UPS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you have any information on battery maintenance and storage? Can the battery be replaced?
2. Do you have run-time data for the ACG2500 UPS Units?
3. Do the Acumentrics UPS units have communications software?
4. Can you provide me with a copy of my UPS Operators Manual?
5. Can you provide me with instructions for setting up the Parallel UPS units? How do they work?
6. What is the warranty on the UPS units?
7. What is your repair policy? Where is your repair facility?
8. How can I obtain a quote for your products?
9. Can you provide me with a copy of the MSDS sheet for the battery in my UPS?

1. Do you have any information on battery maintenance and storage? Can the battery be replaced?

Yes, all Acumentrics UPS units have user-replaceable batteries. If you require a new battery pack, please email the UPS model number and your request to sales@acumentrics.com . A quote will be sent to you for the appropriate battery pack.

If you would just like the battery cells replaced, please email the UPS model number and the serial number of the battery pack to: repairs@acumentrics.com ; request a return authorization number and the cost for the repair.

For battery maintenance and storage information, please read the following:

For the ACG2500 Series UPS:

Maintenance and Battery Storage

The proper storage of batteries cannot be overemphasized. Improper battery storage is the most common form of battery misuse. All batteries exhibit a loss of charge over time even when stored in an open circuit condition. This is called self-discharge. Both chemical and electrochemical reactions within the battery cause this consumption of the stored energy. The self-discharge reaction rate increases as a function of temperature. If the batteries are stored long enough without a periodic replenishment of charge, an irreversible loss of battery capacity can occur, causing premature battery failure.

All Acumentrics battery packs are shipped fully charged. They should be stored separately from the UPS and used on a FIFO (First In, First Out) basis. All battery packs should be recharged before use if 100% capacity is required. The stored battery packs should be kept on a maintenance program and should be recharged periodically according to the recommendations shown in table 1. Battery packs can be recharged using the UPS.

Table 1: Storage Temperature and Supplementary Recharge Intervals

The battery OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) can be used as an indicator of battery pack residual capacity. When measuring the OCV, the battery pack should not have been charged or discharged within the past 24 hours. A supplemental recharge should be performed if the battery pack OCV is 24.6 volts or less when measured at 25ºC (77ºF).

The ACG26BP has a recharge time of 2-hours to 90% present capacity from full discharge. The ACG2500BP has a 4-hour recharge time to 90% present capacity from full discharge.

Charge Battery

The UPS charges its battery when connected to utility power. For best results, charge the battery 4-hours before use. It is acceptable to use the UPS without first charging the battery, but battery run time may be shorter until the battery fully charges

The UPS is continually creating the AC output from a high voltage DC bus, thus protecting your equipment from surges, spikes, brownouts, blackouts and noise.

This unit is an ON-LINE Power Factor Corrected (PFC), Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This UPS accepts wide range voltage and frequency inputs to allow it to provide clean, reliable AC power to the computer equipment connected to it.

General Maintenance:

Inspection

Ensure the unit is clean with no fluid spills. Do not store anything on the unit.

Cleaning

The 2000 Watt Rugged-UPS product and its accessories are chemically resistant to most common cleaning solutions and non-caustic detergents. The following list includes approved cleaning solutions:

• 90% Isopropyl alcohol
• Soap and water
• Chlorine bleach (30ml/water)

Acumentrics recommends cleaning the device and cables with a soft damp cloth, and cleaning agents mentioned.

Do NOT immerse any part of the device in water. Do not use keytones (MEK, acetone, etc.). Avoid using abrasives (e.g., paper towels) on the device.

For the ACG1250 Series UPS:

Storage and Maintenance of UPS Battery Packs
 

Overview

Proper maintenance and storage is required for lead acid batteries in order to extend the useful life of the battery and prevent potential damage to the UPS.

Under normal operation, maintenance is not required other than periodic checks of the charge status. However, the proper storage of batteries cannot be overemphasized. Improper battery storage is the most common form of battery misuse. All batteries exhibit a loss of charge over time even when stored in an open circuit condition. UPS battery failures can also be caused by storage at elevated temperatures and infrequent recharge of the batteries. Batteries placed in storage experience a phenomenon called self-discharge. Both chemical and electrochemical reactions within the battery cause this consumption of the stored energy. Self-discharge is accelerated when the batteries are stored at high ambient temperatures, and under these conditions the batteries require more frequent recharge.

Table 1: Storage Temperature and Supplementary Recharge Intervals

Batteries placed in storage for extended periods of time must be recharged at the intervals noted below or when the open circuit voltage of the battery pack measures 24.0 VDC.

The battery OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) can be used as an indicator of battery pack residual capacity. When measuring the OCV, the battery pack should not have been charged or discharged within the past 24 hours. A supplemental recharge should be performed if the battery pack OCV is 24.6 volts or less when measured at 25°C (77°F). If the open circuit battery-pack voltage measures below 23.16 VDC, then permanent battery damage has occurred and the battery pack must be replaced.

Testing

The recommended frequency for testing the UPS Battery Packs is once every 30 days.

The UPS battery pack test is performed at ambient room temperature by first measuring the open circuit battery voltage. If the battery voltage measures less than 24.0 VDC, then the battery pack should be replaced. If the battery voltage measures greater than 24.0 VDC, then connect the UPS to a valid AC input (115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz) source and operate the UPS for 24 hours. The UPS should then be powered off and unplugged from the AC source. Remove the battery pack from the UPS. After 24 hours, measure the battery voltage at the pins located at the rear of the battery pack. Table 2, “Battery State of Charge”, defines the condition of the battery having been fully charged by the UPS. If after 48 hours, the Open Circuit Voltage of the battery is less than 25.7 VDC, then the battery should be replaced.

The battery voltage can also be measured from the comm port when the unit is fully off, provided the comm port is accessible. The comm port is an RS232 compatible interface through a nine-pin D type connector (refer to pin description in question 3). This port provides UPS and input power status information to the operator.

Table 2: Battery State of Charge

Specific Information By Model

		The ACG1250U, ACG1250U-24, ACG1250Ui, ACG1250Ui24, ACG1250U-SH and ACG1250U-24-SH do not ship with batteries. There are two optional battery packs that can be used with these units, the ACG26BP and the ACG52BP.
		Not all installations will require internal batteries, such as, if you have the capability to utilize the external DC connections to the unit or if you plan to use the unit as an inverter. The ACG26BP has a 2-hour recharge time to 90% capacity from full discharge. The ACG52BP has a 4-hour recharge time to 90% capacity from full discharge.

Run Time Chart:

Switches/Breakers:

LED Display Panel:

Batteries and Recycling

The batteries used by this Uninterruptible Power Source are recyclable. Proper disposal of the batteries is required. The batteries contain lead and pose a hazard to the environment and health if not disposed of properly. Please refer to local codes for proper disposal requirements or return the unit to a factory-authorized Service Center for battery replacement or disposal.

Battery replacement should be performed or supervised by personnel familiar with the danger of batteries and the required precautions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries. When replacing batteries, use the same number and type of sealed lead acid batteries as were originally contained in your UPS.

Caution - Do not dispose of battery in fire. The batteries may explode.

Caution - Do not open or mutilate the battery or batteries. They contain an electrolyte that is toxic and harmful to the skin.

Caution - A battery can present a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. When replacing batteries, wrist watches and jewelry such as rings should be removed. Use tools with insulated handles.

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2. Do you have run-time data for the ACG2500 UPS Units?

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3. Do the Acumentrics UPS units have communications software?

The Rugged-UPS 1250 UPS units utilize the simple signaling mode of communications. The Rugged-UPS 2500 model has two modes of communication: simple signal and smart. The former uses dry contact closures and the latter is true RS232 communication.

Accessing the communications modes requires the use of the ACG9236 cable. This cable allows the use of the built-in UPS monitoring functionality of Windows' operating systems (note that on notebook computers this is not accessible) or the HyperTerminal function on Windows computers. The Windows UPS monitoring uses our UPS simple signal mode to provide the user notification that AC power has been lost or restored and low battery alert. HyperTerminal will allow communication with the UPS in the smart mode. Listed below are the pin functionality for use with the simple signal mode and also the commands and functions which are used for RS232 communication (smart mode).

Communications Interface Pin Out Functionality (DB9)

The Comm Port is an RS232 compatible interface through a nine-pin D-type connector. This port provides UPS and input power status information to the operator. UPS shutdown capability is provided as well. The DB9 connector is a 9 pin D type female with the following RS232 level:

TRUE = SPACE = +7.5V or greater

FALSE = MARK = -7.5V or less

Smart Mode

Below is the list of the commands, their functions, and the format in which the response will be returned. Please note that the commands are case sensitive. The first command you must enter to start is ‘G’. This puts the unit into smart mode. You will need the following information:

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4. Can you provide me with a copy of my UPS Operators Manual?

• ACG700C
• ACG700D
• ACG1250
• ACG2500

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5. Can you provide me with instructions for setting up the Parallel UPS units? How do they work?

• Parallel Operation

Parallel Operation:

Parallel units work in a master/slave configuration. All parallel units are identical. The master is determined by the use of the Master parallel cable.

The master unit controls the voltage output and the slaves act as current sources. The master unit supplies the slaves with the command current signal.

The feedback paths in the parallel units are opened internally and closed when properly cabled. If a parallel unit does not have a properly attached parallel connector, it will have an open feedback loop and not be able to react in time to the fault.

The AC Output of each unit must be hardwired together (no circuit breakers, switches, etc.) to a junction box. After the junction, there can be a switch or circuit breaker.

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6. What is the warranty on the UPS units?

• Acumentrics Warranty

The shipping material for the UPS is designed to provide the necessary protection during shipping. These materials must be used if you ever need to return the UPS for service. Damage sustained during transit is not covered under warranty.

7. What is your repair policy? Where is your repair facility?

Acumentrics repair facility is located at our factory in Westwood, Massachusetts.

In-Warranty units are repaired or replaced at Acumentrics discretion. Please call 781-461-8251 x500 or email repairs@acumentrics.com to request a return authorization (RMA) number. Have the serial number and the model number of the UPS unit available at the time of the call.

Out-of-warranty units can be evaluated for potential repair cost for a fee of $250.00. Once the unit is received and evaluated, a report will be sent detailing the items in need of repair or replacement. If you choose to have the unit repaired, the evaluation fee will be waived. If you choose not to repair the unit, the evaluation fee will apply. Once payment is received, the UPS unit can either be scrapped at the Acumentrics facility or returned to you for disposal. Please call 781-461-8251 x500 or email repairs@acumentrics.com to request a return authorization (RMA) number. Have the serial number and the model number of the UPS unit available at the time of the call. Repair will commence upon receipt of either credit card information or an approved NET30 purchase order.

All freight charges are collect or prepaid/add. Exception to this policy requires pre-authorization by a member of Acumentrics management.

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8. How can I obtain a quote for your products?

Please send an email to sales@acumentrics.com or call 781-461-8251 x328 or x350 to request a quote. When emailing, please provide your name, company name and address, e-mail address, and telephone number. If you know the model number of the unit(s) you are interested in, please provide that as well. If you are unsure, please provide as much information as possible about the size of the load, the power requirements, and the back-up time you require. Mention any special requirements such as DC Input, 24 or 28vDC output, the voltage required on the AC output (120V/60Hz, 220V/50Hz), or Extended Run or Parallel Capability. A quote will be sent to you on the same day if received by 3 p.m. EST/EDT Monday through Friday.

You may also try our UPS Configuration Tool. Once your information is received, a member of our team will follow-up with you to complete the order.

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9. Can you provide me with a copy of the MSDS sheet for the battery in my UPS?

Please try the following links:

• MSDS for ACG1252 battery
  
• MSDS for 2500VA battery
• MSDS for 1250VA battery