Does anyone buy used UPS's?

[hightech]

I have an APC SmartUPS 700 UPS (http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SU700net) that started to beep telling me that it is overloaded. The funny thing was that I only had a VCR and Rogers box plugged to with with standby mode on. The unit has been working fine until today, and the total drain on this unit is less then 100 watts.

Does anyone know what could be doing this, and if anyone buys these units for parts? It looks in perfect cosmetic shape so i'm sure people can fix and sell this if needed.

I see that www.upsforless.ca says they may be interested. Any other suggestions?

[cba123]

Are you sure it is an overload signal, and not a replace battery problem beep?

You can get new Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries at places like Sayal Electronics for $15-$40 each...depending on the size/shape of the SLA battery. Remove and bring your existing battery to match.

[hightech]

Are you sure it is an overload signal, and not a replace battery problem beep?

You can get new Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries at places like Sayal Electronics for $15-$40 each...depending on the size/shape of the SLA battery. Remove and bring your existing battery to match.

Yes it is the overload signal. The UPS was making a high pitched noise and the light was on and I just unplugged it from the wall and turned it off.

Does Sayal have a return policy on batteries? I don't want to spend $$ if the unit itself is faulty (about 9 years old). I used a volt meter, and the batteries have about 13.4 volts from them. Not sure if this is enough or too low for the UPS to register.

I might pay them a visit tomorrow to see what they say. I hope it's just the battery because the unit has worked perfectly thus far.

[Mark099]

Sounds like your battery is dead if it doesn't remain on for at least a minute or two after unplugging it. Contact APC, their customer support is really good. They should be able to help you determine if your unit will function properly again if you replace the battery.

Also, APC has a trade-in program if you were to purchase to new model. Even if your unit is trashed, it's still worth something in a trade.

[l69norm]

.... I used a volt meter, and the batteries have about 13.4 volts from them. ...

From what I can remember, isn't there 2 X 12 VDC batteries in that UPS wired in series? There should be 24 VDC for the 2 batteries in that case. It's been a few years, and I'm going from memory. Each battery on it's own should have at least 12 VDC.

[matkun]

Does Sayal have a return policy on batteries? I don't want to spend $$ if the unit itself is faulty (about 9 years old). I used a volt meter, and the batteries have about 13.4 volts from them. Not sure if this is enough or too low for the UPS to register.

If it's 9 years old with the original set of batteries, they are definitely dead. These types of batteries only last 3-5 years in normal usage. From looking at the picture of the replacement battery:
http://www.apcmedia.com/resource/images/500/Front_Left/85A26F44-5056-9170-D39CA7DC35D17DD6_pr.jpg

Yes, it is two in series, so should be nominal 24 VDC as l69norm said.

[deep]

9 yrs + 13.4V = too old.

I don't think I've ever had a UPS last more than 6 years for me before the battery died, so you're way ahead of the game :)

[CompWizrd]

APC has a trade-in program where they'll give you money towards a new ups. The price after trade-in will be a good percentage higher than just buying a new UPS at retail pricing.

My Back-UPS 1000VA died thanks to a bad power supply on a computer, and it does the same thing as you're describing.

[JCanton]

Our company has a bunch of dead or dying ones kicking around, just need to find a way to offload them now. A few of them are APC, so perhaps I can go that route. http://**************/img/1856/y08m1110mhmd/2.gif

[hightech]

I just wanted to clarify that the UPS is 9 years old, but the batteries have been replaced before back in 2004.

I went to Sayal and they were nice enough to let me put the new batteries in to test the UPS out and things worked fine.

The 2 batteries cost me about $54 taxes in and now my UPS is back up and running.

Thanks to everyone for recommending me Sayal. It was literally around the corner from me as I was at Pharmacy and Gordon Baker today.

[blainehamilton]

Yeah, the 5 to 6 year rule of thumb with the batteries applies here.

Used UPS's aren't always a bad deal, just don't pay more than 20 to 30 percent of their original value, as the generic battery replacements can get expensive.

I have a Best Power Ferrups 1.4KVa unit I picked up for free from someone a few years ago. Replaced the battery with an aftermarket unit for $70ish, and wired it in with the main breaker panel for the lights/entertianment center in the living room. Last time the power went out, we had lamps and watched a movie before the power came back on a couple of hours later...

[edgedamage]

I just wanted to clarify that the UPS is 9 years old, but the batteries have been replaced before back in 2004.

I went to Sayal and they were nice enough to let me put the new batteries in to test the UPS out and things worked fine.

The 2 batteries cost me about $54 taxes in and now my UPS is back up and running.

Thanks to everyone for recommending me Sayal. It was literally around the corner from me as I was at Pharmacy and Gordon Baker today.

Thanks for reminding me of that place. My UPS needs new batterys in a power cut I get the low battery warning almost instantly. Even though I only have less than half of the max rated wattage running on it.

[hightech]

Thanks for reminding me of that place. My UPS needs new batterys in a power cut I get the low battery warning almost instantly. Even though I only have less than half of the max rated wattage running on it.

Another place that sells batteries reasonably cheap, is www.upsforless.ca . They offer a 1 year warranty, whereas Sayal only gives 3 months on the battery.

[hightech]

I was just checking the old battery and one of them measures 11.65 volts, the other shows 0.74 volts.

Is it possible to just separate one of the batteries and store that in case I need to use it for something?

Any thoughts of using the good battery in another UPS?

Thanks