overload spike on Back-UPS XS 1500G

[BillP]

I tried to RTFM and could not find the information.

What I get is the following in Powerchute.  A pop up window comes up with the following message.

"Your battery backup is overloaded.  This means that your unit will not be able to support your PC in the event of a power problem"

Please remove some of the equipment plugged into the battery backup outlets of your unit."

This is followed in a few seconds with the following message.

"Battery backup overload has been corrected. Your battery backup is no longer overloaded."

This unit was placed into operation not more than an hour ago.  I am at wits end trying to figure out what is wrong.  There are no other messages either on the unit screen or via the Powerchute software.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Kevin,

Like the error message says, the overload is caused by too much equipment plugged into the battery backup outlets, or too much power is being pulled by the devices. Certain devices can have a high inrush current, so when they start up or run they pull a large amounts of power and it can cause an overload. An example of a device that can cause issues like this are laser printers, they pull a lot of power when printing a job. 

Can you provide a list of the devices you have connected to the UPS? We may be able to find the device causing the issue.

[BillP]

Ah, the presumptions.  I had no more than 1 computer plugged into the APC.  The unit was reporting a spike that resolved in seconds.  I typically only see draws of around 200 watts.  And the equipment I have plugged into the device actually shows that.  I have 1 computer, 1 monitor, and 1 amplifier/speaker system plugged into this device.  I also had a laser printer plugged into the device.  At rest, there is no issue, but found that when triggered, it draws a lot of power.  That printer is now moved to one of the two outlets that are surge protection only.