Answer: You can test the external batteries simply by performing a self-test on the UPS. A self-test can be performed either through the PowerChute software (under the diagnostics menu), or simply by pressing and holding the test button on the UPS for 5 seconds.

If the battery packs were added correctly when first installed (through hyperterminal, for example), the UPS becomes aware of the entire battery charge, runtime, and condition. Instructions for adding external battery packs to a Smart-Ups XL unit can be found in the Knowledge Base document titled, "Adding external battery packs to a Smart-UPS XL."

For example, if the replace battery light comes on the UPS it is indicating either a bad internal battery or bad external battery. The only way to find out which battery went bad is to perform a self-test with no external batteries attached. If the replace battery light does not come on with zero external batteries attached, you know the issues lies within one of the external battery packs. Now, try attaching external batteries one at a time, performing a self-test after each one you add, until you determine which battery needs to be replaced. Visit http://www.apcc.com/support/upgrade.cfm for your replacement and upgrade options.

Answer: Try this battery testing procedure outlined below: (Sometimes, just by performing the test, it's possible to correct the situation.)

If the Replace Battery LED is lit, then perform the following steps to determine if the battery does in fact need to be replaced, or if the bad battery indication was due to an invalid test, giving false results.

1. Determine the approximate battery capacity using the battery capacity bar graph LEDs*, which are the row of 5 LEDs on the far right side of the front panel; each LED represents approximately a 20% charge on the battery. If not all of the LEDs are illuminated, then proceed to step 2. If all battery charge LEDs are illuminated, then move to step 3.

2. If all of the battery charge LEDs are not lit, then the battery needs to be charged. If possible, charge the unit for 24 hours or at the very least, charge a standard unit for 3 hours and an XL for 9 hours. The Smart-UPS will charge whether it is on or off. The unit will charge whether there is equipment plugged in or not. However, in environments where the power quality is poor, it is recommend that the unit be off during this charging period. As long as the Smart-UPS is on and able to supply power to your equipment, it is possible that it may switch to battery operation, which will lengthen its recharge time. When all battery charge LEDs are lit, proceed to step 3. If all LEDs do not illuminate after 24 hours, and the unit has been plugged into a good power outlet, there could potentially be a problem with the UPS itself, and it should be replaced.

3. Run a self-test. A self-test can be initiated by pressing and holding the I/Test button on the front of the UPS for 3-4 seconds. The green On-Line LED should begin to blink, and the amber On-Battery LED will illuminate - this is the indication that the UPS is running the test, which takes approximately 8-10 seconds. At this point, the test will either pass or fail. If the test passes, the Replace Battery LED will no longer be illuminated, and the battery does not need to be replaced; if the test fails, the red Replace Battery LED will illuminate, and the UPS will beep continuously for 1 minute, every 5 hours, until the battery is replaced.

Answer: UPSs are generally installed and placed in places not easily seen by a user (i.e., under a desk, in a wiring closet, etc). Therefore, in order to provide proactive warnings of changing UPS and power conditions to users, APC's UPSs have audible tones. An occasional single beep from the UPS is normal UPS operations This means that the UPS is protecting the load. Otherwise, the Back UPS PRO has 4 different alarms:

4 Beeps Every 30 Seconds (the amber On Battery LED will be illuminated) This alarm indicates that the UPS has transferred from On Line operation to On Battery operation. The Battery Power Supplied outlets are now battery powered. If the input voltage is determined to be unsafe for your computer equipment, the UPS will transfer to On Battery. The alarm will stop once the unit returns to On Line operation. Occasional transfers to On Battery should not be a matter of concern, but rather, should be considered normal operation. The UPS is trying to provide clean, safe, and reliable power. Note: If the power disturbance is brief, you may only hear the unit beep once or twice.
Continuous Beeping (the amber On Battery LED will be illuminated) This alarm indicates that the UPS has reached a Low Battery condition and will soon shutdown. The UPS can only operate on battery for a limited amount of time. In order to protect the unit's batteries from discharging too much, the UPS will shutdown and turn off its output. To warn you that the unit will soon shutdown, the UPS will sound this alarm 2 minutes before actual shutdown. With optional Power chute Plus software, 2 minutes can be changed to 5, 7, or 10 minutes to give you more of a warning of impending shutdown. If you hear this tone, you should immediately gracefully shutdown your operating system to prevent data loss or corruption. Note: This graceful shutdown will occur automatically if Power chute PLUS software is being used.
Constant, Solid Tone (the red Overload LED will be illuminated) This alarm indicates that the UPS has detected an Overload condition. If this alarm is sounded, try removing non-essential equipment. The alarm will remain until the load is reduced. To determine if your UPS is capable of handling the equipment you want to protect, visit APC's Sizing Guide at www.apcc.com/sizing.
Continuous Beeps for One Minute; Repeated Every 5 Hours (Replace Battery LED will be illuminated) This alarm indicates that the UPS has failed its Self-Test of the battery. The unit will continue to sound this alarm until the unit passes the test. Try to let the unit charge for a few hours and then perform another Self-Test (Press and hold the on/off button until the second 'chirp', then release). One of two scenarios will occur:

1. If the red light goes off, then the UPS has passed it's self test. Leave the unit connected and continue using it. By default, the UPS will perform a self test again within two weeks. If the UPS fails the test again within two weeks, then you will need a new battery.

2. If it fails the self test after charging and the unit is still in-warranty then call us to speak with one of our customer support team members at 866-883-9200

Answer: Refer to the barcode sticker on the rear of your unit.

The top code is the Model # or "SKU," from which the required battery kit can be determined.
The bottom code is your product's unique Serial Number.

Please Note: You must use the model number on the rear of the unit. The front of the unit is only the product family. There can be multiple different models in the same family. For example, a Smart-UPS 1000 comes in three different sizes, each requiring a different battery pack. There is the SUA1000, SUA1000RM1U, and the SUA1000RM2U.

Now that you know your model number, you can type the full model into the search box located to the left of the page to locate the correct kit with the proper number and size of batteries.