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Dell UPS : Uninterrupted Power System - Information and Troubleshooting Issues

Summary: During a power outage, the Dell UPS backup power supplies allow to maintain power long enough to save data and shut down PCs.

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Article Content


Symptoms

The Dell UPS backup systems protect equipment from downtime, damage and data loss due to power problems. During a power outage, the Dell UPS backup power supplies allow to maintain power long enough to save data and shut down PCs, servers and other equipment properly. As an added benefit, Dell Uninterruptible Power Supplies also protect against power surges and disruptive line noise.

  

 

Do you know that you can manage your Dell UPS with Multi-UPS Management Console or UPS Local Node Manager? You can download these tools in the Drivers and Downloads section after selecting your UPS model. Also you can watch set up videos to get more information on UPS management.

 



SLN298782_en_US__1UPS


Sometimes your UPS can display an alarm message or enter in a fail state. Most issues on UPS are related to battery and power. As the UPS is a device which remains always on, some basic actions can solve the issue. The information and steps provided in this article will help understand the possible source of the issue and how to solve it.

Table of Content

  1. Initial Startup
  2. Eaton UPS issues and troubleshooting steps
  3. Install or Reseat a UPS Battery
  4. Other technical resources
 

Initial Startup

Before turning on your UPS for the first time, It is important to follow the steps below:

1. Verify that the internal batteries are connected.

2. Verify that the power input to the UPS has adequate upstream overcurrent protection

3. Plug the detachable UPS power cord into the input connector on the UPS rear panel.

4. Plug the UPS power cord into a power outlet.

 The UPS front panel display illuminates. The Dell startup screen changes to the UPS status summary screen. The UPS front panel display shows the flashing Standby icon

5. Press the button on the UPS rear panel for tower units or front panel for rack units.

6. After the startup is complete, the status icon changes to the appropriate icon based on the UPS operating mode

7. On the UPS status summary screen, press the >button to check for active alarms or notices. Resolve any active alarms before continuing.
 If there are no active alarms, a "No Active Alarms" message appears.

 

Note: At initial startup, the UPS sets system frequency according to input line frequency (input frequency auto-sensing is enabled by default). After initial startup, auto-sensing is disabled until manually re-enabled by output frequency setting.
 
Note: The internal batteries charge to 90% capacity in less than 4 hours (8 hours for 500W models). However, Dell recommends that the batteries charge for 48 hours after installation or long-term storage.
 

Eaton UPS issues and troubleshooting steps


1. First Diagnostic & Alarm codes

Before starting any advanced diagnostic, be sure that the UPS is well connected to a working power source.
Try to change the power source to check if the error remains. If your UPS was recently moved, please check the steps of the initial startup.

Also verify that the power required by the hardware plugged in the UPS does not exceed the capacity of your equipement.

You can put the UPS in Standby Mode by pressing on the power button back of the UPS for 3 seconds, and restart it. Check if the error remains.
 
Warning: Even if an error is display, your UPS may continue to provide power. Consider to plug at least one of your redundant power supply to a working power source before starting any manipulations.

In most cases, there is an LCD that will provide you the error message. 
Here are the common alarms with technical articles and troubleshooting steps associated:


 
Alarm name Number Description Action
       

Input Under/Over Frequency

8

Utility frequency out of usable frequency range. Transfer to Battery if supporting load. This is common if power source is a generator

Go to "Settings", then "Output Frequency", and "Auto Detection"

Battery DC Over Voltage

68

Battery voltage levels have exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Shut off charger.

 

Service Battery

149

A faulted battery string has been detected and as a result the battery charger has been disabled. Disable battery charging.

Update Firmware
Clear alarm
Reset UPS

Site Wiring Problem

194

Alarm triggers when the difference between ground and neutral voltage is > 15 Vac. This can occur when ground and neutral are inverted.

Check Phase/Neutral
Disable alarm: "Setting" , "Site Wiring Fault Alarm", "Disable"


For any other alarm, please refer to the table in the user guide of your UPS. You can find it on the Dell Support Site by entering your service Tag and downloading the user manual.
 

2. Update Firmware:  

The UPS has to be in Standby Mode during the procedure

 
The last firmware can be downloaded on the Dell Support Site: UPS Firmware.
A specific tool is required to update the UPS, download the Dell UPS Firmware Upgrade Tool.
Please install and start the tool.

1. Choose one of the following communication methods through which to upgrade the UPS firmware:
   - Select RS232 or USB to use the PC COM port or USB port to upgrade locally.
   - Select NMC to use the Dell Network Management Card Ethernet interface to upgrade over the network.

2. Once the method is selected, press Connect
    Verify that the UPS listed in the UPS Information column is the UPS you intend to upgrade. 
    The current firmware level is displayed.

3. Select the firmware file path.

SLN298782_en_US__2Update UPS Firmware 2
Figure 1: UPS Firmware Upgrade Tool (English)


4. Press Upgrade to launch the update

SLN298782_en_US__3Flash Update
Figure 2: Flash Update in progress (English)


4. Update done

SLN298782_en_US__4Update UPS Firmware 5
Figure 3: Update complete (English)

 

3. Reset UPS error state

Sometimes, even if the issue if fixed, the error message will remain.
Please reset the UPS error state by following these steps:

1. Press and Hold the < Button.
2. Navigate with the Arrow Keys to the Sub-Menu Control and press the middle OK symbol
3. Choose the menu item Reset error state


The UPS will confirm with a short beep and turn blue.

 SLN298782_en_US__5Standby    SLN298782_en_US__6OK
Figure 4: Reset error state (German)



4. Reset UPS to factory

This is possible to reset the unit to factory by following these steps:

1.Switch the UPS to Standby Mode
2. Press the Button for a few seconds until the display will change to "Status".
3. Navigate to the menu Control using the arrow keys.
4. Navigate to the factory settings option and confirm this with Yes.

Back to top
 

Install or Reseat a UPS Battery

Here is the procedure if you need to install a new battery for your UPS. Usually batteries are covered by the warranty during 3 years.
In case of a technical issue, reseat of a battery is the last action to try if any other wasn't sucessful.   

  
1. Put UPS in Standby mode. 

2. Disconnect the Power Cable from the UPS. UPS will shut down few seconds later.

3. Open the Front Door of the UPS and disconnect the Battery cable.


SLN298782_en_US__7battery
Figure 6: Replace UPS Battery


4. To replace the battery, pull down the battery pack and insert the new one.

5. Connect the cable.

Close the front door, the UPS is ready to start.
If it doesn't work after all these manipulations, contact the Dell Support.


 

Other technical resources

In this section you will find information about UPS in general.
 
   

Cause

-

Resolution

-

Article Properties


Affected Product

Dell UPS 1000R, Dell UPS 1920R, Dell UPS 2700R, Dell UPS 5600R, Dell UPS 1000T, Dell UPS 1920T, Dell UPS 500T, Dell UPS 10000R, Dell UPS 3750R, Dell UPS 4200R, Liebert NX UPS

Last Published Date

19 Nov 2021

Version

5

Article Type

Solution