UPS BR1000MS hot after running on battery with a light load

[cmartorelli]

I have a 7 year old APC UPS BR1000MS. The battery was changed 2 years ago (APC Brand Battery). We had a power outage that lasted about 2 hours and the UPS was running a very light load about 10 watts. The display on the front panel showed a runtime of 150 minutes. When the power came back on I went into the room where the UPS was and there was a slight electronic odor, which I smelled before when the battery was running. But I did notice the top of the unit where the vents are was warm. My inferred thermometer was reading in the 100F to 110F in the warmest section. The front and sides were OK. Could this be because it was pulling a light load. I have an additional but much older APC BR1000G a running a similar load and it too was warm but not as warm as the BR1000MS. Should I be looking to replace the UPS?

I have a second question about UPS in general. Does the surge protection ware out over time like in surge protector strips. I have read that the components in surge protector strips get used up with each surge. Is this also true with UPS or do they use a different technology?

[Teken]

All equipment produce some heat due to efficiency or the lack thereof. All UPS will generate heat when inverting, charging, and on standby.

The environment also plays an important role as to operational temperatures seen at the unit. More specifically mounting location, proper ventilation and distance from walls and other objects.

Basic considerations are to never install a UPS in direct / indirect sunlight. It should not be located by any heat generating sources such as HVAC, other equipment. You may refer to the user manual which calls out the installation requirements here:

https://www.apc.com/ca/en/product/BR1000MS/apc-backups-pro-1000va-600w-tower-120v-10x-nema-515r-outl...

Please refer to this APC Resource Link as it relates to the service life of their UPS:

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FAQ000265093/

At the end of the day if you believe the unit is past it’s service life you may also consider the APC Trade-UPS program. Where you can receive a modest discount on a new APC UPS. While also guaranteeing the unit is properly recycled while doing so:

https://www.apc.com/shop/tradeups/us/en/tradeups/overview.jsp

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