If you have an UPS, you might have been wondering why it makes noise. It’s probably not just the batteries inside, either. There are also some other factors that you should consider, such as the battery backup, the power sensitivity, and self-testing. The best way to determine which of these factors is the most important to you is to read the manual. The following are some common causes and fixes for ups noise.
Battery backups
If you use a battery backup, you’ve probably wondered why it makes noise. Many battery backups have a fan that runs at a higher speed when overheated, which helps to keep internal components cool. But even if battery backups don’t make much noise, you should know what to look for. A loud buzzing noise indicates an overheating problem that needs investigation. Most battery backups will make a buzzing sound while they’re charging a battery, but not enough to disturb your work.
Battery backups are great to have in case of power outages, enabling you to shut down your computer when you’re not near an electrical outlet. But if your backup is making a lot of noise, you’re putting your computer at risk. Certain battery backups have fan backups and will generate an annoying humming sound if power is lost. Fan backups will make a louder humming sound. Rattling noises will usually indicate a faulty component.
Some battery backups produce a clicking sound if they’re using automatic voltage regulation. It’s not a cause for alarm, but it is something to look out for. Other UPS sounds are related to boosting or trimming a battery. What happens next depends on the type of battery backup you’re using. You’ll also want to check whether the UPS has a self-testing feature.
When your UPS is working off battery power, it will start to beep constantly. This beeping usually lasts anywhere from 15 to 45 seconds. Unless you’ve changed the battery or you’ve reset your UPS, it’ll likely make noise again. Fortunately, most UPS models have a mute button on the front panel. When you need to sleep or shut down connected appliances, this option will let you turn off the beeping sound.
Inverters
An inverter may make a noise when running its load. During normal operation, this noise should be hardly noticeable unless it is louder than the ambient noise. The most common cause of noise is electronic interference. Often, the noise may come from a small part of the inverter such as a capacitor. If the noise is louder, however, it means that the inverter is not performing to its capacity. If you notice that your inverter is making a loud noise, it is time to call an electrician to fix it for you.
If you’re experiencing an incessant whine from your inverter, there are several causes. First, you need to check the battery cable. If it’s too short or too large, the inverter will produce a high-pitched sound. Secondly, it may be too old or too overworked. In these cases, you need to change the battery cable. The sound may persist until you change it.
The battery is another common cause. Inverters begin to make noise when their battery capacity falls below 12.7 volts. When the battery is nearing eleven volts, they often start squealing. The battery has only about 5% capacity left before it completely discharges. This is not enough to start a car, and if you’re running the inverter at that level, it’s worth nothing.
Another cause for noise is the inability to run an appliance with a high voltage. In this situation, your inverter may not work at all. It could also be that your car’s electrical system is not up to the task. You can resolve this issue by purchasing a beefier input capacitor. The noise that you hear might be a symptom of a more serious problem. In some cases, it may be indicative of low batteries.
If you suspect that your inverter is causing the noise, it is time to replace the battery. Replace it immediately if you notice the noise persists. Sometimes, the noise is the result of a battery self-test that your inverter conducts every fourteen days. If this does not solve the problem, it’s probably time to contact a repairman. In any case, make sure to call a professional to solve the problem.
Input power sensitivity
The clicking noise you hear from your UPS may be caused by mini surges or spikes of electricity. If the surge protectors are triggered by running appliances, they may click to divert excess power. During times of brownouts or overvoltages, the surge protectors may keep running and diverting excess power until the sags stop. If the clicking sound persists, the problem may be incoming power. To eliminate this sound, you can adjust the input power sensitivity of your UPS.
Self-testing
UPS battery backups usually run quietly for most of their lives. But sometimes, when power is off, they’ll beep for no apparent reason. This can be because the battery is running out of power or needs to be replaced. There are also cases when UPS models keep beeping continuously, either because of a self-test that fails or because the power supply is fluctuating. In any of these cases, you can stop the beeping by understanding why the UPS is beeping.
UPS self-testing involves checking the battery life and the UPS’s main components. Some systems last up to 15 years before they need replacement, but other components fail earlier. Consequently, it’s important to know how long your UPS is expected to last and what maintenance is required. A self-test allows UPS to briefly operate on a battery, but if the test is successful, it returns to normal on-line operation. If it fails, the battery life indicator will illuminate, indicating that the unit needs to be replaced. If self-testing is successful, the UPS will immediately return to normal operation. Otherwise, it will make an alarm and light the replacement battery LED.
