Solutions for UPS and Power Inverter Problems

Problems related to uninterruptible power supply and Power Inverter have been discussed here with possible remedies. If you have any UPS or Power Inverter related issue, this post is helpful to fix that. Someone might argue why I have made a single post for two separate products. The answer is simple. If a power inverter carries a built-in charger with reasonably low switch over time from external power source to backup batteries, it acts as a UPS. Manufacturers who sell Power Inverters and UPS’ under two different categories provide built-in batteries for UPS which are packed inside the enclosure. But no batteries are provided with Power Inverters and consumers are allowed to connect them to desired size batteries of their choice. Therefore, Power Inverters circuited with larger batteries can be used to provide backup for a longer duration during power outages or scheduled load shedding. In short, UPS and Power Inverter both can be used as uninterrupted power backup source for home and office appliances, mobile communication equipments, servers and much more.

UPS / Power Inverter is not turning on.

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Power switch is defective.  Take it to service center for repair.
2- UPS / Inverter is tripped.  Press Trip reset button on UPS / Inverter to reset it.
3- Battery is not connected.  Connect the battery.
4- Battery terminals are loose.  Check battery terminals.
5- Battery terminals are corroded or rusty.  Clean them.
6- Battery is weak.  If it is old, replace it. Otherwise, charge it.
6- Battery is discharged.  Charge it for several hours before putting it to work.
7- Battery is faulty.  Replace battery.
8- Battery terminals are reversed.  Connect terminals correctly. Refer to user’s manual for details.

 

Battery is not getting charged.

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Battery is dead.  Replace battery.
2- Rectifiers are burnt.  Take UPS / Inverter to service centre for repair.
3- Fuses are melted.  Replace them.
4- Battery connection is loose.  Check battery terminals for corrosion. Clean them and clamp them firmly.

 

Backup time is shortened.

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Too much power consumption.  Disconnect extra load.
2- Battery has worn out.  Change battery.
3- Battery is not properly charged.  Charge it. If charger appears to be faulty, get UPS / Inverter fixed.
4- Battery has lost electrolyte.  Top up flooded lead acid battery with distilled water regularly. Sealed (dry or maintenance free) battery requires replacement.

 

UPS / Power Inverter works only in inverter mode. 

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Input is not connected.  Check power cable.
2- Fuse is melted.  Change it.
3- Input protector is effective.  Reset input protector.
4- Input is too high to be accepted.  Check input voltage.
5- Input is too low to be accepted.  Check input voltage.

 

Alarm buzzer beeps continuously. 

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Overload.  Disconnect extra load.
2- Cooling fan is stuck.  Take UPS / Inverter to service center or service it yourself.
3- Battery terminals are wrongly connected.  Refer to user’s manual for details.

 

LCD displays fault code.

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Internal problem.  UPS / Inverter circuit needs to be repaired.
2- External problem.  Check battery cables, input and output wires, load etc. Correct any fault generating error. (Read user’s manual to determine fault code and its remedy)

 

Hear noise coming out of UPS / Power Inverter.

Possible Cause & Remedy:
1- Wind noise.  It is normal.
2- Fan is noisy.  Clean fan. If problem persists, replace it or get it done by trained personnel.
3- Humming noise produced by non pure sine wave UPS or Inverter.  It is normal.

 

LCD/LED indicates overload.

Possible Cause & Remedy:

1- Devices drawing excessive power. Remove high power consuming devices
2- Shorted circuit causing overload error. Check if phase and neutral are joined together in wiring
3- Internally damaged. Needs repairing.

Also Read:
Why UPS Restarts Or Shutdown Computer – Reason & Solution
How to Fix Low Backup Problem with Power Inverter or UPS

[These are general solutions and may be applicable to inverters and UPS’ brands including APC, CyberPower, Microtek, Homage, Ecostar, Exide, Luminous, Sukam, Inverex, Kevin, Numeric, Blue Gate, V-Guard, Mercury, Amaron, Xantrex, Whistler, Wagan, Victron, Tripple lite, Thor, Spartan Power, SMA America, Samlex, Raptor, Power Bright, Morningstar, Magnum, Kisae, Go Power, Energizer, Cotek, Cnbou, Aims, ABB, Ablerex, Active Power, Aetes, Alpha, Alwayson, Amplimag, Benning, Chloride, Clary, Cyberex, Gustav Klein, Gutor, IE Power, Irem, Jovy Atlas, Piller, Minuteman, Powercom, Power Kinetic, Salicru, Sanken, Socomec, Solidstate, Tripp Lite, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Fuji, Falcon]