APC 500 Option Switches, Troubleshooting, Warranty, Order replacement battery, Storage, Service

Option Switches

A set of 4 switches, located on the rear panel, can be used to change how the UPS operates. For typical applications, all switches are in the down position as shown below.

Switch 1

Switch Position Result

Normal Setting: The UPS beeps once every five seconds when the utility voltage has fallen outside acceptable limits.

If switch #1 is set to the "On" position, the UPS audible utility failure alarm is defeated. This feature is convenient when brief power interruptions are common and the alarm becomes annoying.

Regardless of the position of switch 1, the UPS will sound a loud continuous tone during low battery conditions.

Switches #2 and #3

Switches #2 and #3 set the utility voltage value (transfer voltage) at which the UPS will switch to battery power. If you know that your equipment will operate properly at any of the voltages less than 103 V shown in the table, you can change to the corresponding switch positions. Changing the transfer voltage is desirable when frequent line voltage excursions or line voltage distortion cause the UPS to use battery power too often.

Switch Position Transfer Voltage

103 V AC

Normal Setting

98 V AC

93 V AC

88 V AC

Switch #4 (500 and 650 VA models only)

Switch Position Result

Normal Setting: Two minutes prior to shut down during an extended power outage, the UPS will sound the low battery warning and activate the low battery signal at the computer interface port.

Same behavior as "Normal" except the warning is issued five minutes before shutdown. Use this setting if you require more than two minutes to save files and close operations.

Troubleshooting

Use the table below to solve minor UPS installation problems. Consult the APC web site or contact APC Technical Support Staff for assistance with complex UPS problems.

Possible Cause	Procedure
UPS beeps about every five seconds
Utility power outage.	None. The UPS is protecting your equipment. Be
	prepared to properly exit applications and the operating
	system, and then power "Off" the system before the UPS
	is seriously discharged.
UPS beeps occasionally
Temporary utility outage or	None. The UPS is protecting your equipment.
disturbance.
UPS operates on-battery although normal utility voltage exists
UPS input circuit breaker "tripped".	Reduce equipment power demand by
	unplugging equipment from the UPS.
	Reset the circuit breaker (on back of
	UPS) by pressing plunger back in.
A brownout has occurred.	The transfer voltage can be lowered by changing option
	switches 2 and 3 (see previous section). Note: If you
	decide to lower the transfer voltage make sure all
	devices connected to battery back up outlets will operate
	properly at this lower utility voltage.
UPS will not turn "On"
UPS is not connected to AC power	Check that the power cable from the UPS to the power
supply.	supply is securely connected.
UPS circuit breaker "tripped".	Reduce the power demand on the UPS by unplugging
	equipment and reset the circuit breaker.
Very low or no utility voltage.	Check the AC power supply to the UPS
	with a table lamp. If the lamp is very
	dim, have the utility voltage checked.
Battery is not connected properly.	Check the battery connections. Consult the Battery
	Replacement Procedure that shows how to access the
	battery.
UPS does not provide expected backup time
The UPS is overloaded.	Unplug non-essential equipment, such as printers.
The UPS battery is weak due to	Charge the battery. Battery capacity decreases with
recent outage or is near the end of	frequent (or long) power outages or when operated at
its service life.	elevated temperatures. If the battery is near the end of its
	service life, consider replacing the battery.

Warranty

Customers may return their defective unit to APC for replacement or repair during the standard 2 year warranty period. APC's standard procedure will be to replace the original unit with a factory-reconditioned unit. Customers who must have the original unit back due to assigned asset tags and set depreciation schedules must declare such a need at first contact with APC Customer Service. APC will ship out the replacement unit once the defective unit has been received by the repair department. The customer pays for the shipping to APC, APC covers ground freight transportation costs back to the customer.

Order replacement battery

The table below shows the APC part numbers for APC Back-UPS replacement battery cartridges (RBCs). Replacements can be ordered from local retailers, APC, or the APC website at http://www.apc.com.

300 and 500 VA models	RBC2
650 VA model	RBC3

Battery replacement procedure

This procedure requires a coin or screwdriver.

Note: Please read the cautions in the APC Safety Information Guide first!

Battery replacement is a safe procedure, isolated from electrical hazards.You may leave the UPS connected to utility power and your equipment connected and "On" during this procedure.

Note: Once the battery is disconnected, the loads are not protected from power outages.

1.Lay the UPS on its left side. Remove the two screws holding on the battery door and open the door.

Note: It may be necessary to pull the battery door slightly outward or toward the front of the unit in order to open the door fully.

2.Grasp the white tab attached to the battery and gently pull the battery out.

3.Disconnect the two wires connecting the battery to the

UPS. Loosen the wires by wiggling them while pulling straight back from the battery connector.

4. Connect the new battery in place of the old.

Note: Small sparks at the battery connections are normal during connection.

5. Insert the new battery in the UPS. Carefully avoid pinching the wires.

6.Close the battery compartment door and replace the screws.

7.Spent batteries must be recycled. Deliver the battery to an appropriate recycling facility or ship it to the supplier in

the new battery's packing material. See the new battery instructions for more information.

Storage

Before storing, charge the UPS for at least 10 hours. Store the UPS covered and upright in a cool, dry location.

Long term storage

Storage Temperature	Recharge Frequency	Charging Duration
5 to 86oF (-15 to 30 o C)	Every 6 Months	10 Hours
86 to 113oF (30 to 45o C)	Every 3 Months	10 Hours

Service

Note: If the UPS requires service, do not return it to the dealer! The following steps should be taken.

1.Consult the Troubleshooting section to eliminate common problems.

2.Verify that no circuit breakers are tripped. A tripped circuit breaker is the most common UPS problem!

3.If the problem persists, consult the APC Worldwide Web site (www.apc.com) or call customer service.

•Record the model number of the UPS, the serial number, and the date purchased. Be prepared to troubleshoot the problem over the telephone with a technician If this is not successful, the technician will issue a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) and a shipping address.

•If the UPS is under warranty, repairs are free. If not, there is a repair charge.

4.Pack the UPS in its original packaging. If the original packing is not available, ask customer service about obtaining a new set. Pack the UPS properly to avoid damage in transit.

Note: Never use Styrofoam™ beads for packaging. Damage sustained in transit is not covered under warranty (insuring the package for full value is recommended).

5.Write the RMA# on the outside of the package.

6.Return the UPS by insured, prepaid carrier to the address given to you by customer service.

APC contact information

	.....USA/Canada ………	...…… 1-800-800-4272
	Mexico …………	…….. 292-0253, 292-0255
	Brazil ……………	..…… 0800-12-72-1
	Worldwide ……........……….… 1-401-789-5735
Internet	http://www.apc.com
E-Mail	apctech@apc.com