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How to perform self-test on Back-UPS products?

Issue: Understanding the operation of the Back‑UPS self‑test and what happens during the test.

Product Line: Back‑UPS/Back-UPS Pro products

Cause: Users may need to test the battery inside the UPS to check battery condition.

Resolution:

By default, Back‑UPS units automatically perform a self‑test each time they are powered on to check battery condition and estimate runtime. During the self‑test, the UPS briefly switches to battery power for about 10 seconds, then returns to normal AC operation. For accurate results, the connected load should be between 10% and 30% of the UPS’s rated capacity, as lighter or heavier loads may lead to inaccurate runtime estimates.

For more details, see Back‑UPS Basic Self‑Test Theory Explained.

DISCLAIMER: If the self‑test is performed incorrectly or if unsupported methods are used, there is a risk of dropping the connected load.

There are two self‑test methods that can be performed while the UPS is powered on without dropping the load:

1. Manual Self-Test

Make sure the Back‑UPS is plugged into a power source and turned on. Press and hold the power button. Keep holding the button until you hear two beeps or see the online LED start blinking, then release the button. This starts the manual self‑test.

Front panel of a Back‑UPS Pro showing the power button highlighted. A red box and arrow indicate pressing and holding the power button to start the self‑test. LCD display showing the self‑test in progress. An arrow points to the screen where the UPS has switched to battery mode and is running diagnostics LCD display showing ONLINE status. The screen indicates the test has completed, and passed it self-test.

Front view of an APC Back‑UPS BVN900M1 with a red box and arrow highlighting the power button. Front panel of APC Easy UPS BX 700VA, 1000VA, 1400VA, 1500VA. Highlighting the ON/OFF button.