I have an APC smartups 2000 that needs some repair. Our lab has had
this unit for several years and finally told us the battery was in need
of replacement. I have been tasked with getting it working again.

After examining the UPS and seeing it will not power up I discovered
the end of one of the two bennic 250VAC 20uf capacitors has deformed
and that whole end is kind of swollen. It looks to me to be the problem
(I also detect the faint smell of magic smoke). I think the capacitor
type is polypropylene and foil but APC is less then helpful, preferring
I buy a new UPS. I note APC has a white paper about failure of
capacitors in UPS systems, but is mostly then stroking themselves about
some new design of theirs.

Are there many replacement types I can use or should I try to hunt down
an exact replacement? I figure that I need to keep the values the same
but I assume if I can only get close (in uf) I will need to replace
both so that the pair is still matched.

Input from anyone having had to deal with this before is appreciated.

wrote in message
ups.com...
I have an APC smartups 2000 that needs some repair. Our lab has had
this unit for several years and finally told us the battery was in need
of replacement. I have been tasked with getting it working again.

After examining the UPS and seeing it will not power up I discovered
the end of one of the two bennic 250VAC 20uf capacitors has deformed
and that whole end is kind of swollen. It looks to me to be the problem
(I also detect the faint smell of magic smoke). I think the capacitor
type is polypropylene and foil but APC is less then helpful, preferring
I buy a new UPS. I note APC has a white paper about failure of
capacitors in UPS systems, but is mostly then stroking themselves about
some new design of theirs.

Are there many replacement types I can use or should I try to hunt down
an exact replacement? I figure that I need to keep the values the same
but I assume if I can only get close (in uf) I will need to replace
both so that the pair is still matched.

Input from anyone having had to deal with this before is appreciated.

Replacements should be VERY EASY to find.

First, go to the CDE/Mallory web page - which has all of the types CDE
manufactures in the Carolinas.
http://www.cde.com/

Your capacitors is very likely an aluminum electrolytic model
Next, note the specifications and dimensions of the capacitor(s) that you
are trying to replace.

Then go to the specific CDE web page - note that there are inverter and low
ESR versions
http://www.cde.com/alumframe.htm

or the Mallory Electrolytic web page
http://www.cde.com/maecframe.htm

You may be able to actually match the exact CDE or Mallory Type previously
used by APC.

You can purchase from Mouser or any CDE/Mallory distributor/dealer
(ask CDE if you can not find one in your local area)

Panasonics from Digi-Key are very good, but usually a bit more expensive.

AVOID the GREEN Taiwan electrolytic capacitors -- these have been documented
since 2002 in IEEE (Electrical Engineering Society) - these badly formulated
devices found their way into computer motherboards, UPS systems, etc.

Some companies decided to steal an electrolyte formula from another
competitor. Little be known to them, the stolen formula was incomplete and
flawed. They didn't discover this until it was too late and they had
manufactured and distributed literally MILLIONS of these flawed capacitors.
It was way too late for any kind of recall, and even today, these crappy
components are being used in new Pentium IV motherboards!!
Basically a modern industrial espionage ring -- and the modern-day Rosenberg
incident of industry.
http://www.badcaps.net/causes/

Web Site - BADCAPS.NET !
http://www.badcaps.net/

Forum
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/

"g. beat " @spam protected wrote in message
...

Replacements should be VERY EASY to find.


snip


Your capacitors is very likely an aluminum electrolytic model

20 uF 250VAC electrolytics easy to find? Not in my world!

Dave

"Dave D" wrote in message
...

"g. beat " @spam protected wrote in message
...
Replacements should be VERY EASY to find.

snip

Your capacitors is very likely an aluminum electrolytic model

20 uF 250VAC electrolytics easy to find? Not in my world!

Dave

HA HA, not in mine either - thanks for catching that !
I either did not see the AC reference or progresives fooled me (getting old)

Package / size will be the trick for this repalcement - likely means Far
East.
... motor-start models - likley not appropriate

Polyester film? (sorry Taiwan supplier - ugh)
http://us.100y.com.tw/PNoInfo/4404.htm

http://www.mcicorp.com/capacitor/metf-accap.htm

Thanks. I am well aware of recent capacitor (green, black, any color)
issues. I've been re-capping for a few years now. It really sucks when
schools and other low funded organizations get hit.

Upon a closer inspection, now that it is Monday. This is exactly what
is printed on them.

MF 20.0uF 250V AC K

The blown one has a almost waxy stuff on the outside, I don't know if
that is due to failure or careless assembly years ago. The good one,
looks clean and clear with no residue.

I'm thinking they decided to us MF to signify Metalized Film? Nothing
else I can think of makes sense to me(well there is one thing...). I
know the K is for 10% tolerance.

They yellow outer package is either a plastic or resin shell. On the
failed unit it is brittle and breaks off easily (I probed it with a
plastic feeler to see if it was bubbled out or just some gunk on it).