Why is my Back-UPS ES giving a Constant tone with the Power on LED flashing?

Why is my Back-UPS ES giving a Constant tone with the Power on LED flashing?

Published date: 18 January 2021

Issue:

Why is my Back-UPS ES giving a Constant tone with the Power on LED flashing?


Product Line:

BACK-UPS ES


Environment:

BE350G, BE450G, BE550G, BE650G1 and BE750G


Cause:

If this is a new installation confirm that the internal battery was connected properly.

Refer to the user manual for instructions on this procedure.

The Back-UPS ES performs an internal self-test every 14 days, the internal self-test checks the integrity of the battery. If the battery fails the self-test, the Power on LED will flash and the unit will emit a constant tone. This is a WARNING that the battery may be near the end of its life, replacement is typically recommended within 2-4 weeks.


Resolution:

Step 1:

Verify that the UPS is not being overloaded:

- The Back-UPS ES 350 can support 350VA or 200Watts on the battery powered outlets.

- The Back-UPS ES 450 can support 450VA or 257Watts on the battery powered outlets.

- The Back-UPS ES 550 can support 550VA or 330Watts on the battery powered outlets.

- The Back-UPS ES 650 can support 650VA or 390Watts on the battery powered outlets.

- The Back-UPS ES 750 can support 750VA or 450Watts on the battery powered outlets.


 

APC recommends plugging only the computer and monitor in the battery powered outlets, other peripherals should be plugged into the ""Surge Only"" outlets on the labeled on the the UPS. Outlet strips or surge protectors should NEVER be plugged into any UPS. Remove any excessive load from the UPS. On the same note if the Back-UPS ES is close to being fully loaded (>80% of the battery outlet’s watt capacity) it is not recommended that the Back-UPS ES be used as a master on/off switch to turn on your equipment. Instead power the Back-UPS ES on, letting it complete its self-test before turning on the connected equipment.



Step 2:

A self test should be performed with the UPS fully charged (charging without interruption or transfer to battery for 5 hours) and normal load attached. To do this, power down all equipment attached to the battery outlets. Then reboot the Back-UPS ES by turning it off then count to 5 and power it back on. If the constant tone clears, then it was a false onbattery condition and the unit has been reset. It now is ready to be used again. Proceed to step 3 if it does not clear.


Step 3: (proceed only if "step 2" does not clear the Replace Battery Condition)

The Back-UPS ES comes with a 3 year warranty which includes the internal battery. If the Back-UPS ES was purchased within 3 years, please contact APC Support and reference the steps performed in this document. Also include the exact part number and serial number found on the bottom of the Back-UPS ES.

 

If the Back-UPS ES is outside of the 3 year warranty, click HERE for upgrade and battery replacement options

    • Related Articles

    • Why are the battery charge LEDs flashing on a Smart-UPS?

      Published date: 21 July 2020 Issue: Battery Charge LED Bar Graph is flashing in unison.   Product line: Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS Online Environment: All Smart-UPS models with model numbers that begin with SU, SUA, SUM, SURT All serial numbers Cause: When ...

    • How to Brain Dead a Back-UPS unit. (Full UPS Logic Reset)

      Published date: 11 January 2021 Issue: To brain dead a Back-ups is to purge the charge in the brain of the UPS. Product Line: Back-UPS, Back-UPS Pro Environment: All serial numbers. Cause: Troubleshooting procedure often prescribed to clear some ...

    • Smart-UPS C Series FAQ

      Published date: 14 August 2020 Issue: Smart-UPS C Series FAQ Product Line: Smart-UPS Environment: All SMC models, All Serial Numbers Cause: Product Information Resolution: What is the new Smart-UPS C series? The Smart-UPS  C series is our new entry ...

    • Different Types of UPS Systems

      Published date: 21 May 2018 Executive Summary There is much confusion in the marketplace about the different types of UPS systems and their characteristics. Each of these UPS types is defined, practical applications of each are discussed, and ...

    • Can I install battery modules in the power module bays with my Symmetra RM 2-6kVA UPS?

      Published date: 14 January 2014 Yes.  The Symmetra RM 2-6 kVA system will accept battery modules (part no. SYBT2) in the bottom three power module bays to provide additional runtime if the bays are not being occupied by power modules.  The L1 bay is ...