An APC UPS has one or more internal batteries that are the heart of the device. Those batteries must be replaced after a few years to ensure that the UPS can function as it should. However, there are situations where you’ll need to reset the UPS after a battery replacement.
You can reset an APC UPS after a battery replacement by performing a logic reset. That involves disconnecting the battery inside the UPS and pressing the OFF button for 5 seconds. First, of course, you’ll need to disconnect the UPS from any incoming or outgoing power sources and remove the covers to access the battery.
Resetting an APC UPS after a battery replacement is a very straightforward task. However, it involves accessing the insides of the UPS unit, which can be risky. This guide will explain how that task should be done, one step at a time.
How Do You Perform A Logic Reset On An APC UPS?
You might find yourself in a situation where the APC UPS fails to detect the new battery after you’ve performed a battery replacement. In that case, you’ll have to complete a logic reset on the device by following these steps:
Step 1: Power Off And Unplug
When starting the reset process, you must first disconnect any device placing a load on the UPS. That means you must unplug all devices you’ve plugged into the UPS.
Once the load is disconnected, you can power the UPS off and disconnect its plug from the wall socket.
There must be no incoming or outgoing power during the reset process.
Read: How To Troubleshoot UPS Battery?
Step 2: Remove Front Cover
Next, remove the front cover of your APC UPS unit. Depending on the model design, you might have to unthread some screws or undo tabs holding the cover in place.
If you’re unsure, refer to the user manual. The manual will have diagrams to help you understand how to undo and remove the front cover.
The front cover is usually connected to the rest of the unit with an electrical cable. So, remove the cover gently and place it on top of the UPS casing.
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Read: Why Ups (Battery Backup) Is Beeping Continuously?
Step 3: Remove Battery Cover
After you remove the front cover, you’ll find that there’s a second cover inside it. The cover is a metal plate that’s there to protect the battery inside, and it’s secured with several screws.
Unthread those screws and remove the metal plate.
Step 4: Remove And Disconnect Battery
Removing the battery cover gives you access to the internal section of the UPS. That will allow you to slide the battery out.
From there, you can undo the connector that connects the battery to the other UPS components.
Step 5: Press Off Button
Here’s one of the most crucial steps in this reset process, with the focus on the front cover you removed earlier in Step 2.
Press and hold the OFF button for 5 seconds. Unfortunately, there will be no prompt, sound, or notification that you’ve held the button for long enough. So, you’ll have to count to 5 by yourself.
Read: How To Check UPS Battery Health?
Step 6: Reconnect The Battery
After those five seconds pass, you can then reattach the battery connector. Check to ensure that the connection is firm and not loose.
Doing that will prevent the connector from coming undone by itself after you’ve installed the battery and reattached the covers.
Step 7: Replace Battery And Front Covers
Finally, slide the battery back into the UPS casing. Then, you can reattach the battery cover and the front cover securely.
Step 8: Test The UPS
After completing the UPS logic reset, you should test the UPS to ensure that it works correctly. Reconnect your UPS to the wall socket and do the same with the devices plugged into your UPS.
Then, power up the unit and check for any signs of errors or problems. More importantly, ensure that the new battery replacement is charging as it should.
Another final step you can take is to run a self-test on your APC UPS. The next section will show you how to do just that.
Read: What Happens When UPS Battery Fails?
How Do I Do A Self-Test On APC UPS?
APC UPS models come with a self-test feature. As the name suggests, the feature will run several tests to ensure that its battery and other electronic components are functioning correctly.
Running the self-test on your APC UPS after a battery replacement has two important benefits. Firstly, it helps the UPS to sense the new battery if it hasn’t done that yet.
Secondly, it’ll confirm to you and the UPS that there are no problems with the new battery.
Here are two methods you can use to trigger the self-test feature depending on your UPS model:
APC UPS Models With LCD Screens
If your APC is one of these models, you’ll have to scroll through its menu and look for “Test ; Diags”. From there, you can select “Self Test” to start the process.
The self-test will begin and will likely take a few moments, assuming there are no problems or other issues.
Legacy APC UPS Models That Don’t Have LCD Screens
Older APC UPS models don’t come with LCD screens. Instead, you’ll find an “I/Test” button on the unit that serves the same purpose.
Once you find the button, press and hold it for several seconds until the UPS switches over to battery mode.
Switching over to battery mode is your prompt to release the button. From that point, the UPS will take over and run the self-test until it completes.
Like what was mentioned above, the self-test will only take a few moments to complete if everything happens smoothly.
Read: Can A UPS Last For 3 Hours?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few more frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand your APC UPS:
Can APC Battery Be Replaced?
Yes, an APC UPS backup battery can be replaced. APC has designed their UPS models so that users can replace the battery backups manually as a DIY task. Of course, you should refer to the user manual and follow all instructions precisely to protect yourself from injury and the UPS from damage.
How Often Should APC Batteries Be Replaced?
APC UPS batteries typically last 3-5 years. Excess wear and damage can shorten the battery lifespan significantly, forcing you to replace it sooner. However, as a rule of thumb, you should replace the APC battery when you notice a significant drop in the battery’s performance.
How Do I Reset My APC Backup Battery?
You can reset an APC backup battery by disconnecting the battery inside then pressing the OFF button for 5 seconds. Of course, you should only do this when the UPS plug is disconnected, and there are no devices drawing power from it.
Why Is My UPS Beeping Continuously?
It’s normal for a UPS to beep occasionally. However, a continuous beep means that the device has failed a self-test, and there’s a problem that requires urgent attention. When you hear a constant beep, shut your UPS down and disconnect it from the wall socket. Be sure to remove devices connected to the UPS, too.
Is APC And Schneider Electric The Same?
Schneider Electric bought APC in 2007 and has owned the company ever since. At that point, yes, APC and Schneider Electric essentially became the same entity. The purchase has resulted in significant improvements in the UPS models sold by APC since then.