how to run self test, and a general problem with my ups

[Anonymous user]

Hi all,
This is a long post, sorry. Want to try and get all the relevant info out here the first time.

Background:
I have a Back UPS ES 750. Lately it has started switching back and forth from line to battery. It doesn't stay on battery long enough to start making alarm sounds or to signal a shutdown to the computer, but it will continue to switch back and forth until it's dead and the computer crashes. Actually the alarm did start sounding last night, but it was down to 3% battery power before that happened. Can't find a reason as far as other items on the same circuit, etc. Totally random when it happens too. Middle of the day, late at night, weekend, weekday, etc.

Self Test:
This happened one time before, it lasted for a few days, went away and everything was perfect until now. This was maybe a year ago. Tech support had me do something with the power button for a self test, count the beeps or something, I truly don't remember the details, just that we did it while I was on the phone. He told me the unit was broken. I called back a day later because I wasn't happy with that diagnosis and a different tech told me we did the test wrong (had power to the APC, or maybe didn't have power to the APC). Everything was okay then and started working just fine. I chalked it up to construction in the area screwing up the power quality. So I'd like to run this test again. Can anyone here tell me how to do that?

Other questions:
Any ideas what could cause this other than dirty power? I don't have access to any microsoft based products, so Powerchute is worthless for me. I'm going to have a friend of mine with windows adjust the sensitivity on the unit for me and give it back. Maybe that will help. I did notice that last night after I shut off the Mac, the unit immediately stopped switching back and forth from line to battery.

Is this normal for the unit to stop switching if it has no load?
Will overload conditions cause the unit to switch like that? The only thing plugged in that was on was the Mac. I'd like some reassurance that nothing is wrong with it, ie pulling too much current, that would cause the APC to oscillate.

Thanks!

Message was edited by: partsmutt

[Anonymous user]

Thanks EZ. So far it looks like the sensitivity adjustment has done the trick. In the 5 years since I switched to a Mac, this is the first time I've been required to go to a windows machine to get something done. I really wish APC would support us better.

Good thing this discussion forum is here.



Dave

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hi all,
This is a long post, sorry. Want to try and get all the relevant info out here the first time.

Background:
I have a Back UPS ES 750. Lately it has started switching back and forth from line to battery. It doesn't stay on battery long enough to start making alarm sounds or to signal a shutdown to the computer, but it will continue to switch back and forth until it's dead and the computer crashes. Actually the alarm did start sounding last night, but it was down to 3% battery power before that happened. Can't find a reason as far as other items on the same circuit, etc. Totally random when it happens too. Middle of the day, late at night, weekend, weekday, etc.

Self Test:
This happened one time before, it lasted for a few days, went away and everything was perfect until now. This was maybe a year ago. Tech support had me do something with the power button for a self test, count the beeps or something, I truly don't remember the details, just that we did it while I was on the phone. He told me the unit was broken. I called back a day later because I wasn't happy with that diagnosis and a different tech told me we did the test wrong (had power to the APC, or maybe didn't have power to the APC). Everything was okay then and started working just fine. I chalked it up to construction in the area screwing up the power quality. So I'd like to run this test again. Can anyone here tell me how to do that?

Other questions:
Any ideas what could cause this other than dirty power? I don't have access to any microsoft based products, so Powerchute is worthless for me. I'm going to have a friend of mine with windows adjust the sensitivity on the unit for me and give it back. Maybe that will help. I did notice that last night after I shut off the Mac, the unit immediately stopped switching back and forth from line to battery.

Is this normal for the unit to stop switching if it has no load?
Will overload conditions cause the unit to switch like that? The only thing plugged in that was on was the Mac. I'd like some reassurance that nothing is wrong with it, ie pulling too much current, that would cause the APC to oscillate.

Thanks!

Message was edited by: partsmutt