Cryptic APC UPS error

[mdownes]

I've just installed a new APC SMC1000IC UPS (Smart-UPS 1000) which is an entry-level tower type UPS with 8 ports at the rear. Within 2 hours onsite, it went down, beeping every few seconds and showing the cryptic error message G.02 on the screen. The manual, rather unhelpfully says this relates to "ADConverter". I shut it down, checked everything, restarted it and everything went back to normal. I stuck around for an hour to be sure, but it happened again 4 hours later. So I swapped it out, took it back to the office and set it up again with similar load of non-production gear. All through the weekend, it was rock-solid. The only real difference was a different 230v outlet (obviously) and a different power lead (which was a mistake - I should have taken the other one with me to fully replicate the setup).

I've comprehensively scoured the manual and the web for information on "G.02" error and have drawn a blank. The only thing I can think of is that "ADConverter" might be an AC/DC converter, but that doesn't really help me.

Has anyone seen this error before?

 

[seashore]

The only real difference was a different 230v outlet (obviously) and a different power lead (which was a mistake - I should have taken the other one with me to fully replicate the setup).

You've tried a different power lead and outlet onsite?

 

[mdownes]

You've tried a different power lead and outlet onsite?

Not yet - I was hoping to get some insight into the error before returning it to site.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Have you installed powerchute? That’ll pull a lot more information from the unit that the LCD screen.

 

[mdownes]

Have you installed powerchute? That’ll pull a lot more information from the unit that the LCD screen.

No powerchute, but I did set up smartconnect and it immediately wanted to update the firmware. I went ahead and updated it, but after having done that, found the log was empty.

 

[nlinecomputers]

No powerchute, but I did set up smartconnect and it immediately wanted to update the firmware. I went ahead and updated it, but after having done that, found the log was empty.

The software keeps the log not the ups. It’s gonna have to run until the next time it craps the bed again to get proper data. Smart UPS are not designed to run unmanaged.

 

[Sky-Knight]

APC support is really good, and reasonably quick. Just call them and ask, but from what I see here that's more than likely not a repairable error.

The manual I found says ADConverter is the Analog to Digital Converter. This is involved in the sensors that allow the UPS to monitor the mains. An error on that sensor can be caused by the mains being over or under voltage, but it more than likely means the logic board inside the UPS itself is failing / faulty and in need of replacement.

So again, call APC and ask but I'd be ready to replace the unit.

 

[phaZed]

Do you have a laser printer attached to it?

 

[mdownes]

The software keeps the log not the ups. It’s gonna have to run until the next time it craps the bed again to get proper data. Smart UPS are not designed to run unmanaged.

I might stick a PC in there to capture that

 

[mdownes]

Do you have a laser printer attached to it?

No, it's just a few bits of networking gear and a modest NAS. There's a decent 48 port POE switch, but it's only powering 3 APs at present.

 

[mdownes]

APC support is really good, and reasonably quick. Just call them and ask, but from what I see here that's more than likely not a repairable error.

The manual I found says ADConverter is the Analog to Digital Converter. This is involved in the sensors that allow the UPS to monitor the mains. An error on that sensor can be caused by the mains being over or under voltage, but it more than likely means the logic board inside the UPS itself is failing / faulty and in need of replacement.

So again, call APC and ask but I'd be ready to replace the unit.

I opened a case with them just after posting this - I assumed it might take a few days, hence my post here. But they got back to me in a few hours with a troubleshooting questionnaire to answer. So I'm now waiting on feedback.

Client is a small charity and this is their first UPS. They've never run that much in their 1/2 height cabinet. I would say the 220 VAC supply from the nearby wall may not be above suspicion as it's an old building.... but I don't know how I'd go about testing that.

 

[phaZed]

It'll be interesting to see what they say. I have some APC Back UPS pro 1500's and they don't like my Brother Laser Printer. I assume the high-load startup/heating is too much for them... I can't remember the code but they go nutz with a continuous beeeeeeeep until they are unplugged, shutoff and reset.

 

[Sky-Knight]

I opened a case with them just after posting this - I assumed it might take a few days, hence my post here. But they got back to me in a few hours with a troubleshooting questionnaire to answer. So I'm now waiting on feedback.

Client is a small charity and this is their first UPS. They've never run that much in their 1/2 height cabinet. I would say the 220 VAC supply from the nearby wall may not be above suspicion as it's an old building.... but I don't know how I'd go about testing that.

I would argue that you do not, you have an electrician do that.

 

[Markverhyden]

I'd be looking at possible grounding faults.

 

[Diggs]

It'll be interesting to see what they say. I have some APC Back UPS pro 1500's and they don't like my Brother Laser Printer. I assume the high-load startup/heating is too much for them... I can't remember the code but they go nutz with a continuous beeeeeeeep until they are unplugged, shutoff and reset.

Ouch! I don't run laser printers on UPS. Their heaters drive the UPSs crazy. (Not sure why a laser printer would need uninterruptible power anyways.)

 

[Sky-Knight]

Laser printers have too much load for most crap UPSs, but I have many larger ones that do just fine. You're just not getting away with a $50 crap unit.