Replaced battery in my APC Backups 280 - STILL doesn't work!

[KDOG]

Dangit. I even opened it up and checked the fuse. Theres' an automotive style fuse in there, 30A, and it was fine. Spent the money for nothing. What about that "interrupt/test" button? I can slide it off the leads inside, connect the post and see if it works then, right?

 

[mikeford]

Define doesn't work, and you would be much better off asking in a APC support type place.

My only suggestion is to do any testing using a lamp instead of a PC.

 

[KDOG]

As in, nothing, nada, no juice at all. I even looked at all the capacitors and didn't see any blown ones. I'm bummed...

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

YGPM

...Galvanized

 

[Bozo Galora]

had the same prob with a big Belkin 650 Gold. I'm beginning to think they are all crap.

 

[Zepper]

Belkin are definitely crap - never buy power equipment from Belkin. In fact, avoid buying any Belkin. It's just overpriced generic junk.

APC is mostly decent but what good is a 280 VA unit (that's about 190 Watts into a reactive load)? What does it keep running, your desk lamp, answering machine, cordless phone system, notebook PC - certainly not a studly desktop PC?
. If you did try to support a substantial desktop PC with that think, then it is a good possiblity that you blew it out.

Trace the voltage from the wall to where it stops with your DMM - using a lamp (non fluorescent) or some such resistive load (shouldn't operate a battery backup w/o a load). Then you'll know where the problem lies.

.bh.,

 

[Googer]

I have a few APC UPS' and they will continue to provide power to your equipment even if they do not have batteries although you will have surge protection, but you will not have power failure protection untill the batteries are replaced.

This forum may not be the place to find information on UPS', I have called APC numerous tims in the past and they are very helpful.

Try searching the database.

 

[KDOG]

Originally posted by: Zepper

APC is mostly decent but what good is a 280 VA unit (that's about 190 Watts into a reactive load)? What does it keep running, your desk lamp, answering machine, cordless phone system, notebook PC - certainly not a studly desktop PC?
. If you did try to support a substantial desktop PC with that think, then it is a good possiblity that you blew it out.

Well I have a APC Back-Ups 350 hooked up to my system right now. I was planning on using it as a back up for my Dell 20"widescreen flat panel. That way I'd have more runtime total.

And yes, I don't test it on my PC, I use a lamp with a 40 watt bulb in it. Nothing works. Is there a fuse inside that interrupt/test button? If so, that could have blown too.

 

[KDOG]

I'm wondering now if I could hook the spare battery up with the other one (parallel?) for increased runtime?

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: KDOG
I'm wondering now if I could hook the spare battery up with the other one (parallel?) for increased runtime?

That is possible depending on the model of UPS that you own. Some APC Models come with an external connection ( I have two of them) that allow for the use of external battery packs to increase run times. Please note that by just adding additional an power resivior you still cannot increase the load beyond what is the APC it's self is rated for.

All professional grade APC Smart UPS' have had this feature for many years. My two are SU1000XL and SU1000NET.

Ask me for more details or call APC.

 

[MWink]

Originally posted by: KDOG
I'm wondering now if I could hook the spare battery up with the other one (parallel?) for increased runtime?

As mentioned there are models designed to have external battery packs connected but the Back-UPS 280 is not one of them. All the models that can use external batteries are actively cooled (they have a fan). Trying to add batteries to a Back-UPS 280 may cause it to overheat.

As for the original question there can be many fuses in a UPS. The automotive style fuse is usually protecting the battery, not the AC side. Have you checked the circuit breaker on the UPS? There can also be other fuses inside which are usually tiny "micro fuses." Look around the PCB for things labeled "F#" or things that have ratings like a fuse (for example "125V 3A"). Also I assume you've checked that the MOV's are still intact?

 

[Googer]

I do not think the Back UPS line is capable of supporting an external battery pack. Try Upgrading your UPS to one from APC's Smart UPS line. Also call APC and they will give you a discount on a new UPS if you decide to trade in your existing one.