Which UPS?

sko said:
Altough there will be a lot of APC recommendations, in my experience they eat through batteries like crazy and are insanely overpriced, especially considering the quality of the converters they use, especially in their smaller/cheaper units.

We needed to replace the batteries in our APC UPSes at least every ~2 years - and those batteries are indeed completely dead and gone after that time! pufeed up, with melted and smored connectors and all - it's absolutely crazy what we pulled out of the APCs even without many (or any) actual power outages/transfers to battery during that time.
Click to expand...

I agree, have replaced APC UPS batteries at home like every 3 years. About 100 EUR every time. Quite costly over the years.

Also, new APC ups model (upgraded from 1000VA to 1500VA) was disappointment, it has network connection, but does not support monitoring with apcupsd nor SNMP! Only via some kind of APC cloud!
 
This is my experience with APC UPSes too. Dead battery and acid leaked all over the place after two years.
 
Batteries have to be replace every 2-3 years on any UPS, If you want to be protected.
I swear by Enersys and have never had a leak. I have bought cheap APC UPS with acid damage in tray.
Nothing some baking soda and toothbrush can't retard.
I really don't understand how a sealed battery can leak. Obviously bad batteries.
APC RBC replacment battery packs are a rip off. Not like they use quality batteries. Yuasa seems to be what they use..
 
Phishfry said:
I really don't understand how a sealed battery can leak. Obviously bad batteries.
Click to expand...
The case cracked because the battery was overheating from being overcharged. Really no excuse for that. Keeping a reasonable float charge on a lead-acid battery is the sort of basic functionality you expect from a UPS.
 
I have a mix too but more beige than black.
I do batteries every other Christmas.

My only gripe is the SU1400RMXL has an annoying fan that kicks in every 15min or so. It is not quiet.
I have 3 of those. All used and over 15 years old probably. Only one with acid damage. Got it for dirt cheap.
Why have the batteries not exploded for me? There is more to this story... Maybe too much heat in rack. I dunno.
Maybe somebody let the bad batteries sit and corrode. Just like any battery would with age.
Guess I have been lucky. I think when you find a good one it just works. Just add batteries every 24 months.
 
My worst experience:

Battery temp from monitoring graph was 60C+. Room was full of sulfur smell. And batteries looked like that:

Batteries

Granted this happened only once in like 15+ years, using 3pcs of APC Smart-UPS 1000VA in different locations. Still really unpleasant. Good thing did not start a fire.
 
Jose said:
Keeping a reasonable float charge on a lead-acid battery is the sort of basic functionality you expect from a UPS.
Click to expand...
Yea but they use battery packs. No feedback on individual batteries. Just yam 24v at them. No temp feedback loop either.
So I am back to suspecting bad batteries. Charger is just pushing. If one battery has higher resistance there is going to be problems.

I am messing with Lipo 18650 packs and charging boards. They have feedback on every cell.
 
I don't mean to discount anyones experience with APC. I guess I am a fanboy. I have Emerson, Eaton and TrippLite too.
APC has a consistent web interface for 20 years for the whole line. From PDU to Netbotz. SNMP support too.
I drank the koolaide.

About UPS
Model:Smart-UPS 1400 RM XL
Serial Number:QS034611xx
Firmware Revision:73.14.D
Manufacture Date:11/10/03
Click to expand...
 
I am using EATON Powerware 9130 for many years.
How I setup it on FreeBSD (I use it locally):

pkg install nut

Then , create group 'nut', create user 'upsmon', add user 'upsmon' in groups 'operator', 'nut'

sudo chgrp nut /usr/local/etc/nut/

Code: 
cd /usr/local/etc/nut
[lanin@freebsd /usr/local/etc/nut]$ ls -l
total 180
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut  13860  6 апр.  01:47 cmdvartab
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut  77732  6 апр.  01:47 driver.list
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   1544 10 апр.  15:17 nut.conf
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   1538  6 апр.  01:47 nut.conf.sample
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   4589 10 апр.  16:04 ups.conf
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   4618  6 апр.  01:47 ups.conf.sample
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   4576 10 апр.  15:21 upsd.conf
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   4578  6 апр.  01:47 upsd.conf.sample
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   2145 10 апр.  15:26 upsd.users
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   2131  6 апр.  01:47 upsd.users.sample
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut  15396 10 апр.  20:09 upsmon.conf
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut  15329  6 апр.  01:47 upsmon.conf.sample
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   3895  6 апр.  01:47 upssched.conf
-rw-r--r--  1 root  nut   3895  6 апр.  01:47 upssched.conf.sample

Check the usb port it connected to:
Code: 
[lanin@freebsd /usr/local/etc/nut]$ dmesg | grep 9130
ugen0.2: <EATON Powerware 9130> at usbus0

Looking for "Eaton 9130" in driver.list in order to know what the driver must be set for it in ups.conf (usually 'usbhid-ups').

Edit config files:

nut.conf
Code: 
MODE=standalone
ups.conf
Code: 
[pw9130]
driver=usbhid-ups
port=/dev/ugen0.2
desc="Eaton Powerware 9130"
upsd.conf
Code: 
LISTEN 127.0.0.1 3493

upsd.users
Code: 
[upsmon]
password=1111
upsmon master
actions=SET
instcmds=ALL
upsmon.conf
Code: 
RUN_AS_USER upsmon
MONITOR pw9130@localhost 1 upsmon 1111 master
SHUTDOWNCMD "/sbin/shutdown -p now"

upssched.conf
Code: 
CMDSCRIPT /usr/local/bin/upssched-cmd

/etc/rc.conf
Code: 
nut_enable="YES"
nut_upslog_enable="YES"
nut_upsmon_enable="YES"
nut_upslog_ups="pw9130@localhost"
Next, I reboot my machine
shutdown -r now

Check ups:
Code: 
[lanin@freebsd /usr/local/etc/nut]$ sudo service nut status
nut is running as pid 1433.

Code: 
[lanin@freebsd /usr/local/etc/nut]$ upsc pw9130@localhost
battery.charge: 100
battery.runtime: 1966
battery.type: PbAc
device.mfr: EATON Powerware
device.model: 9130  1000VA-T
device.serial: PL342A5660
device.type: ups
driver.name: usbhid-ups
driver.parameter.pollfreq: 30
driver.parameter.pollinterval: 2
driver.parameter.port: /dev/ugen0.2
driver.parameter.synchronous: no
driver.version: 2.7.4
driver.version.data: MGE HID 1.39
driver.version.internal: 0.41
input.frequency: 49.9
input.transfer.high: 276
input.transfer.low: 140
input.voltage: 221.0
input.voltage.nominal: 220
outlet.1.delay.shutdown: 65535
outlet.1.delay.start: 0
outlet.1.desc: PowerShare Outlet 1
outlet.1.id: 2
outlet.1.status: on
outlet.1.switchable: yes
outlet.2.delay.shutdown: 65535
outlet.2.delay.start: 0
outlet.2.desc: PowerShare Outlet 2
outlet.2.id: 3
outlet.2.status: on
outlet.2.switchable: yes
output.current: 1.20
output.frequency: 49.9
output.frequency.nominal: 50
output.voltage: 219.0
output.voltage.nominal: 220
ups.beeper.status: enabled
ups.delay.shutdown: 20
ups.delay.start: 30
ups.firmware: 0130
ups.load: 26
ups.load.high: 102
ups.mfr: EATON Powerware
ups.model: 9130  1000VA-T
ups.power: 263
ups.power.nominal: 1000
ups.productid: ffff
ups.realpower: 233
ups.serial: PL342A5660
ups.status: OL
ups.temperature: 23.9
ups.test.result: Done and passed
ups.timer.shutdown: 0
ups.timer.start: 0
ups.vendorid: 0463

Batteries work 5 years (approximately).
Its flaw is - it is noisy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The length of life on batteries will vary with the battery and UPS maker and your environment. UPS batteries, like vehicle batteries, or any battery for that matter will have a varying lifespan. I'm in the desert, a UPS battery in a non-climate controlled environment may last 2 - 3 years like vehicle batteries or pretty much any other battery and that also will vary with the battery technology. The issue you need to look at with UPSes is how it communicates with the OS. I use strictly APC SmartUPSes and have communication via IP with serial or USB as a backup. APC is pretty much the gold standard with respect to power and UPS monitoring.
 
LVLouisCyphre said:
APC is pretty much the gold standard with respect to power and UPS monitoring.
Click to expand...
Agreed. I have been a longtime fan.
Here is my second UPS that I bought new. Still in faithful service. AP9617 added for network monitoring.

Code: 
Model:     Smart-UPS 700
Serial Number:     ws9751445348
Firmware Revision:     50.9.D
Manufacture Date:     12/17/97

My first was a Back-UPS 500 with rocker switch. Lightning took out the modem protection jack so I upgraded.
 
jbodenmann said:
Do you still have the unit around?
Click to expand...
No I traded it for a bar tab.
My favorite watering hole had lost power in a storm to their credit card swiper and was looking for a solution.
The 500 was good for that little terminal. Not much else for more than 10 minutes.
Back then CRT monitors were a huge power drain. I was a desktop user and hard disks were more fragile.

Plus I had discovered Smart Slot. All others were rubbish after I discovered the versatility.
I even have the external chassis for smart slot cards somewhere in a tote.

Like I said. I drank the koolaide and it tasted good.
I doubt I have anything around that has been running since 1997.
 
Phishfry said:
Agreed. I have been a longtime fan.
Here is my second UPS that I bought new. Still in faithful service. AP9617 added for network monitoring.

Code: 
Model:     Smart-UPS 700
Serial Number:     ws9751445348
Firmware Revision:     50.9.D
Manufacture Date:     12/17/97

My first was a Back-UPS 500 with rocker switch. Lightning took out the modem protection jack so I upgraded.
Click to expand...
You majorly traded up. I'm not a fan of the BackUPSes and only use serial or USB monitoring as a backup. Granted if you're on a budget and find one cheap, it's a starting point to get some protection. I had a Dell tower get fried during a brown out in 2018. Lesson learned, get a UPS for anything you don't want to replace. Emphasis here people, get a UPS. A UPS is an investment in protecting your hardware especially if you run ZFS.

GET A UPS. Take it from bad experience from me and have a fried Dell tower PC I threw a bit of money into that was going to be my multiheaded desktop for my home office. GET A UPS. GET TWO OR THREE UPSes. It'll hurt at first in the wallet and in your back, neck and shoulders dealing with the heavy equipment. UPSes will save you time and money replacing fried hardware especially if you're into eBay deal diving for hardware which is what I do.
 
I do remember being pissed that I had to buy PowerChute Pro for NT4 or maybe Win2K. It was not cheap.
They included some free version just to wet your whistle.
 
I hope to travel west again one day.
I have been on an embedded boxes DC Power backup kick lately.

This is my latest project for 18650's
www.ebay.com

DC12V Dual Power Supply Automatic Transfer UPS Switches Controller Module Max 8A | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for DC12V Dual Power Supply Automatic Transfer UPS Switches Controller Module Max 8A at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
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Similar to the Y-PWR switcher for much cheaper.

Been messing with the SLA too. 12V 2.8ah

PicoUPS-100 12V DC micro UPS system / battery backup system

picoUPS-100 12V DC micro UPS system / battery backup system for 12V automotive environments is a small yet powerful UPS (uninterruptible power supply) solution
www.mini-box.com
 
Powerchute was a software scam. Now everything is pretty much standard and open source with UPS monitoring. I think the standard NT on upwards does whatever the de facto serial and USB port monitoring is. If you run an APC SmartUPS with the appropriate Smart card, you're good on all of the open source UPS monitoring ports. Just be prepared for the routine 2-3 year chore of changing batteries. Have your battery supply source lined up before the batteries need changing and check battery availability especially with C-19 supply chain issues.

Also be sure to properly have them properly recycled. I'm getting ready to buy a pair of APC SmartUPSes new. Ideal for when you need to move your equipment. They should rack nicely in my portable MDF. I use mobile racks on casters that DJs use for their sound equipment to transport to their gigs. I guess you could call me an NJ (network jockey). We play a different keyboard via serial and SSH connections.

Cheers! :beer:
 
My APC UPS failed this morning. It's at least 10 years old, perhaps 15. Don't know yet what's wrong: it beeps continuously, and the indicator light is solid red. Power cycled it once, and at least the outputs turned back on. Will have to diagnose it tonight, but I suspect the reason is battery way too old and completely failed. I don't think I monitor the battery life at all, maybe I should start doing that.

EDIT: Update, took the battery out, charged it for a few hours. Can't even hold 12V when loaded with a small lightbulb. Drops down to 10V right away. One cell must be dead, time to replace. The battery in there is a no-name brand Chinese-made cheap one, which lasted for 5.5 years: bought January 2017.
 
They do let you know when they need batteries with obnoxious noises and leds.
Yueasa battery or Enersys is a good replacment.. Or break out the big bucks for an APC RBC.
Found at your better battery dealers:

Genesis NP

www.enersys.com www.enersys.com

In the 12v7ah size their price is really competitive.
www.ebay.com

12V 7Ah Battery for Mighty Mule NP7-12 12V 7.0Ah By Enersys 763979884513 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 12V 7Ah Battery for Mighty Mule NP7-12 12V 7.0Ah By Enersys at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
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They make a flame retardant version for not much more:
www.ebay.com

Authentic Enersys Genesis NP7-12TFR 12V 7AH Flame Retardant Replacement Battery 646444767842 | eBay

Chemistry: Sealed Lead Acid. Weight: 5.72 lbs(2.59 kgs).
www.ebay.com
 
Phishfry said:
They do let you know when they need batteries with obnoxious noises and leds.
Click to expand...
I can confirm that. Found out at 6am. It is now 10:30 at night, so I'm tired and crabby.

The Enersys looks good and affordable. Yuasa is terribly expensive. I know a good battery distributor (they mostly deal in car batteries, but also stock industrial, electronics, forklift, motorcycle, ... stuff). I'll call them in the morning, and see whether I can pick one up locally on the way to work. The idea of taking something this heavy and shipping it seems inefficient.
 
Phishfry said:
Just add batteries every 24 months.
Click to expand...
I got that chirping again. These batteries lasted me over 24 months. Xmas 2021 to present.
Time for a big bill because batteries are much more expensive now and I did changeout all at the same time.

Enersys 12V7AH are running $30 each these days.. Plus I need some bigger ones.
 
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