UPS Lights keep flickering at turning on

madshopkeeper

New Member
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14
Hello, I dont know if this is the right place to ask for UPS troubles. Sorry, in advance.

My UPS lights all three of em keeps flickering when I turn it on and it gives a sound which always could be heard once when you turn it on or turn it off. The flickering started after a 15 mins blackout and when I came back to turn it on it became like this. The flickering is there and there is no power. My UPS version is IDEAL 5312A 1200VA
 

My Computer

System One

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    Windows 8.1
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Call or email Ideal about it. Something is wrong if that indicator light is flickering.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
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    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
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    Google Chrome
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    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Ummm, did you read your UPS manual to see what that means? No doubt it is an error indicator and the manual will say if it means there is a fault in the UPS, fault in the power coming in, batteries need replacing, or whatever.

Note that UPS batteries typically only last 3 - 4 years and must be replaced when they wear out. This is a user task.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Ummm, did you read your UPS manual to see what that means? No doubt it is an error indicator and the manual will say if it means there is a fault in the UPS, fault in the power coming in, batteries need replacing, or whatever.

Note that UPS batteries typically only last 3 - 4 years and must be replaced when they wear out. This is a user task.
Not all units allow the batteries to be replaced by the end user. The Tripp-Lite that I have for my a/v equipment, I have to either take it out to the local Battery shop to have the batteries replaced, or send it off to Tripp-Lite.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Got a model number for this Tripp-Lite?

If it needs to go to a shop, then it seems to me a user could do it. I have dealt with dozens of UPS from many makers, including Tripp-Lite, APC, Cyberpower, Geeksquad, Powerstar, and some off the wall brands over the last 30 years. None, except "facility" UPS (kilowatt and larger) required anything more than a screwdriver to gain access to the batteries. From there, they typically use F1 or F2 connectors to strap the cells together to make one battery, and then connect the battery to the electronics. The only thing that makes it difficult is the cells are heavy. You certainly don't need to be technician to do it. If you know how to swap out a car battery, these are easier, cleaner, and much safer.

There certainly could be some that are not user replaceable - but they would not be any I would ever recommend home users buy. So I would urge potential buyers to do your homework. Most say right on the box if the batteries are user replaceable and with what type SLA cells. Or you can look up the owner's manuals on-line. If they say you must take them in to a repair center - don't buy it - it sounds like a rip-off to me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
No it cannot be opened by an end user, because of the security screw and the fact that it has a warranty on it, that is void if I were to open it. It is a Tripp-Lite Smart1500LCD. The APC unit I have downstairs, just takes laying it down, pulling off the door and slipping out the two batteries to replace with new ones.

Tripp-Lite is starting to make it that the end user cannot replace the battery theirself, because they want to have total control over their hardware, when it comes to making sure that if something goes wrong, or that they spot a part inside the unit that is bad, they can take care of it for you. Support for SMART1500LCD | Tripp Lite

The only thing I hate about the Tripp Lite software is that you cannot pull up errors, output voltage, battery voltages, etc..

I got it for the A/V equipment, because I grew tired of having to always go back through the OTA antenna setup for the DirecTV AM21N tuner that we have for our DVR. Even with the Plasma on, it will give us aprox. 67.5 minutes, which is not bad.

The really ironic thing. You can actually buy the batteries for the unit. Amazon.com: Tripp Lite SMART1500LCD Replacement Battery Set: Electronics
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Well, frankly, I am disappointed in Tripp-Lite for how they have worded that. It makes it seem as if you have to send it in for battery replacement even after the warranty has expired and that is simply NOT true.

It uses SLA batteries and SLA batteries typically MUST be replaced every 3 to 4 years. For that reason, I don't find it ironic you can find replacement batteries. I think it simply makes sense.

I am okay with it voiding the warranty if you open the case before the 3 years is up. But after that, I say, do it yourself - especially since replacement batteries are available. And if you look at those replacement batteries, you will see they are standard 12V 7.2Ah SLA batteries with what looks like F2 connectors. You can measure them to verify (see here).

If you shop around, you can find replacement batteries much cheaper than that $50 on Amazon. And note you don't have to get 7.2Ah. You can increase the battery run time with batteries rated with a higher Ah (amp-hour) value. For example, you can use 7.6, 8.0 or even 9Ah batteries. I have done that on all my UPS with no problems. The only critical thing is, they must be the same voltage. In this case, 12V (many UPS use 6V). And of course, they must fit inside the battery compartment - but most SLA batteries come in standard sizes, and typically post their dimensions too.

For example, note these 12V 7.6Ah batteries at $30 for two.

And FTR, I never - as in NEVER EVER buy replacement batteries from the UPS maker because they cost more for the exact same thing. And I am careful about sites selling batteries that claim to be for a specific model (like your example - note the image is fuzzy so you cannot see the amp-hour specs! :( ) as they often jack up the price just because they pre-bundle the cells into a set for you. That's a rip-off too.

Look at this: two 12V 9Ah batteries that also say they are for your UPS for $40.95 And these have a 2 year warranty too. And this company sells each cell separately for $20.95 so they give you a little discount for the set. :)

When I am ready, I shop the web and figure out who has the best prices that day. Prices change often from place to place and prices vary widely. Some charge more but offer free or reduced shipping. Some charge less but charge for shipping. So be sure to factor in shipping when shopping.I have an UPS on my home theater setup too. And all my computers.

Tripp-Lite is starting to make it that the end user cannot replace the battery theirself, because they want to have total control over their hardware, when it comes to making sure that if something goes wrong, or that they spot a part inside the unit that is bad, they can take care of it for you.
No. That is just marketing propaganda written by their legal department. Ford wants you to only buy Ford oil and Ford filters and only have the oil changes done at the Ford dealer too. But you don't have to.

In fact, here is a Tripp-Lite video on how to access the batteries.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
You and I both know that. Around 3-4 years, they expect people to upgrade their equipment anyways. I also shop with my wallet. But I try and stay local, instead of some company that is out of my area. I have a lot of places that I can get the batteries a little cheaper then online and have them the say day.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I have a lot of places that I can get the batteries a little cheaper then online and have them the say day.
Really? I wish I could say the same thing about eastern Nebraska/western Iowa and I've looked extensively. I would be willing to pay a little more than on-line to stay local, but they want a lot more - typically $5 more and often $10 - $15 more per cell. :( Then tax on top of that.

For example. For replacement 12V 7.2Ah replacements for your UPS, the best price I can find locally are $18.04 each, plus tax. At 7% here, that would be $38.6. Plus my time and gas money to get there (not to mention it is snowing hard outside right now! :rolleyes: ).

BatterySharks has the exact same battery for $9.97. Two would cost $19.94 plus $9.30 shipping for a total of $29.24. That said, they have a 5% Black Monday discounts so $18.94 + $9.30 = $28.24 - delivered to my front door.

And I note a couple of my bigger UPS take 4 cells, not 2.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
We have three locally owned battery businesses, one of them actually makes theirs in house. Then we have the national stores that also repair smartphones and tablets at a couple of them. I try to stay local if I can. Otherwise if I cannot get it cheaper through the local places if they have to order, my fingers do the walking and see if I can find something that is not going to kill the bank.

I would not trust a place that is really low on prices, because of all of the problems that have been happening with the cheap Chinese batteries. It is not fun when a Lead battery swells.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I would not trust a place that is really low on prices, because of all of the problems that have been happening with the cheap Chinese batteries. It is not fun when a Lead battery swells.
I've certainly seen swollen batteries but those are not limited to Chinese made. And not all SLA batteries sold on-line are made elsewhere. Many are made here in the US, or Mexico, or elsewhere. Because they are so heavy, shipping costs are extreme. And even US made batteries can swell if exposed to excessive charging voltages or other abnormal conditions. But even so, if you note those
Tripp-Lite replacements
they are,
Approved for transport by air.
D.O.T., I.A.T.A., F.A.A. and C.A B. certified
U.L. recognized under file number MH 20845
CE certified.
So buying local is admirable. But in this case (if you do your homework - which you need to do anyway), safety is not a reason to avoid buying SLA batteries on-line. And as I showed above, they are often the exact same batteries. I prefer to buy locally too, but if the prices are not even close, I won't.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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