Spark installing battery with APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming Battery Backup System

[Kalvul]

APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming Battery Backup System (Black)
#BGM1500B-US

Yesterday I received my new APC UPS and when I connected the red wire to the battery, there was a large spark. I checked the connector from the UPS and it appeared to have a small char mark about 2mm wide. I connected the battery anyway to see if the unit would power on and self-test successfully.  Self-test looks fine. I stress tested the UPS as well, no issues. 

Aside from what I think is normal off-gassing, I don't smell anything burning or sweet. The UPS beeps whenever I turn my computer on, but I think that's normal. 

Do I have anything to worry about here?

[Teken · Accepted solution]

Nothing to worry about but you have learned first hand. You always connect the positive (Red) battery terminal first and the (Black) terminal last. ☝️

Electricity flows from negative to positive . . . 

Following this important step will minimize the amount of (Spark / Arcing) but does not prevent it. If you want to prevent the same from happening again place a resistor in series with the negative (black) terminal and touch the other side to the battery.

This will allow the capacitors inside of the UPS to pre charge and prevent the arcing you saw. 👍

Let me know if you have more questions. If not and this resolved your query please mark this as answered / solved so this may assist the next person asking the same. 👍

NOTE: The resistor is removed from the negative battery cable once the unit has been pre charged.

Do NOT leave the resistor in place! ☝️

[Kalvul]

Thank you for the response. This is good information to know.

The unit came with the black terminal already connected and the handy, straightforward instructions on the inside of the box lid indicated to connect the red terminal and call it a day. Seems like more people are going to be in for a shock.

See attachment.

[Teken · Accepted solution]

Appreciate you sharing the the installation guide as provided by APC. 👍 If time permits would you kindly submit a service request with APC Technical Support.

Detail what you saw and experienced as it relates to the spark / arc. Share with them this specific APC Forum thread.

As this is a safety issue that could be minimized by changing the positive vs negative battery post! ☝️

This is especially important because even in their own safety literature they call out the hazards of explosive gases from the battery. 🤦‍♂️

Combine that with your personal experience with the large spark a person could have lost a hand if the battery was leaking at the same time! ☹️👎

NOTE: Another method to (pre charge) the UPS is prior to connecting the internal battery is to insert the AC Plug into the wall outlet for about ten seconds.

Afterwards remove the AC Plug from the wall and connect the internal battery. Depending upon how the unit is designed this will eliminate any sparks or the very least reduce the amount of voltage potential seen during the connection. 👍

[MG1]

Except the unit comes with the black plugged in already, and the instructions tell you to plug in the red so it sounds like they were just following the instructions provided by APC

[MG1]

yeah this makes no sense.  Mine came the same way, no shock, though my LCD doesnt even light up, so I have problems of my own