A UPS is the device that has to work on the one day everything else fails, which is why a UPS with a worn battery or a failed fan is a risk even while it seems fine. Most faults are the ones that come with age: batteries, fans and the charging circuit. Because a UPS contains dangerous voltages, it is also the one category where we ask you not to try anything yourself.
Blue Apple repairs UPS systems and power electronics in Amsterdam. The UPS systems page lists the brands we work with, what typical repairs cost and how to send us a request.
What usually goes wrong with UPS systems and power electronics
- Worn or failed battery. The most common UPS fault. A unit that gives seconds of runtime, beeps a battery alarm or fails a self-test has batteries that have aged, typically after three to five years.
- Fan failure and overheating. A failed fan raises the temperature, triggers alarms and wears out the batteries faster.
- Charging circuit fault. A unit that never charges its batteries, even when they are new.
- Control board or display fault. A display that is dark or wrong, buttons that do not respond, or alarms that cannot be cleared.
- Inverter or output fault. A UPS that is on but gives no output, or switches off under load.
- Alarm or fault-code diagnosis. A fault code is a clue, not a diagnosis, and different codes can have the same cause.
Brands and models we look at
These are the UPS brands we list, and some of the models with their own pages, each with an estimate of what a typical repair costs.
Brands: APC, Eaton, Vertiv, Riello UPS, Socomec, Delta Electronics, CyberPower, Tripp Lite, Huawei, Schneider Electric.
Popular models: APC Smart-UPS SMT1500IC, APC Smart-UPS SRT 3000 VA, Eaton 5P 1550i rack UPS, Eaton 9SX 3000i, CyberPower PR1500LCD, Vertiv Liebert GXT5 3000 VA, Riello Sentinel Dual 3000, Socomec Netys RT 3000.
Repair or replace?
A UPS is often worth repairing, because the unit costs far more than a battery set or a fan, and replacing batteries is normal maintenance. High-voltage work is carried out only by appropriately trained technicians using suitable safety procedures. Do not open a UPS yourself: it can hold dangerous voltages even when unplugged.
Looking after your UPS
- Replace batteries on schedule. Three to five years is normal; do not wait for the alarm.
- Run a self-test now and then. It shows a weak battery before the power fails.
- Keep it cool and ventilated. Heat halves the life of the batteries.
How a repair works at Blue Apple
The prices for these devices are estimates until we have seen them. Send a request with the model and what is wrong, and we tell you what a repair is likely to cost and how to get the device to us. The final price is confirmed in writing after the diagnosis, before any work starts. You can use the custom repair form, or call 020 239 11 93.
Common questions
Can I replace the UPS battery myself?
Some units are made for it and say so in the manual. If you are not sure, do not open it: a UPS can hold dangerous voltages even when unplugged.
Which UPS brands do you look at?
APC, Eaton, Vertiv, Riello, Socomec, Delta, CyberPower, Tripp Lite, Huawei, Schneider Electric and more, on the UPS page.
In short
Batteries, fans, charging circuits, boards and inverters are what fail on a UPS, and the diagnosis tells you which, without you opening it. See the UPS systems page for the models and repairs, or send us a request. You will find us at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam, and you can call 020 239 11 93 with a question first.
