Production:
UPSs are typically installed and placed in locations that are not easily visible to the user (for example, under a desk, in a wiring closet, etc.). Therefore, to proactively notify users of changes in UPS and power conditions, APC UPSs have audible tones. An occasional single beep from the UPS is normal UPS operation. This means that the UPS protects the load. Below is a non-exhaustive list of audible indicators and possible meanings.See the Back-UPS User Manual for a complete list of audible tones.
Product line:
The Entire Back-UPS Family
Cause:
1.) Back-UPS product is running on battery -This alarm indicates that the UPS has switched from online to battery operation. Battery powered outlets are now battery powered.
2.) The Back-UPS product has reached a low battery condition -This alarm indicates that the UPS has reached a low battery condition and will shut down shortly. The UPS can only run on battery power for a limited period of time. To prevent the device's batteries from getting too discharged, the UPS shuts down and turns off its output. To warn you that the equipment will shutdown soon, the UPS will issue this alarm 2 minutes before the actual shutdown. With optional APC management software, 2 minutes can be changed to give you more imminent shutdown warning. If you hear this sound, shut down the operating system immediately to prevent data loss or corruption.
3.) Capacity overload -This alarm indicates that the UPS has detected an overload condition. When this alarm sounds, try removing non-essential devices. The alarm remains until the load is reduced. To determine if your UPS is capable of handling the equipment you wish to protect, visitSelector APC-USV.
4.) Unit failed a self test -Most Back-UPS products run an internal self-test every 14 days to check battery health. If the battery fails the self-test, the Replace Battery LED illuminates. The Replace Battery LED is a WARNING that the battery may be at the end of its useful life and replacement is generally recommended within 2-4 weeks.
5.) Disable audible alarm tones from the UPS -Using PowerChute Personal Edition software, the UPS audible alarm tones can be disabled. (Not available on all Back-UPS models)
Resolution:
1.) The Back-UPS product is battery operated
Metric tons:
• 4 beeps every 30 seconds (amber battery LED is on)
. 1 beep every 5 seconds
- If the input voltage is deemed unsafe for your IT equipment, the UPS will switch to On Battery. The alarm will stop once the device is back online. See the Specifications section of the User Guide for the acceptable voltage window. Occasional changes to On Battery should not be a cause for concern, but should be considered normal operation. The UPS attempts to provide clean, safe, and reliable power. If your device shipped with APC Management Software, it is possible to change the default acceptable voltages that the device shipped with. See the APC Management Software Help section for instructions.
- If the frequency is + or - 5% off, it will also cause a Back-UPS product to switch to battery power. Frequency distortions are most commonly caused by generators that are too small. Always make sure a generator has 3 to 5 times the full load connected, lest you be sure it can maintain a stable output frequency. There is no way to change the deviation from +/- 5%.
- If the incoming power form is deemed "too dirty", some Back-UPS products may switch to battery operation. This is probably the problem if you have already confirmed that the input voltage is within acceptable limits. Most Back-UPS products can change their sensitivity to input power shaping from high to medium or even low. See the user guide for details on how to adjust these settings.
Note: If the power interruption is brief, you may only hear the device beep once or twice.
2.) The Back-UPS product has reached a low battery condition
• Continuous beeps (amber battery LED is on)
Note: This graceful shutdown is automatic when using APC Management Software.
3.) Capacity overload
• Constant and continuous tone (red overload LED lights up)
If the rear UPS emits a constant flat tone and reducing the load does not resolve the issue, try the following steps:
1) Turn off the UPS.
2) Turn off all UPS devices
3) Unplug the UPS from the electrical outlet
4) Press and hold the power button (you will hear two beeps) and release the button before the second beep ends.
At this point, the UPS is running on battery and either working fine or continuing to emit a constant flat tone. If the device still emits this tone, this is an indicator that the UPS has been permanently damaged by overload. Under certain fault conditions, the UPS may emit this constant tone even when unplugged. To immediately silence this alarm in this condition, the internal battery must be disconnected through the UPS battery access door.Contact APC Supportfor replacement options or visitSelector APC-USV.
4.) Device failed a self test
• One minute continuous beeps; Repeats every 5 hours (replace battery LED is on)
Paso 1:
Confirm that the internal battery of the Back-UPS product has been connected. For instructions on how to do this, see your user manual.
Paso 2:
Make sure the UPS is not overloaded (refer to the Back-UPS product Owner's Manual for battery output wattage ratings). APC recommends that computers and monitors be plugged into battery-powered outlets only; other peripherals must be connected to the labeled "Surge Only" outlets on the rear of the UPS. Outlet plugs or surge protectors should NEVER be connected to a UPS. Remove any excessive load from the UPS. When the Back-UPS is almost fully charged (>80% of battery output power capacity), it is also not recommended to use the Back-UPS as the main breaker to power your equipment. Instead, turn on the Back-UPS product and wait for it to complete its self-test before turning on connected equipment. It is also acceptable to leave the Back-UPS product on and never turn it off.
Level 3:
Disconnect the external battery when in use. A self-test should be performed with the UPS fully charged (continuous charge or switch to battery for 5 hours) and normal load connected. To do this, make sure the Back-UPS product is plugged into the wall and press and hold the power button for about 4 seconds until you hear a long tone. The "On Battery" LED (yellow) lights up while the "On Line" LED (green) flashes. This test takes approximately 15 seconds and has one of two results: If the Replace Battery LED remains on (the device beeps/beeps for 1 minute, indicating a failed test), the battery needs to be replaced. If the Replace Battery LED is off, there is no need to replace the battery.
Stage 4:(Proceed only if "Step 3" does not turn off the Replace Battery LED)
The Back-UPS product comes with a 2-year warranty that includes the battery. If the Back-UPS product was purchased within 2 years, pleaseContact APC Supportand refer to the steps performed in this document. Please also provide the exact part and serial number, which can be found on the bottom of the Back-UPS RS/XS.
If the Back-UPS product is out of factory warranty, use theUPS Backup Battery and Upgrade Selectoroffering out-of-warranty options to replace a dead battery or upgrade to a new APC Back-UPS.
5.) Disable UPS alarm tones.
Manage UPS audible alarm settings using the mute function on the unit (Back-UPS ES "M" Series and Back-UPS Pro)
Using Quick Mute on APC Back-UPS ES M-Series to temporarily silence alarms:
To silence audible alarms on APC Back-UPS Pro using the silence button:
Manage UPS audible alarm settings through PowerChute Personal Edition
Paso 1:
Connect the RJ45 UPS communication cable to the USB communication cable between the UPS and the computer. Make sure the USB cable is connected directly to one of the host computer's native USB ports. Do not use aftermarket USB hubs or cards to establish communication.
Paso 2:
Once the computer recognizes the "new hardware device", seeVideo: Installation Instructions for PowerChute Personal Edition 3.0.2 or 3.1on a currently supported operating system.
Level 3:
Once the software has been successfully installed, the audible alarms from the UPS can be disabled by going to the "Notification Settings" section located in the "Settings" tab and changing the "UPS Alarm from Battery". Here alarms can be enabled for all events, disabled for all events, disabled during specific UPS conditions, or for custom time periods.