Several APC XS 900 issues.

[Anonymous user]

I have bought 4 apc XS 900 units.

First apc-> backups my tv, dvd, etc...
Second apc -> backup family computer.
Third apc-> work Computer
Fourth apc -> backup Server computer.


Third apc is plugged into a wall directly, and that nothing else is plugged on that line. It was its own breaker. I have plugged in an lcd monitor and computer for battery backup. For surge protector I have plugged in a brother laser printer. The issues that every time I try to print something, upon printer start up the apc unit goes into a buttery mode for a split second then goes back to normal mode, or when ever I turn it off, let it cool down and turn it back on.

The fourth server computer, has an lcd, a computer and a phone hooked up to a battery protection, and nothing else. The line is unique also, has its own breaker and nothing else is hooked on that line. The apc randomely buzzes for a split second, the same sound that it makes when it switches to a battery mode and the server computer restarts. When i had a usb cable plugged into the apc, the rate of restart was more frequent than when i unplugged it. Also I have noticed that apc does that between 6 and 8 am est, that was when ever I have cought it. I thought there was something with my server, but after working with win dbg to analyse crashes, there was no information there. The hardware tests reported everyhing ok. cpu temp was constant around 45%.

For the first and second apc, since family computer is about on for no more that about 1h a day and tv no more than couple of hours in the evening, I cant say that there is something wrong with apc that protects them.

Also when I unplug the power from apc, they go into battery mode and provide power to the equipment that is plugged in.

Is there anything I can do to find out the reason both apc (for the server computer and work computer ) behaves like this.

thx.

Message was edited by: darksniperx

[Erasmus_apc]

Could you install our software so that it logs what kind of power event (if any) is occurring? Our software also allows you to disable audible alarms.

[Erasmus_apc]

In regards to the UPS that has the printer plugged into the surge side, I would have to encourage moving the printer to a different outlet entirely or a different surge protector. Printers (laser printers especially) are not recommended for use with our battery backup units, in either the surge outlets or the battery outlets. Due to the heating element present in many printing systems as well as the presence of a motor-based drive system (both of which contribute to a high draw), having them plugged into an APC back-UPS can many times lead to overload, or strange "on-battery" behavior. I would recommend moving the laser printer to a separate surge protector or outlet.

As for your other UPS that is causing trouble with your server, I have a few questions:
- Do you have the UPS plugged directly into an outlet or daisy-chained using an extension cord or other protective device?
- What APC software, if any, are you running on this server?
- What USB cable were you using to plug the APC unit into the computer?

[Anonymous user]

I am having exactly the same problem. The backup starts beeping between 5:00am and 6:00am every morning. I have one computer CPU plugged in and one 17 inch monitor. Nothing else. What could be causing this?

[Erasmus_apc]

My previous post was incomplete, my apology:

For the two of you who are having the "buzz" or "on battery" issue early in the morning, I have some questions:

Do any other devices in your home behave oddly during this period?

Can you provide any PowerChute information from this time period? Specifically: voltage reported from the unit and the "reason for transfer to battery".

Do you have a TWACS or SmartMeter appliance installed by the power company to meter your power usage?

Are these devices daisy chained into anything on their inputs? Or are they plugged directly into the wall?

Specifically for the previous post by dsosb: Do you also have a USB cable plugged in, and does this seem to make the problem more frequent?

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

In answer to your question. No other devices are behaving strangely. I unplugged the 900 and plugged it into another electrical socket in order to help determine if there was an electrical problem with the socket it was plugged into. It did the same thing in another socket not on the same circuit. I don't have Power Chute information since I have never used it or installed it. The 900 is plugged directly into the wall. I do not have any kind of meter on our power usage. Not much help I guess. Thanks for any help you can give.