Using UPS systems with generator - HELP!

[Anonymous user]

I have bought a generator. By the time I get the extension cord from the generator to my office, I plug in my UPS systems, it seems to work, I have a green light, but within a couple of minutes, my UPS systems starts to beep and turn to orange and eventually my generator is not giving them any power.

These are suggested solutions from friends:

** I have been told that I need to have less of an extension cord. The more extension cord you have, the less energy you will get further down the cord. Hence, have the generator located closer to my office.
** I have been also told, that maybe there is an adjustment I need to make on the UPS systems, change the sensitivity, to work with a generator. Although on the UPS devices, I don't see a switch or anything to make adjustments.

Now, I will explain the equipment I have plugged in from the generator to the cords to the appliances and equipment.

My generator is a Champion 5,500 Peak Watts, 4800 Running Watts.
Then I have three extension cords. Two at 25ft. One at 50ft. Total 100ft.
The two at 25ft have outlets on it spaced every 8 feet. Cool!
The one at 50ft, has three outlets at the end of it.

I have it hooked up like this. Generator, one 25ft, another 25ft and then the 50ft. Along the first and second 25 footers, I have plugged in along the way the refrigerator and a power strip that has a cable modem and a couple of other devices. And then at the end of the 50 footer, I have plugged into it my two UPS devices. They have all the equipment I need to be running in my office hooked to the UPS devices. The two UPS boxes I have are each Back-UPS RS 1200. Obviously, these two UPS systems work fine with my equipment plugged in to them normally when the power works.

We have tried to unplug the refrigerator and the power strip with the cable modem and only have the UPS devices hooked into the end of the extension cords attached to the generator. Still no power making it to the office.

Now, does anyone know why this may be happening? I have listed above the suggestions from my friends. Anyone have thoughts? Would be much appreciated!!

[EZ_Button_apc · Accepted solution]

You can change the sensitivity on the UPS by installing the software and making the configuration change within the program, or you can follow the instructions in the manual below to do it using the front buttons on the unit.

The adjustment is on page 2.

http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/KBOK-757JTT_R0_EN.pdf

Changing the sensitivity allows the UPS to be less sensitive to "dirty" power. Unfortunately generators are going to produce some variations in power.

If the unit still doesn't work after the sensitivity change, often generators can be tweaked a bit to help fix the problem. Consult the generator manufacturer for help there.