How do I properly install/uninstall my SmartSlot accessory card into my UPS?

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Issue

How do I properly install/uninstall my SmartSlot accessory card into my APC UPS?

Product Line

APC UPS Models - Single and Three Phase including Smart-UPS and Symmetra models

Device UPS Management accessories including but not limited to:
- UPS Network Management Card 1, 2, and 3, and Network Management Card for Easy UPS - AP9617/AP9618/AP9619, AP9630/AP9631/AP9635, AP9640/AP9641/AP9643, AP9544
- Web/SNMP Card - AP9606
- SNMP Card - AP9605
- Interface Expander 1/2 - AP9607/AP9624
- Dry Contacts Relay I/O Card - AP9610/AP9613
- Modbus/JBUS Building Management Card - AP9622
- Environmental Monitoring Card - AP9612TH
- Legacy Communications Card - AP9620

Envrionment

All installation/uninstallation scenarios unless otherwise specified
All serial numbers and firmware versions unless otherwise specified

Cause

The procedure for installing/removing a SmartSlot accessory card typically depends on the connector of the SmartSlot accessory. In most situations, SmartSlot cards can be hot swapped as long as the accessory pins are not all of the same size on either the top and/or bottom of the SmartSlot connector. See below.

Generic reference showing SmartSlot connector with 24V and Ground connectors longer than communication connectors:

NMC Pins

Underside of AP9630 Network Management Card 2

NMC Pins

The two longer pins are the 24V and ground connections. If your SmartSlot accessory looks similar or has two or more pins that are longer than the others, this identifies the SmartSlot accessory as hot swappable.

Reminder: Depending on the accessory, you'll need to look on either the underside or top side of the SmartSlot connector.

Resolution

Verify for your specific accessory whether the pin orientation verifies the SmartSlot accessory is hot swappable. If it is, you can remove and install the SmartSlot card while the UPS unit is in operation.

Accessories manufactured from 1999-present day should be hot swappable. You can verify manufacture date by looking at the accessory's serial number. The first six characters should be referenced. For example, JA0632 - the 06 indicates the build year and the following two digits are the build week, 32. So, this example shows the accessory was manufactured in the 32nd week of the year 2006.

If you're unable to verify the manufacture date, pin orientation, or you suspect there is a problem either with the accessory or SmartSlot for some reason and rather exercise further caution for a particular reason, follow the procedure(s) below to remove/install an accessory depending on your UPS type. This is not required by design though.

Smart-UPS (SU, SUA, SURT models 2200VA and below) - The unit can be completely powered down, commonly referred to as a "braindead."

The full power down procedure is below:

Turn off the equipment that is connected to the UPS
Disconnect the UPS from its AC (input power) source
Press the off button to turn the UPS off. Release.
Press and hold the off button for approximately five seconds to turn off the DC (battery) power. You may hear the unit click and flash its front LCD.
It is now safe to remove or install a SmartSlot accessory card and then plug the UPS back in and turn it on.

Next Generation Smart-UPS (SMX/SMT) - The unit can be completely powered down, commonly referred to as a "braindead."

The full power down procedure is below:

Turn off the equipment that is connected to the UPS
Disconnect the UPS from its AC (input power) source
Turn off the output on the UPS either via the LCD or using the Power button (refer to your user's guide.)
Remove the internal and external battery connections from the UPS for 20 seconds.
It is now safe to remove or install a SmartSlot accessory card, reinstall the battery connections, and then plug the UPS back in and turn it on.

Smart-UPS RT (SURT, SRT models 3000VA and above), Matrix-UPS - The unit can be put into bypass mode.

The bypass procedure is below:

On the Smart-UPS RT, there is a small bypass flip switch on the back of the unit. (3000VA and higher, else refer to Smart-UPS SUA instructions)
On the Matrix, you must loosen the black thumbscrew on the back side of the unit.

All Symmetra 1 & 3 phase, Smart UPS VT, Galaxy 3500, and other 3 phase product lines - There is no special procedure available or required due to the design of the UPS.