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Date:	Sun, 9 Mar 2003 09:27:18 PST8
From:	Steve Carter <scarter@vcnet.com >
Reply-To:	scoug-help@scoug.com
To:	scoug-help@scoug.com
Subject:	SCOUG-Help: Re: Help with UPS...?

Content Type: text/plain

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Sealed lead-acid batteries are the most common type for UPSes.
Their useful life-span is around 3-5 years, depending on how
they're charged and kept cool. So 8-year-old batteries are
indeed suspect and likely need replacing. Even though they
might look and even measure OK, their capacity would be
reduced to a point where they will not provide the back-up
time you require or expect. A simulated power-outage test
would be the best way of determining remaining capacity.

Batteries of this type are normally sold in increments of
6 or 12 volts; 26 volts seems rather unusual.

Nevertheless, even with nearly dead batteries, most UPSes
keep on running until called upon to provide backup, then
they simply shut down quickly.

While charging batteries, the battery float voltage should
measure around 13.5v for each 12V battery. Some internal
chargers start at 14+ but fall back to around 13.2v after
charging has finished. The lower long-term charging
voltage prolongs the battery life, while the higher
initial voltage recharges the batteries more quickly.

You might start by seeing if the battery charger function
is working. If not, perhaps the problem is further back
in the chain towards the power source. A schematic would
be most helpful.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On 3/8/030, Martin Rosenfeld wrote, in part:
... I have an Emerson 1500 watt UPS that has run flawlessly
for about 20 years with one change of batteries about 8 years ago.
I just stopped running a few days ago, so I figured the batteries
were dead. I just replaced them today (26V 12 AH x 4).
I took great pains to replace them per the diagram so that
they are connected correctly....

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