Smart-UPS 1500 Lifeless - No LCD Activity

[igrin52]

Hi All - I have a Smart-UPS 1500 (model # SMC1500-2U, serial number AS1620231918) which is lifeless. While running on wall power, all the devices on the unit shutdown without an obvious reason. The was no power disruption. No matter what I have tried I cannot get the devices to run on wall power or battery power. I searched online and this is what I have tried (1) brain dead reboot by unplugging and holding down on the power button. (2) I removed the battery tray and did not see evidence of battery swelling or leaking (3) I tried to reboot using a 50 watt watt lamp plugged and unplugged to wall power. Also, with and without the battery in place. The LCD display did not come on the entire time I was trying all of this. However, the cooling fan on the back of unit did run when applying wall power. The fan also ran on battery power. During my various testing attempts, I did notice the "clicking" sound when doing brain dead reboot described in the forums which was is consistant with the battery switch engaging. 

The battery is due for replacement. However, it seems the unit should provide power regardless the state of the battery. Most concerning is the way the unit failed spontaneously while running wall power without an associated power outage. I had a power outage about 2 months ago, and the unit ran flawlessly for 45 minutes which demonstrated a strong battery based on the load calculation. At that time, the LCD showed the load applied was only 20% of  the maximum which I confirmed by using a meter at the panel and doing the math with an online calculator.  Also, I am not using any of the power chute software to control the unit. It has never been set up. I would like to replace the batteries and call it fixed. However, I don't want to throw away the battery aqusisiiton if the unit electronics are dead. Most concerning is the way the unit failed spontaneously while running wall power without an associated power outage. Also concerning me is the LCD display never came back no matter what I tried. Is there a way I can test the batteries, or trouble shoot the unit to figure out to replace battery or buy a new unit? Thanks in advance for your help. --- Jay

[Teken]

First step is to install APC PCBE / PCSS software and connect the two together. If there are any active faults / error codes they may be captured.

Im going to assume the battery is more than 3-4 years old. As such replacing the battery at the minimum is required as the unit requires a fully functioning battery at the correct voltage. 

In the interim you can perform a few basic tests to obtain some useful information. Plug the system into AC Mains and power up the unit.

There should be several relay clicks upon start up - does this happen?!? Regardless of any relays clicking measure all the output plugs - what is the voltage?!?

While the system is still running disconnect the battery cartridge and measure the DC voltage - what is it? Measure the battery plug coming out of the unit what is the DC voltage?!?

Reconnect everything and watch the APC PCBE / PCSS software. As the above steps are done has the software detected any faults / errors?

If the system displays the various metrics of input / output voltage, frequency, battery capacity & voltage what are they?!?

Assuming the software does see the unit I want you to enter a new battery installation date. If the system accepts this entry follow up with initiating a Self Test.

What does the APC PCBE / PCSS software indicate?!?

NOTE: If the battery cartridge is dead all of the above steps are a complete waste of time as the unit will not either turn on or behave properly. 

[igrin52]

The unit is 6-7 years old and is currently on the original battery.. I know the battery is well beyond its life span. The UPS was not put in service for 5 years following retail  purchase. It just sat in the shipping box.  It was put in service about 19 months ago and performed without issues after removal from the shipping box. It fired right up. During these last 19 months it has performed properly during 4-5 brownouts which lasted 15-20 seconds each time.. Also it ran all the way to complete discharge twice. Each time the unit performed  properly and spontaneously returned to service after after AC mains restoration. I have been very satisfied. The unit has "over performed" beyond its specified limits. 

Regarding your recommendations, I was able to measure 26 DC volts at the battery plug. I measured 0 AC Volts on AC mains and while on battery.  I was able to elicit a single "click" when holding the power button down (with AC mains unplugged). All of these procedures is with a dark LCD display so I have no way to know if I am turning the on or off. Regarding your suggestion about using the software, this is beyond what I have to work with. 

Regarding your suggestion to install a new battery at minimum to properly diagnose the unit, this brings me back to my dilemma. Do I invest in a new battery only to find the unit electronics are dead? The battery is not returnable. In that case I would have been better off getting brand new unit. Have I given you enough info to make a "guess' to get a new battery versus starting over with new unit? 

Regarding purchasing a new unit, I believe the equal APC replacement for my current is is APC SMT1500-2U. I have read some negative comments online. I am trying to resist paying attention to them, Most of the negative comments center around power management which does not apply to me. I am backing up a home theater system including the modem and router and security cameras. I could give a hoot about power management. Is this unit just as reliable as my current unit? Are there others that could be considered equal? What I really need is a reliable rack mount UPS sans power management. Power management adds expense that I do not use and I do not need. 

Thank you so much for your help. 

[Teken]

I agree there are no guarantees that replacing the battery cartridge will resolve the issue you see now. 

Having said this, the options are to purchase a third party cartridge vs OEM. You can also just buy the raw cells and rebuild the pack. 

Lastly, you can take a properly sized & rated capacitor. Connect it to the battery terminals. Doing so mimics a battery present and will allow the unit to turn on.

If it turns on you know it’s the battery.

Lastly, the SMT15002U is a solid unit to consider. 👍