InfoLeave Your APC UPS On
InfoLeave Your APC UPS On
I have been operating APC UPS systems for more than twenty years. Right now, I own an APC BR1500MS2 bought in May 2025, which was still fully covered by its two-year warranty, and I had registered it with APC at the time of purchase. Throughout those years, I would shut down the UPS each night as the final step before powering off my computer and its accessories. Every morning, I turned it back on, waited for it to stabilize, and then restarted my machine and peripherals.
One Monday morning, the UPS failed completely. It was completely nonfunctional—no lights, no response whatsoever. I verified the wall outlet it was connected to and confirmed it was working. I tested another outlet on a separate circuit, but it didn’t help. I attempted to use a multi-outlet, surge-protected unit, plugged it into the same outlet as the surge protector, and connected all the cords for my computer and peripherals. My desktop came back online.
I reached out to APC UPS support through their online chat service, asking numerous questions. They recommended resetting the unit, which meant unplugging it, disconnecting any devices already connected, and then removing the internal battery. After that, I was instructed to press the "ON" button for five seconds to complete the reset. Then I reversed the process: reinserted the battery, connected the cables, and turned it back on. The UPS started up immediately, just as it always does, and everything was functioning properly.
The Support Tech explained that my issue stemmed from my habit of turning off the UPS. APC’s FAQ (000273708) suggests keeping units plugged in and powered unless you intend to be away for an extended period—a guideline I had never encountered before. In all my computer usage since 1988, I had never received such advice. I’m sharing this experience in the hope it will help others.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Phil
Huh, i had honestly never thought that would be an issue, but i always leave them either always on if theres equipment plugged in, or off if theres nothing plugged in. Ive never had the habit of power cycling it, but it makes sense that the controller can get in a hung state if theres a bad power cycle. Thank you, thats good to know.
Thanks for your message. You're right about the situation with thunderstorms—if they were predicted for the night, I'd keep the computer UPS on to safeguard my devices, assuming it wasn't powered down. I also have two smaller APC UPS units guarding my home theatre gear, which I never switch off. It's good to know my experience helped someone else. Thanks again, and have a great day.
I am not sure what turning a UPS off would really do.
Most UPS, unless you have a fancy dual converting online one, do nothing but pass the city power though almost like a dumb power strip. The UPS just monitors the city power and keeps the batteries charged. Only if the power goes out or maybe the voltage gets too low it will switch over to the battery and generate the electricity.
I even leave one I don't have anything plugged into turned on. It seems if you turn off the UPS it also turns off the battery charging so if you leave it like that for a extended time the batteries drain
Note surge protection on a UPS is no better than a power strip it uses the same type of mosfet protection. The only UPS that really protects you from surges is the dual conversion ones that are extremely expensive. Even those will not stop a lightning strike.
Thank you for your message. I was attempting to lower my electricity costs by turning off the UPS, which is quite high here, especially during winter with electric heating. I wasn’t concerned about the battery discharging because it was always powered on daily.
I’m not an expert on UPS surge protection, but I appreciate the automated shutdown feature in case of a power outage if I’m away.
The power grid in rural Nova Scotia is susceptible to surges, especially before and after outages. I lost a 2008 stove control unit during one such event in 2006. I hope my APC UPS units have safeguarded my computer and home theatre system from these kinds of surges.
Have a great weekend.
Regards,
Phil