Topic:
This article explains the basic self test operation on a Back-UPS.
Product Line:
All Back UPS line made after January 1 of 1995
Resolution:
APC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS units manufactured after January 1, 1995 has a feature added called Intelligent Battery Management (IBM). This feature can incorporate a mix of either manual, automatic, or software initiated self test functions or all mentioned methods depending on the model.
During a Back-UPS self test the following will happen:
Generally, all UPS units would also normally do a self test every time it is power cycled or turned on and depending on the model or design, they can redo the self test every 7 days. On Smart-UPS and other high VA 1PH UPS units, they can be set to do this every 14 days or Never.
This feature is provided to assure the internal battery is always at its optimum health and a way an end user can be informed when a battery needs to be replaced. However, we need to keep in mind as per knowledge base FA158934 it states, "most APC batteries should last three to five years". This can be affected by multiple factors and depending on the UPS model. The article also gives a number of best practices or considerations that needs to be done and/or checked to help an APC UPS battery maintain its optimum condition in order to reach its maximum life expectancy.
If you have any clarifications, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-800-4272 or chat with our technical support representatives.
This article explains the basic self test operation on a Back-UPS.
Product Line:
All Back UPS line made after January 1 of 1995
Resolution:
APC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS units manufactured after January 1, 1995 has a feature added called Intelligent Battery Management (IBM). This feature can incorporate a mix of either manual, automatic, or software initiated self test functions or all mentioned methods depending on the model.
- Manual - On most units, this is done by pressing and holding the power button of a Back-UPS while the unit is powered on and connected to an outlet. You may let go once a 2nd Beep or if the online LED of the unit starts blinking. We recommend checking the manual of the UPS to check how this is performed as this can vary depending on the model.
- Automatic - This happens every after 7 days after a Back UPS is powered on. The Back-UPS line like any other UPS will also do an automatic self test upon power on.
- Software Initiated - Our legacy software like PowerChute Plus, PowerChute Personal Edition or, our latest PowerChute Serial Shutdown software has options to conduct a diagnostic self test depending on the UPS model
During a Back-UPS self test the following will happen:
- The Back-UPS will force itself to run on battery for approximately 10 seconds
- While on battery, the UPS will calculate the runtime. It is much advised that the load attached is within 10% to as much as 30% of the unit's capacity.
- If the load is too low, the UPS will not be able to properly determine the correct runtime and may over calculate this.
- If the load is too high (i.e. 80% to full load), the battery can drain faster and can lead to possible on battery overload scenarios and/or a false replace battery alert
- Note : There is a very minimal probability a UPS might drop the load or lose power to the equipment during a self test in case of on battery overloads
- On or after the self test, if the UPS sees if the UPS runtime is inadequate or if it is close or below the standard 2 minute runtime limit. If the runtime calculated is at a good range, then the UPS will go back to its previous online state. Otherwise, the UPS will report a bad/replace battery alarm. A replace battery error can be categorized with the following behaviors:
- On Back UPS ES / CS, it would be a constant tone alternating red and green light
- On Back UPS Pro Units, it would be a rapid chirping sound that is accompanied by a replace battery indicator
Generally, all UPS units would also normally do a self test every time it is power cycled or turned on and depending on the model or design, they can redo the self test every 7 days. On Smart-UPS and other high VA 1PH UPS units, they can be set to do this every 14 days or Never.
This feature is provided to assure the internal battery is always at its optimum health and a way an end user can be informed when a battery needs to be replaced. However, we need to keep in mind as per knowledge base FA158934 it states, "most APC batteries should last three to five years". This can be affected by multiple factors and depending on the UPS model. The article also gives a number of best practices or considerations that needs to be done and/or checked to help an APC UPS battery maintain its optimum condition in order to reach its maximum life expectancy.
If you have any clarifications, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-800-4272 or chat with our technical support representatives.
Released for:APC Canada
