Smart Ups RS 1500 BR1500 Overload Fault with no Load, however....

[MrCreosote]

When turned on, the Green On-Line flashes for about 5 seconds.

Then momentarily the Yellow On-Battery comes on

Then continuous Red Overload light and continuous buzzer.

There is a Building Fault on since the outlet is 2-prong w/o ground.

However, I'm trying to test unit and have one new battery and one that is extremely weak - no load the battery pack is >26 volts.

It clearly drops out of On-Battery instantly, but does not light the Replace Battery light.

NOTE:  This unit was removed from service when I measured 135v On-Battery but it may not have been a True RMS DMM.

QUESTION:  I could find another battery with some life in it - I don't want to buy a new battery for a matched set only to find the unit is malfunctioning.  SUGGESTIONS?

[Teken]

A True RMS meter has absolutely nothing to do with a DC measurement. ☝️ It’s near impossible you measured 135 DC volts at the battery terminal.

If you did it would be pretty apparent as to the physical condition of the battery cartridge! 🤦‍♂️

Regardless, there’s nothing you can do with the system without two good cells in place.

Start there and once the new battery is connected set the meter to DC (NOT) AC. Validate the system is charging the cartridge at 27.XX volts. 

Let me know . . . 

[MrCreosote]

The measurement is the AC output On-Battery being 135v when the line voltage is 124v.   Since the output is not a sine wave, having a True RMS DMM is critical for an accurate measurement.  If the meter used was not True RMS, the actual RMS voltage was greater than 135v.

The weak battery was replaced and the unit still behaved the same.  

[Teken]

Connect the system to a computer running APC Power Chute Software. What does the software indicate is the active fault / error codes?!?

While you’re in there update the battery installation date. Manually initiate a Self Test what does the system do or show in Power Chute / LCD Display?!?

Brain Dead: You may try to reset the internal MCU by following this procedure:

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA156611/

[MrCreosote]

When the unit is turned on, it performs the self-test and fails as I described.

I don't have the RJ45 to USB cable to connect to PC - am trying to see if a friend has one.  (if he doesn't may order one for $4 from China - will take couple weeks to get here.)

No sure about the Brain Dead procedure - the ones described have different controls than mine.  But since the unit does the Self Test when turned on, doesn't this mean it is not Brain Dead?

Thanks

Tom

[Teken]

Hi Tom,

Brain Dead: This procedure is intended to clear the MCU of random faults while resetting it to a default state. 

Remove AC Mains from the wall. Disconnect the internal battery. Press and hold the power button until you hear a click / beep.

You may not hear anything at all either. ☝️Do this reset at least three times following the steps up above.

Wait for the cable to arrive and once connected to a computer system running APC PCBE / PCSS call out what active faults / error codes are displayed.

Please update the battery installation date and follow up with manually initiating a Self Test.

If it fails proceed to manually initiate a battery calibration via Power Chute Software. There must be at least 30% attached load on the outputs. 

More than likely both will fail to initiate and complete. If so the unit needs to be replaced as there’s an obvious internal fault. 

Let me know what you see and observe once all cables and software is installed. 👍

[MrCreosote]

Can I use the Ethernet Network connection or do I need the RJ45-USB cable?  (Is there anything special about the RJ45/USB cable?)

[Teken]

The Ethernet port on the unit is for surge protection only.

You’ll need to use the OEM APC USB - RJ45 cable or one you made and validated to work.

You’ll need to search the net to confirm the pin out and wiring.

As the vast majority of the APC Serial cables are wired in a proprietary manner that doesn’t comply to industry standards. 🤦‍♂️👎

NOTE: As an aside you need to find an outlet that provides a Earth Ground. As the system will cry and complain there’s a building wiring fault.

Depending upon what firmware is installed this fault may cause the system to declare a hard fault.

Meaning any other problems you have won’t clear until this safety requirement is met! ☝️

[MrCreosote]

Proper grounded outlet doesn't make any difference:  when started On-Line flashes for about 5 seconds, then On-Battery for a split second, and then Overload flashing red.

Starting with unit unplugged, does the same except no On-Line, it starts with the split second On-Battery and ends up the same.

That APC proprietary RJ45 to USB - do all such APC cables have the same pin-outs?  or are there different APC RJ to USB types?

[MrCreosote]

I may invest in a data cable or two.  I have a bunch of ES 725's that also have that port.