I thought I’d come here and ask for some technical help; I got an uninterrupted power supply a few years ago and just now I saw some sparks inside the machine and can smell an odd burnt/burning smell (I saw the sparks because the machine has its back to me).

It’s not showing any kind of special problems (its face has a few lights that can shine up if one of several problems are at play). I’m gonna switch it off and restart it just in case, but thought I’d come here and ask for any tips. I’d rather not try and get a new one as these are heavy and a hassle to move from a new shop to my car, and then to my room.

It’s only got a load of 15% at its highest, and it’s usually fully powered at 100%.

  • KnilAdlez [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
    13·
    1 year ago

    Well, I don’t know a ton about uninterruptable power supplies, but I do know that any device that sparks and smells like it’s burning is probably malfunctioning in some way. I’m willing to bet it has some nasty capacitors in it (along with the battery), so I would avoid disassembling it, because those can discharge with enough amps to kill.

    If it’s still within warranty, contact manufacturer’s customer service. Otherwise, it would probably be best to get a new one.

    • 1024_KibibytesEnglish
      9·
      1 year ago

      I 100% agree! A UPS is supposed to have enough power to keep a computer on, which means some of the components could easily kill a person. If it has sparks or a burnt smell, disconnect the battery and get it somewhere that accepts electronics for recycling.

      I know it’s heavy and a new UPS is expensive, but it’s better than dying or the house burning down.

      • Evilsandwichman [none/use name]@hexbear.netOPEnglish
        5·
        1 year ago

        I told my father about the UPS and he wants to take a look inside; he’s an engineer and says he knows how to remain safe but I’m not sure about that. I’m tempted to just toss it and not bring it up with him again; I can get a new UPS but I can’t get a new father, lol

        • unperson [he/him]@hexbear.netEnglish
          6·
          1 year ago

          Please don’t create electronic and battery waste if you know someone who can take a look.

          It’s not dangerous if you know what you’re doing.

          It’s likely you can at least reclaim the batteries and use them as spares later.

          • Evilsandwichman [none/use name]@hexbear.netOPEnglish
            1·
            1 year ago

            I left it outside for my father to take a look at it; I brought up my concerns with him but he indeed says he knows what he’s doing. He’s going to take the batteries inside it because he suspects most of them are fine, if not all of them.