I've tested both batteries and they each read 13.3 volts, as well as the unit. I just want to make sure that I'm buying batteries as long as the UPS is still in good order.

If I unplug it, it will not discharge to any devices plugged into it, but if I push the Test button it will show a charge of 1/5. This is weird...

Message was edited by: Alpha_Link

[BillP]

Hi Matt,

The fault that your UPS has encountered is what do we call as "disconnected battery". Although the battery is connected/attached, the unit fails to detect it. Normal troubleshooting that we recommend are reseating the battery connector/wires, trying a good working batteries and at the back of your unit there is a black plastic plug which we call quick battery connector. Make sure that the connector is seated properly and doesn't get loose.

There's a chance that buying a battery would make it work as it should but sometimes that doesn't fix the problem if it is the charging mechanism that failed. What's the serial number of the unit, let's see how old the UPS is.

[Anonymous user]

The serial number is: AS0442110476

I've tried reseating the connectors, triple checking that they are tight. The battery connector on the back is seated properly as well. Like I said, it appears that the UPS is getting a charge from the battery, as it's showing a charge on the LED meter when unplugged, but it won't discharge to anything plugged in to the outlets in the back of the unit.

[BillP]

Matt,

Based from the serial number, your unit was manufactured on the 42nd week of 2004. From your findings and troubleshooting, it would be best to replace the UPS itself if possible.

[Anonymous user]

hmm, do you have a clue on what the problem could possibly be? I really don't want to get rid of something I got for free if there might be a chance of fixing it.

Message was edited by: Alpha_Link

[BillP]

when you say it won't discharge to any of the load when you put the UPS on battery, what specifically happens? UPS turns off or does it keep going, thinking its working? i am wondering if the batteries are just the original and indicate charged but cannot support a load.

depending on your answer here, we can make a recommendation again for batteries or different UPS.

[Anonymous user]

If I unplug the UPS from the wall, the UPS shuts off. However, while it's unplugged, I can push the Test button and the LED meter will appear to show a charge of 1/5. You would think that the batteries would be drained if they are not discharging, but the UPS is getting some kind of power from them. And I measured around 13 volts on each of them.

From what I know the batteries are original, which was the reason why the guy who gave them to me said he was getting rid it (and why it's acting this way).

Message was edited by: Alpha_Link

[Anonymous user]

A battery showing 13 volts does not necessarily mean it is any good. When you put a load on the battery, if bad, it can immediately drop to an unacceptable voltage level.

If you do not have real testing equipment, connect the battery to a load.. say an old headlight in your garage.. if it lights at all, now test the battery voltage.

You should also check the ups charging voltage. just connect your volt meter to the wires that connect to the battery (with the battery disconnected).

[Anonymous user]

Hmm, could be. I did check the wires on the UPS and they were giving out 13 volts. I can bring the batteries to my local auto parts store which I know they have equipment to test out the batteries.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

it does sound like old batteries based on what you said. i agree with barry on this one as well.