XS 1300 smoking after use

[Anonymous user]

Hi,

We just had a 3 hour power outage, which is unusual for us.  I happened to go into my office about 20 minutes after the power came back on and noticed that my Back-UPS was smoking out of the vents on top and I could then smell a faint burning smell.  I replaced the battery in the unit within the last two years (don't recall exactly when).  This is the first time we have had such a long power outage.  Is this normal behaviour for this unit or should I be worried about it being a fire hazard?

Doug

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

This is definitely not normal behavior. The XS 1300 should have a fan that comes on when it is running from battery. (While I believe its operating speed is based on load percentage, it has been my experience that the fan should be running any time the unit is on battery, outside of the self test.)

If the unit was carrying a particularly heavy load at the time, I would consider reducing it to about 40-65% of the unit's capacity rating. This will place the unit and its batteries under less stress, will give you better runtime during a power failure and provides for some margin of safety as the batteries age and lose capacity.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks, William.  The unit only powers my computer and two monitors, and they were all in sleep mode at the time.  I'm guessing something is fatally wrong with the unit??  

[Anonymous user]

I'm concerned that this unit is a fire hazard.  If I replace it with a new one, which model would you recommend for home use?  As I said, I have my notebook computer with accessories attached, and two external 24" monitors.  I run everything to the Back-UPS, including the phone line that goes to the printer.  I have it first for surge protection and secondly for backup power in case I want to be working during a power outage.  But I'd rather not work during such a rare event than risk this being the source of a fire! 

P.S., before leaving for an event last night I checked on the unit and it was still (several hours later) quite warm.  So, I powered it down. Just powered it back on this am so I have power to my computer. 

[Anonymous user]

I believe you are correct to be concerned about the unit you've got now. However, the printer might bear further examination: if it's a laser printer, it should not be connected to the battery backed outlets on any UPS.

It's not unusual for these units to be warm (even quite warm) to the touch when idling.

I'd believe this was probably an isolated incident and would have no hesitation in recommending another of the same model to replace it. If you want something better, you could move up to the Smart UPS (750VA or larger) models. And there's always the competition, which hopefully I won't get into trouble for mentioning as a possibility. APC is still my first choice, but there are some very credible offerings from other companies.

It's possible your unit could still be covered by APC's limited warranty. Post the serial number of your unit and this can be easily determined. In case it isn't under warranty, APC has a "Trade-UPS" program where they'll take your old UPS, recycle it properly and give you a discount on a replacement unit (but you must buy direct from them).

I would highly recommend disconnecting the UPS from service for your own safety. Your equipment has basic built in protection that would certainly suffice for a few days, until you can get a replacement UPS.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for the additional information.  The unit is several years old.  I only have the phone line that goes to the fax on the printer plugged into the UPS.  Rather than unplugging it (don't have another power bar to use) is it safe to use the power button to turn it off while away?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Douglas,

With the information you provided,  I would not recommend that you still use the unit you have there.  It would be best if you call our technical support at 1-800-800-4272, also have the model number and serial number available which can be found on the white barcode sticker on the bottom of the unit.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks.  I called tech support (there's a mistake in the phone number above) and the tech said that the unit is old and should be replaced anyway.  He said that it is safe to keep it plugged in until I get a new one.  Will order a new one right away.

[BillP]

Hi Douglas,

Sorry about the phone number, were you given any case number when you called in?

Thanks!

[Anonymous user]

No problem.  No, no case number.  The unit is from 2007 (though I replaced the battery a couple of years ago), and he said that it's time to replace it.  Offered me the 'trade in' deal but I don't want to wait and I'm in Canada.  Going to see what I can find here.  First store I called is recommending Tripplite smart 1300lcdt, but seems to have mixed reviews.

[BillP]

Hi Douglas,

The smoke and faint burning smell you described is most likely related to a failure of the surge suppression circuitry found within the unit. Often times when an electrical disturbance occurs such as a Blackout as you've described, electrical surges and spikes may also accompany. A solid state component called a Metal-oxcide Varistor (MOV) is used to shunt electrical current away from your sensitive loads. In some cases the damaging electrical currents may exceed the capability of the MOV and cause the MOV to fail. This may produce small amounts of smoke an a definite burnt electrical smell. This is a normal failure condition and is contained within the electrical case.

Secret Squirrel

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for the technical info.  If the MOV has failed, will the unit still appear to work (as mine does)?  My home has 'whole house surge protection' and they didn't click off, so there really shouldn't have been any surges go past the panel.  I'm looking at the SPC Smart UPS C 1500VA as another option.

[BillP]

Typically the unit will fail open, so as not to continue to pass power through to the load. It is not abnormal however to see the unit continue to operate to some degree. It's safe to say the damage it suffered was not catastrophic. 

When protecting a Home or Business against surge, it is recommend to layer your protection as you have. This is due to the fact that many damaging surges found throughout home/business electrical circuits come from within the electrical infrastructure itself and not from outside. These can often originate at your appliances or even a home generator. In any event, the unit has sacrificed itself to protect your equipment as it is designed to do.

As for the SMC1500, this is certainly a very good unit and does offer slightly more surge suppression then the BX1300.

Secret Squirrel

[Anonymous user]

I purchased the C1500 yesterday.  It's a bit bigger than my old one but I like the look.  It does make an audible buzz sound that the other didn't make, but I usually have some kind of background noise so I don't think that will be an issue.  One difference is that the LCD display is always on.  On my old one it was always off unless it was in use/self testing/or I pressed on the display button.  Is the LCD supposed to be on all of the time with this one?  I'd like it to be off so that it doesn't wear out as there's no need for me to be checking it unless there's an issue.

[Anonymous user]

On the right hand side of the display, there should be a button that looks like a menu, or list of options. Press and hold this button down until you hear a beep. Doing so lets you choose whether the display is lit all the time or only when you press the button briefly or the unit's status changes. The display may not shut off immediately afterwards.

For whatever it's worth, the display is backlit  by LEDs. Even if illuminated all the time, the display and its backlights  will far outlast the UPS.

[Anonymous user]

Good to know it's a reliable LED backlight.  I tried to pressing on the buttons (the one on the lower right and the power button) as described above but no joy.        Maybe if I push and hold the mute and the 'display' buttons at the same time??

[BillP]

Hi Douglas,

You just need to push and hold the display ( bottom right ) button for 2 seconds, the UPS will beep to confirm this mode is active.  The display will go dark after 60 seconds of no activity and only illuminate when a button is pressed or an event occurs.  

[Anonymous user]

I tried again and nada....  I tried for 2 seconds, shorter, longer, pushing harder, lighter etc.  All it does is cycle through the different bits of info. 

[BillP]

Hi Doug,

Is this a BX1300LCD or BX1300G?

You can locate the exact model number on the small white sticker, under the unit.

Secret Squirrel

[Anonymous user]

It is the new replacement: Smart-UPS C1500

[BillP]

Hi Doug,

My apologies. 

Vinay is correct in that the Display can be adjusted simply by pressing the Lower Right button for 2 seconds. Now it is possible you may have unintentionally entered "Configuration Mode". This is achieved by selecting the Mute button and the Display button simultaneously for 2sec. Fifteen seconds of inactivity however, will automatically return the unit to Normal Operation or you may exit manually by pressing the Mute and Display buttons together again for 2 seconds.

You can attempt something called a "Brain Dead" of the UPS intelligence, which may reset everything back to factory defaults. To perform the 'Brain Dead" one must first remove the attached load, turn the UPS off, disconnect the external battery connection on the back of the unit and unplug from the wall. Next, press and hold the On button for approx. 10 seconds. 

Once you have performed the above mentioned procedure, it would be a matter of reconnecting the UPS to the wall, reconnecting the external battery connection on the back of the unit and turn the unit on.

Secret Squirrel

[Anonymous user]

Thanks.  I went into configuration mode and changed the setting.  All good now.