On Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:49:28 -0800, Jeff Liebermann
wrote:
On Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:48:05 +0000 (UTC), Bruce Esquibel
wrote:
http://www.pcliquidations.com/p15050-apc-back-ups-xs
I have one of those and can confirm that it eats batteries and doesn't
run very well. However, my total experience is with one unit, so
treat it as anecdotal.
Are you sure that's the UPS that the OP owns? It might also be this
model:
http://www.kwaree.com/blog/2008/05/30/apc-back-ups-xs-1500/
I have two of them that run without problems. I also have about 5
customers that have them. Batteries have been lasting about 5 years
and no lightning bolts or smog problems.
So much for 5 customers without problems. Last week, I checked out
the various UPS's at a customers site, and that all of them were APC
XS 1300 or XS 1500, all indicating dead batteries. When I installed
my sacred pair of known good 12v 9A AGM batteries in one unit, it ran,
but refused to recharge the batteries. Same with another set of known
good batteries. No error messages on the LCD or lights. I found the
same problem in 4 other units and one APC XS 1000. Something is
seriously broken in the electronics.
Fixing these UPS's is a financial loser. A set of replacement
batteries costs about $43.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ3H0C
My guess is about 1 hr labor at $75/hr for a total of $118. I can buy
a new UPS for that amount. That also doesn't include any replacement
parts, pickup, delivery, and runtime testing. A smart person would
send them all to the recycler, which is what I suspect everyone else
with the same problem probably does. However, I have an aversion to
tossing things that can be fixed, so I decided to recharge my karma
and perform the money losing repairs.
http://www.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/repair/APC%20XS-1300/index.html
Once I got it apart, the fix was both easy and obvious. C69 22uf
400 VDC electrolytic was bulging.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271859006825
The original brand was CapXon which is known for its ability to self
destruct after a few years. I replaced the capacitor, and now the
batteries are charging. I now have a total of 5 UPS's repaired.
Unfortunately, leaving AGM batteries in a discharged state for
extended periods is not a great idea. Out of 14 batteries, only 3
tested marginally good. The rest were dead. I would guess that
someone that simply replaced the batteries, didn't notice that they
weren't getting recharged, and came back in a few weeks to find that
the batteries were ruined, would not be very thrilled.
However, the hapless repairman that actually tried to open the plastic
box is in for yet another surprise. It's designed to be difficult or
impossible to open. The problem is the snap in front panel:
http://www.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/repair/APC%20XS-1300/slides/XS-1300-04.html
is easily installed, and a major PITA to remove. I had to crack the
case (see other photos and look for the red circles for screw
locations), partly separate the two halves of the case, and then pry
around the edges of the front panel with a stiff putty knife
(mega-spudger). I managed not to break or destroy anything during the
struggle. The APC XS 1000 was much easier to disassemble.
After I'm done with this customers 6 assorted UPS's, I have 4 more
customers with about 10 additional UPS's that will probably need
pre-emptive repairs. That should recharge my good karma for at least
another month of debauchery and depravity.
--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060
http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558