Is it normal for UPS fan to work when power switch is set to OFF?

[midoubleraj]

I bought a new MGE NOVA 1100 AVR UPS, and its fan is working even when the power switch is set to OFF.

There are few other issues with it, but this one concerns me the most. Anyone here knows the answer?

 

[LawnBoy]

That's the sign of a good UPS, imho.


"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

 

[midoubleraj]

It's good in the sense that my PC doesn't restart when the AC is out, but AFAIK, good UPS devices use fan only when on battery power. Also, its battery running time is less than advertised, so I don't know if I should return it or not.

 

[LawnBoy]

The ones I have run the fan on a thermostat. If the battery or charging circuit is too hot, the fan will run even with the unit unplugged and switched off. Helps prevent fires...

Battery run time is dependent on how much load you have plugged in.

Then again, a weak battery might need constant charging, keeping the fan running all the time.


"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

 

[midoubleraj]

This is what MGE user manual says: "As soon as the UPS is connected to power, the battery begins charging, whatever the On/Off switch position."

When I connect it to the AC, there is a 3 seconds continuous beep, accompanied with all LEDs lighting up. Manual says that the continuos beep means internal failure, but that lasts only 3 seconds; and not to be forgotten, that damn fan starts working.

If anyone is familiar with MGE NOVA 1100 AVR UPS, please post, since I need to know whether to return the device or not.

 

[Johnthephoneguy]

On startup that is just the system check. Just like when you turn the key on in your car, it lights all the lights momentarily for testing and or verification of the lights.

JohnThePhoneGuy

"If I can't fix it, it's not broke!

 

[midoubleraj]

And what about a fan that works, even though the power switch is in OFF position?

 

[LawnBoy]

Have you given it time to get a full charge? Maybe the fan runs anytime the battery is getting charged.

Batteries heat up during charging, too.


"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

 

[snorkel]

My humble advice - return it and get an APC unit. They're pretty much the industry standard. And the fans don't run unless the UPS is powering equipment via battery power.

 

[LawnBoy]

APC and MGE are now one and the same company.



"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

 

[snorkel]

Yes, but their products are not fully integrated yet, so you can still get what I would term an APC branded UPS vs. an MGE branded UPS. Suggesting the former - like a Smart UPS 1500 or whatever depending upon you VA requirement.

 

[midoubleraj]

Have you given it time to get a full charge? Maybe the fan runs anytime the battery is getting charged.

Of course - they were fully charged before I started this thread.

My humble advice - return it and get an APC unit. They're pretty much the industry standard. And the fans don't run unless the UPS is powering equipment via battery power.

I don't have $$$ for the APC, that's way I opted out for MGE.

 

[snorkel]

Then good luck to you. Contact tech support and ask them if it's normal.

 

[JimInKS]

I don't have any info on your UPS, but if you decide to go with another unit I have been very satisfied with Belkins line of UPS's.

I wouldn't use one of these on a mission critical server, but for your normal PC these have been great.

Can see a list of them here at newegg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2013140072 50001450&bop=And&Order=PRICE