In the office or at home, people are increasingly using uninterruptible power supply (source uninterruptible power supply, UPS or UPS - from the English abbreviation UPS) so that the operation of a computer, router, server, etc. is not interfered with by an unscheduled power outage. After all, this device, even in the event of an accident on the power line, continues to power the devices connected to it. As a result, the user has the opportunity to save all the necessary information and correctly exit any program.
However, sometimes sounds are observed during the operation of the uninterruptible power supply. As a rule, they boil down to the fact that the UPS begins to hum or beep. Why? What faults can cause this? And, most importantly, how to fix such problems? We will talk about this and much more in this article.
What is an uninterruptible power supply?
First you need to understand how the UPS works. In short, the main components of its design are modules, whose task is to equalize the current characteristics, and special batteries. Such a tandem is necessary in order to ensure continuity of energy supply.
That is, even after a power outage, the uninterruptible power supply continues to power the computer, server or other equipment. True, not for long. Typically, the UPS battery lasts for 15-20 minutes, less often – for half an hour or an hour. On average, this time is enough to correctly shut down the device or restore power supply.
Uninterruptible power supply sound signals: why and why?
If the uninterruptible power supply constantly beeps, this means that an abnormal situation has occurred. The device, by making sounds, seems to warn about this. In this case, the sound signals emanating from it can be:
- Short;
- Long;
- Sound like clicking, beeping, or squeaking sounds.
In addition, the UPS can also warn with light signals. For this purpose, most models have special multi-colored indicators. However, most often the uninterruptible power supply makes some sounds.
What they mean can be found in the instructions for the device. In this case, the values sound signals often unique to specific model. For example, if this is an apc back ups es (400/550/650/700), then this UPS, like many other similar devices, warns with a sound about the following:
- The uninterruptible power supply began to work on battery power - 4 beeps approximately every half minute.
- Battery mode is activated and its charge is running low – short beep every 4 seconds.
- Battery problems. It does not produce the required voltage (approximately 13.5 volts). As a result, the battery is not able to provide the required capacity and uninterrupted power supply - short or long beeps at large intervals.
- Extremely low battery charge that approaches zero – frequent short signals with a periodicity of less than 1 second.
- The battery needs to be charged or the device is not connected/faulty/overheated – continuous constant and monotonous squeaking(often accompanied by the UPS not turning on).
- There are many devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply, the total power of which exceeds the recommended - monotonous signal or short sounds.
However, do not be alarmed if, when turned on, your uninterruptible power supply beeps or makes a short beep. Thus, it informs about the start of work, and not about some kind of malfunction!
At the same time, let us recall once again that different models Uninterruptible power supply, the situations listed above may be indicated by completely different sound signals.
In addition, in some cases the UPS may even make sounds that do not resemble a squeak. Rather, it feels like the device is clicking or humming. For example, this happens when:
- Problems with the power correction module, which leads to voltage surges - long beep every 1-2 minutes;
- Low voltage on the line, which drops to 180-190 volts (or, conversely, “flies” beyond 220-230 V) – single clicks at varying intervals from a few seconds to a minute.
What to do if the uninterruptible power supply beeps (buzzes, clicks)?
As for why the uninterruptible power supply for a computer beeps, everything is clear. However, the question remains: how to respond to sound signals from the UPS?
- Frequent clicks . Indicate that the voltage of the network itself is unstable. You need to contact the servicing energy company. You can also get rid of such sounds by setting the sensitivity (possible on most models) to the lowest. Thereby
- , the device will stop responding to small voltage deviations.
- Frequent short beeps, similar to a squeak. Everything is simple here - the supply of electricity to the uninterruptible power supply has been stopped. It started to be powered by a battery. It is necessary to turn off all devices and the device itself. Otherwise, the signal frequency will increase and the UPS will eventually turn off. Also, frequent and loud beeping at intervals of 1-3 seconds on some ippon uninterruptible power supply systems hints that the device is very hot.
- Permanent long beeps. Basically, such sounds indicate that the UPS is overheating. It is necessary to turn off the uninterruptible power supply as quickly as possible. In addition, long beeps often appear when the device is overloaded. It is worth disconnecting several devices from it and after 20-30 minutes try to see if the UPS has returned to operation in the correct mode.
- Intermittent beeps. This usually indicates a faulty current equalization module or a battery problem. What to do? Contact a repair service for such equipment.
- Continuous beeping. In most cases, such a sound signal is accompanied by a red light on the device body. All this means the UPS is overheating or is malfunctioning. For example, if the uninterruptible power supply be550g rs beeps continuously, then most likely its capacitors have failed. Again, you should take the device to a service center.
If the UPS periodically makes short sounds (just beeps or clicks), then there is nothing to worry about. Thus, the device can equalize current readings!
On a note! Modern uninterruptible power supply systems are equipped with a button that turns off the device’s sound signals. Therefore, if you absolutely cannot stand any squeaking or clicking noise, then choose a UPS with a similar function. But still, it’s best not to turn off the sound on the uninterruptible power supply. After all, this is how the device warns of problems. In normal mode there should be no beeps!
An uninterruptible power supply is necessary in every home where power outages occur frequently. The device, which provides, maintains the quality and durability of household appliances.
Principle of using inverters
The task of the inverter is to provide an alternating operating voltage of 220 V 50 Hz, suitable for full use of household units, converting a direct voltage of 12 V from batteries. According to the rules, the operating voltage in the electrical network should be supplied within the range of 190-253 Watts, but in reality these parameters are rarely observed. Voltage surges below and above the norm cause the devices to turn off at a low level and a short circuit due to exceeding the tolerance. Inverters, by automatically adding or reducing network power, save permanent job equipment regardless of the applied voltage.
The duration of operation of household equipment in the absence of electricity depends on the capacity of the UPS battery and the total power of the appliances in the house. For example, if the battery capacity is 100 Ah, then the reserve time changes accordingly:
- at 600 W – 54 minutes;
- at 450 W – 92 minutes;
- at 350 W – 155 min.;
- at 150 W – 330 min.
Increasing the number of batteries extends the time of using electricity by the same amount. Battery power is restored automatically as soon as electricity appears in the network, and is consumed as needed. It is not recommended to disconnect the inverter that provides uninterrupted power supply from the network, since when fully charged the batteries do not consume their energy reserves. In addition, frequent switching on and off of household appliances, such as heating boilers, negatively affects their performance.
An individual power supply (UPS) is a technically quite complex device, but in practical use it seems to be quite simple. I turned it on to the network, connected to it those computers that, if there was a sudden loss of power, could lose important data - and... that’s it? Unfortunately, no, not all... Correct use of a UPS also involves some subtleties and compliance with some rules... Which ones exactly?
Let's start with the most basic thing - connecting the UPS to the network. Before connecting computers to the network via a UPS, several prerequisites must be met, namely:
- You cannot immediately turn on the device if it is brought into the room from the cold - condensation formed on the cold metal can cause a short circuit.
- The UPS housing must be positioned so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. There should be no heating devices near it, and the UPS itself should not cover the ventilation holes with its housing.
- The cable connecting the UPS to the mains must be connected to a grounded outlet.
These rules simply concern the location of the UPS. Connecting it to operating mode is even more tricky. If you try to turn on the uninterruptible power supply immediately, nothing good will come of it: the diagnostic system will start beeping, reporting an error. In some UPS models, the beep will be accompanied by a message on the display indicating that the battery is faulty and requires replacement.
There is no need to be afraid of this - everything happens because the UPS batteries are not yet charged. It is enough to leave the UPS without load connected to the network for 24 hours - and then everything will be fine (you just need to remember that the first charging of the batteries in the UPS will take longer than usual, 6-8 hours).
After the UPS is charged and can be turned on in normal operating mode, it will be necessary to connect to it exactly those consumers who really need uninterrupted power supply. If, for example, you have a monitor on your desktop, system unit, printer and scanner, then there is no need to connect all these devices to the UPS.
A sudden power outage will, of course, turn off the printer and scanner - but so what? No valuable data will be lost from this - therefore, for a scanner with a printer, a regular surge protector will suffice.
In addition, when operating a UPS, you need to keep in mind several rules, namely:
Rule 1.
Care should be taken to ensure that the UPS is configured correctly. If the upper and lower thresholds for switching to power from the UPS are set extremely strictly (for example, the lower level is set to 210 volts and the upper level to 230), then the UPS will have to switch to operating mode several times a day, which will have a very bad effect on battery capacity. As a result, it may happen that just during a real power outage there will not be enough of them to shut down computers regularly.
You can adjust the switching parameters manually (via the UPS control panel), or use the specialized computer application apcupsd (but this is not possible on every UPS model).
Rule 2.
The UPS device should not heat up above +30 Celsius. The documentation for most devices indicates an operating temperature of up to +40, but do not delude yourself: such a temperature will also negatively affect the battery capacity. So keep the UPS close to the air conditioner and test it often for battery capacity.
Rule 3.
You also need to turn the UPS on and off correctly - that is, using the button on the front panel, and not by pulling the cord out of the outlet. In the second case, of course, everything is turned off extremely reliably and fireproof, but this technique should still be used only when electrical appliances are left unattended for a long time (for example, if they are in your home and you go on vacation).
In all other cases, it is better to turn off the UPS load and not interfere with the device charging the batteries.
Breakdowns of uninterruptible power supply systems can have a very different nature, but there is a set typical problems problems that any UPS owner may encounter. In most cases, following certain recommendations can avoid any problems when working with uninterruptible power supplies. Manufacturers are required to indicate recommended operating conditions. Next, we’ll look at why the uninterruptible power supply doesn’t work and what can be done about it.
It is also necessary to pay attention that UPS from different manufacturers may have the same symptom indicating different faults. Problems with uninterruptible power supply usually arise after prolonged use or due to difficult working conditions. Ordinary dust can damage the uninterruptible power supply. Construction dust is especially destructive, so you must ensure the cleanliness of the room. If you do not follow simple rules, then you will very soon wonder why the uninterruptible power supply does not support the load.
Other common faults include battery wear, which is the most common cause of uninterruptible power supply failure for a computer. The electrolyte in the capacitors may dry out. The grease on the air circulation fans may also dry out. Very often, the reason that the uninterruptible power supply has stopped working is a breakdown of the inverter, which does not tolerate frequent overloads. The inverter can be adversely affected by voltage surges, extremely poor quality of power supply in the network and faulty batteries.
Some users notice interference from the UPS, which is caused by the operation of the uninterruptible power supply itself. They can be eliminated by installing special filters against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.
UPS does not turn on
Why doesn't the uninterruptible power supply turn on? The situation when the uninterruptible power supply does not turn on can be perplexing, but the problem may lie in simple things. If your UPS has low power, then first of all you should make sure that the UPS is connected to the network. Next you need to check the voltage. If the voltage level is low enough for a long time, the UPS will not be able to operate under such conditions. In such conditions, the battery will be discharged, and the network parameters will not allow starting. If the uninterruptible power supply stops turning on with a known good battery, then diagnosing the problem will require special skills.
The launch must be carried out in the strict order specified in the instructions. You can try a test run, which is carried out without a connected load.
Next, you need to make sure that there is no short circuit or overload at the output of the uninterruptible power supply. Overload occurs when the load power exceeds the power of the UPS, which should not be allowed. IN modern devices UPS protection against short circuits and overloads is built-in. If such protection is not provided, a sign of a malfunction is that the uninterruptible power supply regularly breaks down under load.
If the connection is made using a terminal block, you must ensure that correct connection neutral, ground and phase. Very often, in three-phase uninterruptible power supplies, an error occurs in connecting the cables. Including polarity reversal, when the plus and minus are in the wrong place. Also, the UPS may not turn on if the battery pack is assembled incorrectly or the number of batteries is incorrect. It is important to note that if the rated voltage of the battery does not meet the requirement, the UPS may not turn on. In all these cases, it is necessary to double-check everything before concluding that the uninterruptible power supply cannot support the load.
The use of third-party batteries may not have the best effect on the condition of the UPS. In uninterruptible power supplies Car batteries cannot be used. They are completely unsuitable for UPS, as they have a different structure and parameters.
If the above tips do not help, then you need to contact, where the uninterruptible power supply will be diagnosed using professional equipment.
UPS shuts down during operation
Why does the UPS turn off during operation? This problem It is very common when in the middle of work after a short time the uninterruptible power supply simply turns off the load. A number of reasons may contribute to this. In this case, first you should check whether there are any unaccounted overloads at the output.
It is worth paying attention to the mode in which the uninterruptible power supply is turned off: when operating from the main network or in offline mode. If a shutdown occurs when operating on battery power, then most likely the battery itself is faulty or simply worn out, which does not allow it to provide the required operating time.
If you notice that uninterruptible power supply turns off the computer Even if electricity is available, do not rush to conclusions. Voltage dips can be so short that a person may not notice them. However, in this case, the UPS transfers power to the load to the battery, and if it is still faulty, then the load is disconnected.
Another possible case is when the UPS turns off the computer when operating in offline mode. This may be caused by a special . Standard features include the ability to turn off the computer according to specified settings. Such settings can be installed automatically along with software. In this case, how to make sure that the uninterruptible power supply does not turn off is immediately clear. It is worth noting that such shutdowns can occur at specific times or dates.
The exact same problem can arise with remote monitoring. If you are using a non-original cable for remote monitoring, which comes with an uninterruptible power supply. The answer to the question why the uninterruptible power supply turns off may lie in it. The use of non-branded accessories can not only cause the UPS to turn off, but also a number of other problems.
Sudden shutdown may occur due to UPS is heating up. High temperatures do not have the best effect on the battery. Heat generation is characteristic of. But even their heating must be at a certain level. If you notice that the uninterruptible power supply is heating up, you need to make sure that the cooling fans are working properly. They should not be covered or clogged with dust, lint or anything else that might interfere with air circulation.
In case uninterruptible power supply turns on and off, the problem may be low mains voltage. This can be a problem for backup UPSs. This can be eliminated by purchasing a more advanced UPS or using voltage stabilizer.
It is possible that a shutdown occurs when switching to the battery. If the UPS does not switch to battery, but the battery is known to be good, then the problem is likely in a faulty relay that makes this switch.
When connecting a low-power load, you may encounter that the uninterruptible power supply turns off after 5 minutes. In some models, the minimum load power is perceived by the UPS as a signal to shut down. The essence of the idea is that the UPS perceives this as if, for example, the computer is turned off, and the UPS itself turns off to save power.
Red indication
The uninterruptible power supply is lit red, what does this mean? The most accurate answer about the meaning of the indicators can be found in the device instructions. Uninterruptible power supplies may have significant differences, including indicators. When the red light on the uninterruptible power supply is on, this may indicate that an overload has occurred, the battery is not connected or needs to be replaced.
Recovery
How to restore uninterruptible power? Without special skills, you can restore uninterruptible power on your own only when the problem lies in battery. Replacing it is extremely simple. In remaining cases, repairs can only be made by a specialist.
How can you understand that the UPS has burned out and why did this happen? You can tell that something irreparable has happened by the characteristic burning smell. This may be caused by a large power surge in the network. In this case, the fuse included in the UPS design should burn out. Also, the reason that the uninterruptible power supply has burned out may be a short circuit. In such cases, the possibility of recovery depends on the nature of the damage and its volume.
There are a number of cases when repairing uninterruptible power supplies becomes impossible. This primarily concerns mechanical damage. If the UPS has fallen from a great height and is seriously damaged, then you can safely start looking for a replacement. Fires can cause irreparable heat and fire damage. Floods or other situations when water gets inside the UPS can also put an end to the life of uninterruptible power supplies. If used for a very long time, the electrolyte in the capacitors may dry out.
If your UPS is old, then it will probably be impossible to find spare parts for such a model. In this case, it is better to think about purchasing a more modern and reliable model. Don’t forget about the cost of repairs, which in some situations may exceed the cost of the UPS itself. In all of the above cases, it is pointless to look for the reason that the UPS turns off every time it starts.
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From time to time I encounter swollen and burst UPS batteries. According to observations, the main time when batteries are physically destroyed is at night and on weekends; it is especially aggravated if there are rains, thunderstorms, etc.
It seems that in electrical network At such times, voltage surges, impulses and other problems occur. It would seem that the UPS electronics should protect the battery, but harsh reality leaves its mark.
This happens...
Some tips from practice:
1. At night or when you leave home for a long time, it is better to disconnect the UPS from the electrical network.
2. Do not use the UPS until the battery is completely discharged.
3. Do not use a UPS with a poorly charged battery in offline mode, uninterruptible source The power supply must first remain connected to the electrical network, preferably without load, for about 8-10 hours (the time depends on the degree of discharge of the battery or batteries, if there are several of them).
4. Do not use a UPS with a bad battery (which even after charging does not last long (usually less than half a minute under normal load)), such a battery must be replaced, as something bad can happen to it - the battery can swell, burst, explode, or a crack may appear and acid will flow, which will oxidize the contacts, flood the bottom of the UPS and may seep out through the cracks in the form of white oxides.
The 4th point is especially important, since washing acid from the case and soaking oxidized terminals in alcohol is not a very interesting task, and the acid sometimes gets on the board and can ruin the elements.
Photo of a swollen battery in a UPS (it’s lucky that it didn’t burst or rupture)
The battery simply swelled and stopped working, it can get worse.
Be careful when using UPS, especially if you are going to replace the battery, do not use cheap batteries!
P.S. The old Gembird (in the new name it is Energenie) made normal inexpensive batteries, you can also use Sven, other cheap ones were remembered as not very good.
The batteries with the red CSB inscription are good, but they are more expensive.
