Question 1

What is Modbus and How does it work?

Accepted Answer

What is Modbus? Modbus is a serial communication protocol developed by Modicon published by Modicon® in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In simple terms, it is a method used for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices. The device requesting the information is called the Modbus Client and the devices supplying information are Modbus Servers. In a standard Modbus network, there is one Client and up to 247 Servers, each with a unique Server Address from 1 to 247. The Client can also write information to the Servers.The official Modbus specification can be found at https://modbus.org/ What is it used for? Modbus is an open protocol, meaning that it's free for manufacturers to build into their equipment without having to pay royalties. It has become a standard communications protocol in industry, and is now the most commonly available means of connecting industrial electronic devices. It is used widely by many manufacturers throughout many industries. Modbus is typically used to transmit signals from instrumentation and control devices back to a main controller or data gathering system, for example a system that measures temperature and humidity and communicates the results to a computer. Modbus is often used to connect a supervisory computer with a remote terminal unit (RTU) in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Versions of the Modbus protocol exist for serial lines (Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII) and for Ethernet (Modbus TCP). How does it work? Modbus is transmitted over serial lines between devices. The simplest setup would be a single serial cable connecting the serial ports on two devices, a Client and a Server. The data is sent as series of ones and zeroes called bits. Each bit is sent as a voltage. Zeroes are sent as positive voltages and a ones as negative. The bits are sent very quickly. A typical transmission speed is 9600 baud (bits per second). What is hexadecimal? When troubleshooting problems, it can be helpful to see the actual raw data being transmitted. Long strings of ones and zeroes are difficult to read, so the bits are combined and shown in hexadecimal. Each block of 4 bits is represented by one of the sixteen characters from 0 to F. Each block of 8 bits (called a byte) is represented by one of the 256 character pairs from 00 to FF. How is data stored in Standard Modbus? Information is stored in the Server device in four different tables. Two tables store on/off discrete values (coils) and two store numerical values (registers). The coils and registers each have a read-only table and read-write table. Each table has 9999 values. Each coil or contact is 1 bit and assigned a data address between 0000 and 270E. Each register is 1 word = 16 bits = 2 bytes and also has data address between 0000 and 270E. Coil/Register Numbers can be thought of as location names since they do not appear in the actual messages. The Data Addresses are used in the messages. For example, the first Holding Register, number 40001, has the Data Address 0000. The difference between these two values is the offset. Each table has a different offset. 1, 10001, 30001 and 40001. What is the Server ID? Each server in a network is assigned a unique unit address from 1 to 247. When the client requests data, the first byte it sends is the Server address. This way each server knows after the first byte whether or not to ignore the message. What is a function code? The second byte sent by the Client is the Function code. This number tells the server which table to access and whether to read from or write to the table. What is a CRC? CRC stands for Cyclic Redundancy check. It is two bytes added to the end of every modbus message for error detection. Every byte in the message is used to calculate the CRC. The receiving device also calculates the CRC and compares it to the CRC from the sending device. If even one bit in the message is received incorrectly, the CRCs will be different and an error will result. . What are the formats of Modbus commands and responses? What are data types? The example for FC03 shows that register 40108 contains AE41 which converts to the 16 bits 1010 1110 0100 0001 Great! But what does it mean? Well, it could mean a few things. Register 40108 could be defined as any of these 16-bit data types: A 16-bit unsigned integer (a whole number between 0 and 65535) register 40108 contains AE41 = 44,609 (hex to decimal conversion) A 16-bit signed integer (a whole number between -32768 and 32767) AE41 = -20,927 (hex to decimal conversion that wraps, if its over 32767 then subtract 65536) A two character ASCII string (2 typed letters) AE41 = ® A A discrete on/off value (this works the same as 16-bit integers with a value of 0 or 1. The hex data would be 0000 or 0001) Register 40108 could also be combined with40109 to form any of these 32-bit data types: A 32-bit unsigned integer (a number between 0 and 4,294,967,295) 40108,40109 = AE41 5652 = 2,923,517,522 A 32-bit signed integer (a number between -2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647) AE41 5652 = -1,371,449,774 A 32-bit double precision IEEE floating point number. This is a mathematical formula that allows any real number (a number with decimal points) to represented by 32 bits with an accuracy of about seven digits. AE41 5652 = -4.395978 E-11 Here is a spreadsheet IEEE float calculator for inputs of 4 bytes or 2 words. To download a copy, right click and select Save Target As... A four character ASCII string (4 typed letters) AE41 5652 = ® A V R More registers can be combined to form longer ASCII strings. Each register being used to store two ASCII characters (two bytes). What is byte and word ordering? The Modbus specification doesn't define exactly how the data is stored in the registers. Therefore, some manufacturers implemented modbus in their equipment to store and transmit the higher byte first followed by the lower byte. (AE before 41). Alternatively, others store and transmit the lower byte first (41 before AE). Similarly, when registers are combined to represent 32-bit data types, Some devices store the higher 16 bits (high word) in the first register and the remaining low word in the second (AE41 before 5652) while others do the opposite (5652 before AE41) It doesn't matter which order the bytes or words are sent in, as long as the receiving device knows which way to expect it. For example, if the number 29,235,175,522 was to be sent as a 32 bit unsigned integer, it could be arranged any of these four ways. AE41 5652 high byte first high word first 5652 AE41 high byte first low word first 41AE 5256 low byte first high word first 5256 41AE low byte first low word first What is a Modbus Map? A modbus map is simply a list for an individual server device that defines - what the data is (eg. pressure or temperature readings) - where the data is stored (which tables and data addresses) - how the data is stored (data types, byte and word ordering) Some devices are built with a fixed map that is defined by the manufacturer. While other devices allow the operator to configure or program a custom map to fit their needs. What is the difference between Modbus ASCII and Modbus RTU? Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII talk the same protocol. The only difference is that the bytes being transmitted over the wire are presented as binary with RTU and as readable ASCII with Modbus RTU. important to note about RTU is that the RTU message does not have a Start_of_text indication. The receiving party in the communications uses a "silent" time in order to determine the start of a new message. ASCII does have a start-of-text token. Binary messages are shorter than ASCII and therefore theoretically faster to transmit/receive. You may be happy to see update rates of about 100 ms in your HMI/SCADA and could choose either communication.Summary:- use RTU is possible- use ASCII in case RTU is giving timeout problems on WinNT or when using slow communications media like 300 bps or dialup modems Most OPC Servers for Modbus support ASCII as well as RTU communications.. What are extended register addresses? Since the range of the analog output holding registers is 40001 to 49999, it implies that there cannot be more than 9999 registers. Although this is usually enough for most applications, there are cases where more registers would be beneficial. Registers 40001 to 49999 correspond to data addresses 0000 to 270E. If we utilize the remaining data addresses 270F to FFFF, over six times as many registers can be available, 65536 in total. This would correspond to register numbers from 40001 to 105536. Many modbus software drivers (for Client PCs) were written with the 40001 to 49999 limits and cannot access extended registers in server devices. And many server devices do not support maps using the extended registers. But on the other hand, some server devices do support these registers and some Client software can access it, especially if custom software is written. How does 2-byte server addressing work? Since a single byte is normally used to define the server address and each server on a network requires a unique address, the number of server on a network is limited to 256. The limit defined in the modbus specification is even lower at 247. To get beyond this limit, a modification can be made to the protocol to use two bytes for the address. The client and the servers would all be required to support this modification. Two byte addressing extends the limit on the number of servers in a network to 65535. By default, the Simply Modbus software uses 1 byte addressing. When an address greater than 255 is entered, the software automatically switches to 2 byte addressing and stays in this mode for all addresses until the 2 byte addressing is manually turned off. How can you send events and historical data? Enron Modbus includes commands for moving events and historical data.. What is Enron Modbus? Enron Modbus is a modification to the standard Modicon modbus communication protocol developed by Enron Corporation. See Enron Modbus for details.

Question 2

What sets Type 1 and Type 2 Surge Protective Devices (SPD) apart from each other?

Accepted Answer

Issue:What sets Type 1 and Type 2 Surge Protective Devices (SPD) apart from each other?Product Line:TVSS/SPDEnvironment:ApplicationCause:ClarificationResolution:​​​​​​​Type 1 Surge Protective Devices (SPDs): Type 1 SPDs are permanently hard-wired devices intended for installation between the secondary side of the utility service transformer and the line side of the main service equipment’s overcurrent protective device. They may also be installed on the load side of the main service equipment. These devices are designed to protect against external surges, such as those caused by direct lightning strikes or utility switching events, before the surge reaches the main service panel. Type 2 Surge Protective Devices (SPDs): Type 2 SPDs are specifically designed for installation on the load side of the main service equipment’s overcurrent protective device. While they can be located at the service entrance, it is critical that they are installed after the main overcurrent protection. Type 2 SPDs primarily protect against internally generated surges, such as those caused by switching of inductive loads System-Level Protection Strategy: Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs serve complementary roles in a layered surge protection strategy: Type 1 SPDs provide the first line of defense against high-energy surges entering from external sources.Type 2 SPDs offer downstream protection for sensitive equipment and circuits from residual or internally generated surges. Together, they help ensure comprehensive surge protection across the electrical system.

Question 3

How do I upgrade the firmware on an APC Network Management Card (NMC) or NMC embedded device?

Accepted Answer

Issue You wish to upgrade your Network Management Card's (NMC) firmware or have been instructed to.You have a device such as a Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS Ultra, Easy UPS On-Line, Easy UPS 3-Phase, Rack PDU, AV unit, or environmental monitoring unit with an embedded NMC that you wish to upgrade.You had a problem with a previous upgrade attempt and need the instructions in order to correct it.Your device came pre-loaded with the wrong application and you need to load the correct application. Product Line Network Management Card 2 - AP9630, AP9631, AP9635Network Management Card 3 - AP9640, AP9641, AP9643Network Management Card 3 for Easy UPS – AP9544, AP9547Network Management Card 4 – AP9644 Environment All serial numbersAll firmware versions (unless otherwise noted) CauseUsers may wish to upgrade their firmware to take advantage of enhancements, bug fixes, or new features. Also, sometimes a firmware upgrade can be interrupted or unsuccessful and these instructions can be followed to remedy the problem.Typically, these upgrades do not require the device the Network Management Card is installed in to be powered down or cause unnecessary downtime.Lastly, downgrades are not typically recommended but the manual methods can also be used to do those in certain circumstances.NOTE: To upgrade to firmware version 3.0 and higher for NMC3 for Smart-UPS, Easy UPS On-Line, and rPDU, the only supported method is the Secure NMC System (SNS) Tool, which requires a subscription to access the firmware. For more information, see www.se.com/secure-nmcResolutionFind Correct FirmwareWhen upgrading the firmware on your Network Management Card (NMC), you will need to determine which files pertain to your application. Begin by determining what model of NMC you have. AP9630, AP9631, AP9635 - Network Management Card 2AP9641, AP9641, AP9643 - Network Management Card 3AP9544, AP9547 - Network Management Card 3 for Easy UPS The application firmware required depends on what product your NMC is installed in. Some examples include: For NMC2 devices: SUMX for Smart-UPS 1-PhaseSY for Symmetra 1-Phase UPSSY3P for Symmetra 3-Phase UPS For NMC3 devices: SU for Smart-UPS 1-PhaseSY for Symmetra 1-Phase UPSSUCAN for Smart-UPS UltraRPDU2G for rPDU (Rack Power Distribution Unit)SY3P for Symmetra 3-Phase UPS For Easy UPS NMC devices: EU1P for Easy UPS 1-PhaseEU3P for Easy UPS 3-Phase NOTE: These instructions can also be used in devices that have embedded (mini) versions of the above Network Management Cards.NOTE: If you are interested in upgrading multiple devices at a time, refer to knowledge base FA156117 NOTE: If you have an AP9635 installed in a Symmetra PX 250/500, you have a Network Management Card 2 but MUST contact APC Technical Support in order to obtain the correct firmware and special instructions.Download Firmware Navigate to www.apc.com/secure-nmc and click the Software and Firmware tab.Find and download the latest firmware file for your NMC. NOTE: To upgrade to firmware version 3.0.0 and higher for NMC3 for Smart-UPS, Easy UPS On-Line, and rPDU, the only supported method is the Secure NMC System (SNS) Tool, which requires a subscription to access the firmware.Alternatively, visit https://www.apc.com/us/en/download/software-firmware/ and enter your NMC part number (e.g. AP9641), click the Firmware category, and download the latest firmware file. NOTE: Firmware updates of NMC3 or NMC4 for 3-Phase UPS and PDU can only be done by Schneider Electric qualified services representatives. Please contact your local Schneider Electric Service Representative or Schneider Electric Certified Service Partner for details. Update FirmwareThere are different ways that you can upload the firmware for each device. Please choose a method that works best for you. NOTE: For users upgrading (or downgrading) their Network Management Card 2 device from v5.X.X to v6.X.X, please review Knowledge Base article FA167693 to understand several important considerations prior to beginning any of these steps. Secure NMC System (SNS) Tool - Network Management Card 3 (for firmware versions 3.0 and higher)Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1 - Network Management Card 2 and 3 devices with a USB port (AP9631, AP9635, AP9641, AP9643 and RPDU devices (RPDU2G) and Smart-UPS Ultra devices with embedded NMC3 – for firmware versions 2.5 and lower)Firmware Upgrade/Update Utility - Network Management Card 2 and 3 (for NMC3 firmware versions 2.5 and lower)XMODEM - Network Management Card 2 and 3 (for NMC3 firmware versions 2.5 and lower)Manual (FTP prompt) - Network Management Card 2 and 3 (for NMC3 firmware versions 2.5 and lower)Manual - Secure CoPy (SCP) - Network Management Card 2 and 3 (for NMC3 firmware versions 2.5 and lower) Secure NMC System (SNS) Tool - Network Management Card 3 (firmware versions 3.0 and higher) Download the Secure NMC System (SNS) Tool from the APC/Schneider Electric website. As of SNS Tool v4.0, all units can be upgraded using the same program, excluding PDU's in an NPS setup. Part # (SKU) Secure NMC System (SNS) Tool SFNMC3FMTSU Secure NMC System Tool for Smart-UPS SFNMC3SUCAN Secure NMC System Tool for Smart-UPS Ultra SFNMC3RPDU Secure NMC System Tool for PDU SFNMC3FMTEU1PSecure NMC System Tool for Easy UPS On-Line NOTE: There are different versions of the SNS Tool depending on the application you are running on your NMC3. To access the firmware in the SNS Tool, you need a valid Secure NMC subscription. See www.apc.com/secure-nmc for more information. Double-click the self-extracting ZIP file. Add devices to the SNS Tool: To add one at a time: Click Add Devices and enter: the NMC’s IP address/FQDN/hostname the protocol and port to transfer the firmware file. SCP is recommended as it’s more secure than FTP. Note: The selected protocol must also be enabled on the NMC3. the user name and password To add more than one at a time: Open the devices.csv file in the downloaded SNS Tool directory and add the device details. Note: Lines that start with a semi-colon ; will not be processed. Save and close the devices.csv file. In the SNS Tool, click Add Devices. Click Import Device File – this button only appears if data is detected in the devices.csv file. Click Query Devices. Click Query Devices. Click Add Devices. Activate licenses for selected NMCs: Click on NMCs in the Device List and click License Devices. If you have more than 1 NMC in the Device List, use Ctrl+click to multi-select. Enter the Activation ID from the purchased Secure NMC System subscription and click Confirm & Activate. (If you have the SNS Tool installed on another PC and want to check if any of the NMCs are already licensed, you can click Sync License(s) to do so). Update firmware for selected NMCs: Click on NMCs in the Device List and click Update Firmware. If you click Update Firmware without selecting any NMCs from the Device List, the Firmware Management Tool will automatically select all of the NMCs that are eligible to update (Device Status = Ready for update). Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1 – Network Management Card 2* devices with USBNOTE: *If you have an AP9635 installed in a Symmetra PX 250/500, you have a Network Management Card 2 but MUST contact APC Technical Support in order to obtain the correct firmware and special instructions, PRIOR to following the steps below. Failure to do so may result in unexpected operation of your AP9635 Network Management Card 2. NOTE: Some USB flash drives are not compatible with the NMC2 devices. Secondly, the flash drive’s file system must be FAT, FAT16, or FAT32. (NTFS will not work).1. Obtain the latest firmware files from apc.com and extract them to a folder. Please note, USB may not allow for a firmware downgrade. You must use a manual method to accomplish a downgrade.2. Create a folder on your USB flash drive called apcfirm .3. From the latest firmware files that you downloaded, add to the apcfirm folder the binary files for the firmware modules that you would like to upgrade. Some examples of the binary files for the three firmware modules follow: Firmware ModuleBinary File APC Boot Monitor apc_hw05_bootmon_109.bin APC Operating System (AOS) apc_hw05_aos_712.bin Application Module apc_hw05_sumx_712.bin Language Pack* sumx_712_frFrdeDeruRuitItesEs.lpk *Optional language pack upgrades/changes are supported via USB if the device you’re upgrading already has BootMonitor v1.0.8 or higher (BootMonitor performs the upgrading function). NOTE: Not all NMC2 applications support language packs. 4. Use a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad to create a file called upload.rcf. NOTE: (Ensure that file extensions are visible so that your file does not get named upload.rcf.txt. In Windows, this option can be edited in Folder Options->View->Hide extensions for known file types within Control Panel. Make sure that option is unselected.) Add to the file a line for each firmware module that you want to upgrade as shown below (replace “xx” with the version of firmware you will be upgrading to): BM=apc_hw05_bootmon_xx.binAOS=apc_hw05_aos_xx.binAPP=apc_hw05_sumx_xx.binLANG=sumx_xx_frFrdeDeruRuitItesEs.lpk 5. Add the upload.rcf file to the apcfirm folder on the flash drive.6. Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the NMC2.7. Press and release the pinhole Reset button on the NMC2 for the USB upgrade process to begin. (This will only reboot the management interface of the NMC2 and not reboot your device/load.) The NMC2 status LED, located on the RJ-45 Ethernet jack, will begin to blink amber during this procedure and rotate through a few color flashing patterns while transferring the different files. NOTE: If you have an AP9631 or AP9635 removable NMC2 UPS SmartSlot card, you can also remove and re-insert the card into the UPS SmartSlot, effectively rebooting the NMC2 and beginning the USB upgrade process this way.8. Wait for 2-5 minutes for the upgrade to complete. Remove the flash drive from the USB port and check your firmware version. On a Rack PDU specifically, the LCD display will show the firmware version for three seconds and then will resume normal operation, at which time you can also remove the flash drive.Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1 – Network Management Card 3 devices with USB (firmware versions 2.5.0 and lower)This feature is available in bootloader version v1.3.3.1 and higher. Before starting the transfer, make sure the USB drive is formatted in FAT, FAT16 or FAT32. Download the firmware upgrade file.Create a folder named apcfirm on the USB flash drive.Place the .nmc3 file in the apcfirm directory.Use a text editor to create a file named nmc3.rcf. (The file extension must be .rcf, not .txt for example.)In nmc3.rcf, add a line for the firmware package to be upgraded. For example, to upgrade Smart-UPS application version v1.5.0.6, type: NMC3=apc_hw21_su_2-5-0-6.nmc3Place nmc3.rcf in the apcfirm folder on the flash drive.Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your NMCReboot the NMC and wait for the card to reboot fully. Firmware Upgrade/Update Utility – Network Management Card 2 and 3* (NMC3 firmware versions 2.5.0 and lower)If you have a Windows computer, you can use the Firmware Upgrade Utility (NMC2)/Firmware Update Utility (NMC3) to upgrade the firmware.If you have any other type of computer, then you will need to manually upload each firmware file to the Network Management Card. Go to the XMODEM or Manual sections below for additional instructions.NOTE: For any firmware downgrades, which are not typically recommended, you will need to choose a new method. The Wizard will block any downgrades. Unfortunately, loading applications for different devices may also have encounter this block if AOS versions are not the same.NOTE: *If you have an AP9635 installed in a Symmetra PX 250/500, you have a Network Management Card 2 but MUST contact APC Technical Support in order to obtain the correct firmware and special instructions, PRIOR to following the steps below. Failure to do so may result in unexpected operation of your AP9635 Network Management Card 2. Click on the firmware executable once the download is complete. The executable will proceed to unzip firmware files and extract them. You can specify the location where you want the firmware to download to.Once the firmware has been saved, the executable will prompt you for the IP address of the Network Management Card that you want to upgrade.Once you enter the IP address, click enter.You will be prompted for a username and password. This must be the Super User Account or an Administrator account. By default, the Super User username and password is apc. Press enter.If using the NMC2 Firmware Upgrade Utility, seen below, you will be prompted to enter the IP address and username and password. You can enter those and press Upgrade Now. If using the NMC3 Firmware Update Utility, seen below, you will be prompted to enter the IP address and username and password. You can enter those and press Start Update. The firmware executable will then begin the upgrade process. This process may take as long as 5-7 minutes to finish. Once finished, close the executable.Verify that the firmware upgrade was successful. Log into the Web UI and navigate to About -> Network. The updated firmware should be listed on this page. Alternatively, verify via Telnet, SSH, or local console connection on the main page after log in. XMODEM – Network Management Card 2 and 3 (for NMC3 firmware versions 2.5 or lower) Network Management Card 2 (AP9630, AP9631, AP9635)*NOTE: If you have an AP9635 installed in a Symmetra PX 250/500, you have a Network Management Card 2 but MUST contact APC Technical Support in order to obtain the correct firmware and special instructions, PRIOR to following the steps below. Failure to do so may result in unexpected operation of your AP9635 Network Management Card 2.NOTE: If you wish to downgrade from v6.X.X to v5.1.X firmware on NMC2, please make sure you review Knowledge Base Article FA167693 prior.1. Select a serial port at the local computer and disable any service that uses the port.2. Connect the provided serial configuration cable (APC part number 940-0299) to the selected 2.5mm Tip-Ring-Sleeve Console port on the Management Card itself. 3. Run a terminal program such as HyperTerminal, and configure the selected port for 57600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. NOTE: certain terminal emulation programs, such as PuTTy, do not support the XMODEM protocol.4. Press the Reset button on the Management Card or reseat the Network Management Card in the SmartSlot, then immediately start pressing the key repeatedly until the Boot Monitor prompt displays: BM> . Also, once you have entered Boot Monitor mode correctly, the Network Management Card's status LED will flicker amber in color. (BootMonitor mode is required on NMC2 for an XMODEM upgrade in any situation.)5. Type XMODEM, then press ENTER. You will begin to see CCCCC scroll across the screen to indicate the Network Management Card is ready to receive a file.6. From the terminal program’s menu, select XMODEM, then select the binary bootmonitor firmware file to transfer using XMODEM. After the XMODEM transfer is complete, the Boot Monitor prompt returns.NOTE: If the boot monitor module must be updated, a boot monitor module is included in the firmware release. Otherwise, the boot monitor module that is installed on the card is compatible with the firmware update. If there is no included bootmonitor file, upgrade the AOS binary first.7. To install the application module, repeat step 5 and step 6. In step 6, use the application module file name.8. Type reset or press the Reset button to restart the Management Card.If the Management Card is installed in an Expansion Chassis or Triple Expansion Chassis, connect the provided configuration cable (APC part number 940-0299) to the serial port at the Management Card, or connect an RS-232 configuration cable (APC part number 940-0024) to the DB-9 serial port at the expansion chassis.If you connect an RS-232 configuration cable (APC part number 940-0024) to the DB-9 serial port of the expansion chassis, select 115200 bps.Network Management Card 3 (AP9640, AP9641, AP9643)1. Select a serial port at the local computer and disable any service that uses the port.2. To connect to a NMC3, use the provided micro-USB cable (APC part number 960-0603).3. Run a terminal program such as HyperTerminal, and configure the selected port for 57600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. NOTE: Certain terminal emulation programs, such as PuTTy, do not support the XMODEM protocol.4. Press the Reset button on the Management Card or reseat the Network Management Card in the SmartSlot, then immediately start pressing the key repeatedly until the Boot Monitor prompt displays: BM>. Once you have entered Boot Monitor mode correctly, the Network Management Card 3's status LED will be solid orange in color. (Boot Monitor mode is required on NMC3 for an XMODEM upgrade in any situation.)5. Type XMODEM, then press ENTER. You will begin to see CCCCC scroll across the screen to indicate the Network Management Card is ready to receive a file.6. From the terminal program’s menu, select XMODEM and select the .nmc3 file to transfer. After the XMODEM transfer is complete, the Boot Monitor prompt returns.7. Type reset or press the Reset button to restart the Management Card.If the Management Card is installed in an Expansion Chassis or Triple Expansion Chassis, connect the provided configuration cable (APC part number 940-0299) to the serial port at the Management Card, or connect an RS-232 configuration cable (APC part number 940-0024) to the DB-9 serial port at the expansion chassis. If you connect an RS-232 configuration cable (APC part number 940-0024) to the DB-9 serial port of the expansion chassis, select 115200 bps. Manual (via FTP) - Network Management Card 2 and 3* (NMC3 firmware versions 2.5.0 and lower)Network Management Card 2NOTE: If you have an AP9635 installed in a Symmetra PX 250/500, you have a Network Management Card 2 but MUST contact APC Technical Support in order to obtain the correct firmware and special instructions, PRIOR to following the steps below. Failure to do so may result in unexpected operation of your AP9635 Network Management Card 2.1. To perform a firmware flash with this method the Management Card must have been previously configured with a System IP, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway and attached to the network. In addition, FTP Server must be enabled.2. Open an MS-DOS command prompt window on a PC which is connected to the network. Change to the directory which contains the firmware upgrade files. Some example commands which need to be entered are shown in bold in order to change directories. Please note, this is just an example. You may need to enter a full path to a directory which requires different syntax.C:\> cd apcC:\apc> 3. Open an FTP client session.C:\apc> ftp 192.168.1.100 (192.168.1.100 being the IP address of the web card) 4. Log in. This must be the Super User Account or an Administrator account. By default, the Super User username and password is apc. Press enter.Typically, the password will appear on the screen as *** or not at all as you type. Connected to 192.168.1.100220- APC FTP server ready.User (192.168.1.100 :(none)): apc331 User name okay, need password.Password: apc230 User logged in, proceed.ftp> 5. Upgrade the bootmonitor file first. If the boot monitor module must be updated, a boot monitor module is included in the firmware release. Otherwise, the bootmonitor module that is installed on the card is compatible with the firmware update and can be skipped. If there is no included bootmonitor file, or you are using NMC1, upgrade the AOS first. The AOS module is the file with the AOS prefix. ftp> bin (specifies binary transfer mode which is required)200 Command okay.ftp> hash (optional - enables hash mark printing as a way of monitoring file transfer progress)ftp> put aosxx.bin (xx being the version number downloaded) Tip: With Windows Command Prompt in most OS versions, besides Vista, command prompt, you can drag and drop the file onto the command prompt window which will paste the full file path automatically here for you.200 Command okay.150 Opening data connection for aos301.bin###############################################################250 Requested file action okay, completed. Management Card Rebooting....327680 bytes sent in 5.99 seconds (54.70 Kbytes/sec)ftp> 6. Close the FTP client session to allow the card to continue rebooting as your FTP session will be disconnected and need to be re-opened for any further transfers. ftp>byeC:\apc> 7. Wait about 20 - 30 seconds.8. Repeat Steps 3 - 8 again for the application module (sumx for Smart UPS/Matrix, sy for Symmetra, etc). In Step 6, substitute the sumx module file name, in place of the AOS module file name. Or the sy prefix for the Symmetra. NOTE: To upgrade multiple Management Cards using an FTP client or using SCP, write a script which automatically performs the procedure.NOTE: If using MacOSX, the full filepath of the destination folder will need to be included in the "put" command. An example command would read:ftp> put /Users/Admin/Downloads/aosxx.bin /aosxx.binNetwork Management Card 31. To perform a firmware flash with this method the Management Card must have been previously configured with a System IP, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway and attached to the network. In addition, FTP Server must be enabled.2. Open an MS-DOS command prompt window on a PC which is connected to the network. Change to the directory which contains the firmware upgrade files. Some example commands which need to be entered are shown in bold in order to change directories. Please note, this is just an example. You may need to enter a full path to a directory which requires different syntax.C:\> cd apcC:\apc>3. Open an FTP client session.C:\apc> ftp 192.168.1.100 (192.168.1.100 being the IP address of the web card) 4. Log in as Administrator (apc is the default user name and password). 5. Upgrade the firmware:ftp> bin (specifies binary transfer mode which is required)ftp> hash (optional - enables hash mark printing as a way of monitoring file transfer progress)ftp> put apc_hw21_SU_xx.nmc3 (xx being the version number downloaded)6. When FTP confirms the transfer, type quit to close the session. 7. Wait about 20 - 30 seconds. NOTE: To upgrade multiple Management Cards using an FTP client or using SCP, write a script which automatically performs the procedure.Manual (via Secure CoPy) - Network Management Card 2 and 3* (NMC3 firmware versions 2.5.0 and lower)Network Management Card 2NOTE: If you have an AP9635 installed in a Symmetra PX 250/500, you have a Network Management Card 2 but MUST contact APC Technical Support in order to obtain the correct firmware and special instructions, PRIOR to following the steps below. Failure to do so may result in unexpected operation of your AP9635 Network Management Card 2.NOTE: If you wish to downgrade from v6.X.X to v5.1.X firmware on NMC2, please make sure you review Knowledge Base Article FA167693 prior.1. Identify and locate the firmware modules described in the preceding instructions for FTP.2. Use an SCP command line to transfer the AOS firmware module to the Management Card. The following example uses xx to represent the version number of the AOS module: scp apc_hw05_aos_xx.bin apc@158.205.6.185:apc_hw05_aos_xx.bin 3. Use a similar SCP command line, with the name of the application module, to transfer the application firmware module to the Management Card. NOTE: To upgrade multiple Management Cards using an FTP client or using SCP, write a script which automatically performs the procedure. Alternatively, you can use APC's INI utility which is downloadable and explained in Knowledge Base Article FA156117.NOTE: Never remove a Management Card before it completes the reboot cycle. Doing so will damage the Management Card. The reboot cycle is complete when the status LED turns off and after 20 seconds turns solid green or slowly flashing Network Management Card 3Use an SCP command line to transfer the .nmc3 file to the Management Card. The following example uses xx to represent the version number of the application module: scp apc_hw21_SU_xx.nmc3 apc@158.205.6.185:apc_hw21_SU_xx.nmc3 NOTE: To upgrade multiple Management Cards using an FTP client or using SCP, write a script which automatically performs the procedure. Alternatively, you can use APC's INI utility which is downloadable and explained in Knowledge Base article FA156117.NOTE: Never remove a Management Card before it completes the reboot cycle. Doing so will damage the Management Card. The reboot cycle is complete when the status LED turns off and after 20 seconds turns solid green or slowly flashing amber.

Question 4

PowerChute support with USB or Serial communication - Supported APC UPS Models

Accepted Answer

Issue:When manually selecting an APC UPS during PowerChute Serial Shutdown or PowerChute Business Edition installation, multiple categories must be considered.Product Line:PowerChute Serial Shutdown v1.0 and higherPowerChute Business Edition version 9.5 and higherEnvironment:All supported operating systems when connected to Smart-UPS, Easy UPS On-Line, or Back-UPS. NOTE1: Back-UPS model UPSs are only supported with PowerChute Serial Shutdown, which replaces PowerChute Personal Edition and PowerChute Business Edition. NOTE2: Linux operating systems are only supported with Smart-UPS and Easy UPS Online models. Smart-UPS (Type A) connected over USB is not supported on Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 7.x.Back-UPS are not supported with Linux operating systems.See a list of supported UPS below.Cause:To accommodate installation pre-requisites for Easy UPS On-Line, Smart-UPS, or Back-UPS.Resolution:In PowerChute Serial Shutdown v1.0+ or PowerChute Business Edition v9.5+, you are asked to select your UPS from a list of UPSs with model prefixes (e.g., SMT, SMX, SMC, SU, etc.) or run auto-detect of UPS on a Windows OS. We recommend running autodetect when installing PowerChute on a Windows OS.Depending on your UPS model, the model and serial numbers are printed on the barcode label at the back or bottom of the UPS. Some rack-mount Smart-UPS have the barcode label behind the front bezel. All supported Smart-UPS UPS models are categorized into two types: Type A - Smart-UPS and Easy-UPS with prefix (Smart-UPS models) SMT, DLT, SMX, SURTD, SRT, SMTL, SCL, SMC, and SRTL; (Easy-UPS models) SRC2KUXI, SRC3KUXI, and SRC3KUXIX709)Type B - Smart-UPS excluding UPS models with prefix SMT, DLT, SMX, SURTD, SRT, SMTL, SCL, SMC, UX, and SRTL Supported Smart-UPS and Easy-UPS models are Type A UPSType B UPSSMT or DLT SUSMXSUA (including C500J) or DLA SURTDSURTSRTSURTASMTLSCSCLSUMSMCSRV Models: (3kVA & below)SRTLUXSRC models: SRC2KUXISRC3KUXISRC3KUXIX709 Any SRC model, excluding those listed under Type A. NOTE: A Back-UPS model is neither Type-A nor Type-B. In the installer dropdown list, select Back-UPS. PowerChute Serial Shutdown supports all Back-UPS models with a USB communication port. For more information on Smart-UPS models, see https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-range/61915-smartups/?parent-subcategory-id=8020For more information on Easy UPS On-Line models, see https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-range/65668-easy-ups-1-ph-online/?parent-subcategory-id=8020.For more information on Back-UPS models, see https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-subcategory/8010-home-office-electronics/?filter=business-3-critical-power-cooling-and-racks For assistance with the device drivers see Schneider Electric FAQ FA164514

Question 5

How do I update my Smart-UPS firmware using the web interface of my Network Management Card?

Accepted Answer

Issue:Because the Firmware Upgrade Wizard is the most universal and preferred method of updating, we recommend using the APC Firmware Upgrade Wizard whenever possible. The APC Firmware Upgrade Wizard guides you through the update process and provides a consistent update experience. The Firmware Upgrade Wizard is available in FA279197. Not all models are supported by the Firmware upgrade Wizard. Instructions are being provided here for users that are unable use the Firmware Upgrade Wizard or prefer to update their Smart-UPS Firmware using the web interface of an APC Network Management Card (NMC). For those who wish to update their Smart-UPS Firmware using the NMC's command line interface (CLI), see FAQ000242942 . Product Line:Smart-UPS models with the prefixes SCL, SMC, SMT, SMTL, SMX, SRT, SRTL, SRYL, XP, and XU with a SmartSlot or embedded NMC. If the ID of your UPS is not available in the table below, it means there are no firmware updates available for that UPS at this time. Environment: Supported UPS model listed aboveSupported Web browsers: Microsoft® Internet Explorer® (IE) 8.x or higher, with compatibility view turned on; the latest release of Microsoft® Edge®; the latest releases of Mozilla® Firefox® or Google® Chrome®UPS Network Management Card 2 (AP9630, AP9630CH, AP9631, AP9631CH, or embedded NMC2) with SUMX application firmware v6.4.0 or higher UPS Network Management Card 3 (AP9640, AP9641, AP9643, or embedded NMC3) with SU application firmware 1.0 or higherCorrect firmware file for the particular UPS available in the table below Resolution:Follow the steps below to determine your current NMC firmware revision, select the proper UPS firmware file, and update the UPS firmware via the Network Management Card web interface.NOTE: When performing the UPS firmware update using the NMC web interface, while connected to the web interface over Wi-Fi, a different network, or VPN, a file transfer timeout may occur if an HTTPS connection is used. Refer to FAQ000234317 for alternative methods to update the UPS firmware using the NMC. Step 1 - Check if you have a Network Management Card 2 running Smart-UPS / Matrix Application, or a Network Management Card 3 running Smart-UPS Application, and ensure there are no active alarms reported.Network Management Card 2 running Smart-UPS / Matrix Application:Network Management Card 3 running Smart-UPS Application:Step 2 - If using Network Management Card 3, go to Step 3.If using Network Management Card 2: Verify the firmware revision of your Network Management Card. From the NMC web interface choose “About”, then “Network”. The firmware must be v.6.4.0 or higher, but we recommend you always run the latest available NMC firmware. To update the firmware of your Network Management Card, refer to FA156047 . Step 3 - IMPORTANT: For Smart-UPS Ultra models with ID 1226 & 1227, the firmware of the Network Management Card must be updated to version 2.5.4.4 or later before updating the UPS firmware. Refer to FA156047 to update the firmware of the Network Management Card. Note: always download the latest NMC firmware for SUCAN application from se.com: Step 4 – Identify the correct UPS Firmware file.Note: Always update to the latest Network Management Card firmware before updating the UPS firmware. See . See FA156047, FAQ000261841 From the NMC web interface choose “About”, then “UPS”:Identify the "ID" number to select the proper firmware file for your UPS. For example, for a UPS with ID 1025 the proper filename will be SRT1025UPS_15-0.enc Download the appropriate firmware file available in the table below. The "ID" is a unique identifier for the hardware platform of your UPS. You need to use the "ID" number to make sure to select the correct firmware file. A particular UPS model may have different "ID" numbers depending on when it was manufactured, or its current firmware version. Always check the "ID" number of the UPS before starting the update, and ensure you use a firmware file with the compatible ID. If the incorrect file is used, the update will be refused, and will need to be restarted using the correct firmware file. Use the table below to determine the correct firmware file for your UPS: Click here to view details UPSSeriesUPSIDFirmware FileLatest FirmwareVersionReleaseNotesFirmwareUpdate withOutput OnAvailableCrypto-graphycallySignedFirmwareUpdatevia NMCSCL1029SCL1029UPS_15-6.encUPS 15.6YesYesEnabledSCL1048SCL1048UPS_16-6.encUPS 16.6YesYesEnabledSMC1005SMC1005UPS_15-1.encUPS 15.1NoNoConfigurableSMT1015SMT1015UPS_18-0.encUPS 18.0YesYesConfigurableSMT1027SMT1027UPS_18-0.encUPS 18.0YesYesConfigurableSMT1031SMT1031UPS_15-6.encUPS 15.6YesYesConfigurableSMT1039SMT1039UPS_15-5.encUPS 15.5NoYesConfigurableSMT1040SMT1040UPS_15-0.encUPS 15.0NoNoConfigurableSMT1041SMT1041UPS_15-0.encUPS 15.0NoNoDisabledSMT1050SMT1050UPS_16-6.encUPS 16.6YesYesConfigurableSMT1059SMT1059UPS_16-5.encUPS 16.5YesYesConfigurableSMT1060SMT1060UPS_02-0.encUPS 02.0YesYesConfigurableSMT17SMT17UPS_07-1.encUPS 07.1NoNoEnabledSMT18SMT18UPS_15-1.encUPS 15.1NoNoConfigurableSMT20SMT20UPS_15-0.encUPS 15.0NoNo ConfigurableSMTL1026SMTL1026UPS_15-5.encUPS 15.5YesYesConfigurableSMTL1047SMTL1047UPS_16-5.encUPS 16.5YesYesConfigurableSMTL1064SMTL1064UPS_01-8.encUPS 01.8YesYesConfigurableSMX1003SMX1003UPS_15-0.encUPS 15.0NoNoConfigurableSMX1031SMX1031UPS_15-6.encUPS 15.6NoYesConfigurableSMX1050SMX1050UPS_16-6.encUPS 16.6NoYesConfigurableSMX20SMX20UPS_15-0.encUPS 15.0NoNoConfigurableSMX23SMX23UPS_15-0.encUPS 15.0NoNoConfigurableSRT1001*SRT1001UPS_02-9.encUPS 02.9NoNoEnabledSRT1002SRT1002UPS_15-1.encUPS 15.1NoNoDisabledSRT1010SRT1010UPS_15-5.encUPS 15.5NoYesEnabledSRT1013SRT1013UPS_15-1.encUPS 15.1NoNoDisabledSRT1014SRT1014UPS_15-1encUPS 15.1NoNoDisabledSRT1019SRT1019UPS_15-5.encUPS 15.5NoYesEnabledSRT1020SRT1020UPS_15-8.encUPS 15.8NoYesEnabledSRT1021SRT1021UPS_15-6.encUPS 15.6NoYesEnabledSRT1024SRT1024UPS_15-6.encUPS 15.6NoYesEnabledSRT1025SRT1025UPS_15-5.encUPS 15.5NoYesEnabledSRTL1024SRTL1024UPS_15-6.encUPS 15.6NoYesEnabledSRTL1034SRTL1034UPS_10-1.encUPS 10.1YesYesEnabledSRTL1035SRTL1035UPS_10-1.encUPS 10.1YesYesEnabledSRTL1062SRTL1062UPS_10-1.encUPS 10.1YesYesEnabledSRTL1063SRTL1063UPS_10-1.encUPS 10.1YesYesEnabledSRTL1226**SRTL1226UPS_03-8.encUPS 03.8NoYesEnabledSRTL1227**SRTL1227UPS_01-2.encUPS 01.2NoYesEnabledSRYL1225***SRYL1225UPS_18-0.encUPS 18.0NoYesEnabledXP1016XP1016UPS_15-1.encUPS 15.1NoNoEnabledXU1017XU1017UPS_15-7.encUPS 15.7NoYesDisabledXU1025XU1025UPS_15-5.encUPS 15.5NoYesEnabledXU1033XU1033UPS_15-7.encUPS 15.7NoYesDisabled Notes: *For SRT UPS models with ID of 1001, the UPS firmware must be updated twice. First update the UPS firmware using SRT1001UPS_02-9.enc. This will change the UPS ID to 1013. Once the update to UPS 02.9 is completed, perform the firmware update again using SRT1013UPS_15-0.enc** For SRTL UPS models with ID 1226 & 1227, always perform a Logic Reset or "Brain Dead" before initiating the firmware update. Refer to FAQ000269051 for more information.*** For SRTL UPS models with ID 1225, refer to FAQ000261838 for additional update instructions.It is not recommended to perform a firmware downgrade to a lower firmware version.In rare situations, the UPS firmware update may not install automatically after the firmware file was transferred to the UPS. Refer to FAQ000258690 to complete the UPS firmware update.For more information about enabling or disabling firmware updates via the NMC for the UPS models that support this feature, refer to FAQ00024438.Once firmware updates via the NMC have been disabled, attempts to update the UPS firmware using the NMC will be refused:For SRYL (Smart UPS Modular Ultra), if upgrading from 13.2 or greater you may put the UPS into Manual Bypass. See Set the UPS to Manual Bypass Mode section in the Smart UPS Modular Ultra Manual. Step 5 – The majority of UPS models support firmware update with output on. Refer to the above table, and if you have a UPS that supports firmware update with output on, go to Step 6.NOTE: For UPS devices that require the UPS output to be off before initiating the update, ensure that network access is not dependent on the UPS for power, when updating via the Network Management Card.If network access is dependent on the UPS for power, refer to FA279197 for instructions on updating the UPS firmware using the Firmware Upgrade Wizard.If network access is not dependent on the UPS for power, ensure the attached load is correctly shut down before proceeding with turning off the UPS output.To turn off the UPS output, from the NMC web interface choose “Control”, then “UPS”:Step 6 – Navigate to the "Configuration" Menu, select "Firmware Update", then use the "Choose File" button to browse for the correct firmware file downloaded and identified in Step 4.Once the correct Firmware file has been selected, click the “Update UPS” button to apply the update. The below window will open after selecting “Update UPS”Notes: The update may take several minutes. When this window closes, the update is complete. Verify that the new UPS Firmware version is shown using the same procedure shown in Step 3. Note: For Smart UPS Modular Ultra, the update may take more than 20 minutes to complete If the update does not complete, or if any errors are displayed, ensure that the conditions in Step 1 are met. Try updating the UPS firmware with the UPS output turned off. If no alarms are shown, try updating the UPS firmware using the Firmware Upgrade Wizard, which can be found in FA279197. Step 7 - If the UPS output was turned off in Step 5, the UPS output should now be turned back on.From the NMC web interface choose “Control”, then “UPS”“Skip outlet on delays” may be selected if required to restore power immediately.The attached load can now be turned on. For any issues encountered during the update process or any additional questions, please contact APC Tech Support

Question 6

How do I update the firmware of my CSH, SCL, SMC, SMT, SMTL, SMX, SRT, SRTL, SRYL, XP, and XU series Smart-UPS?

Accepted Answer

Issue: Most Smart-UPS products feature user updateable UPS Firmware.This allows for ongoing improvements, feature enhancements, and cybersecurity remediations of Smart-UPS products after deployment.Product line: CSH, SCL, SMC, SMT, SMTL, SMX, SRT, SRTL, SRYL, XP, and XU series Smart-UPSEnvironment:Since we will continually release new products that are supported by the tool, we identify devices that are NOT supported.Devices that do NOT have updateable firmware: UPS Models with the prefixes SRC, SU, SUA, SUM, SURT, SURTA, SURTDSMX750, SMX1000, SMX1500 with ID 11 and firmware UPS 02.x or lower. These units are 120 V devices built prior to date code 1037. Date code is the first 4 numbers in your serial number. (e.g. Serial Number AS1036123456 would not be supported.) Resolution:There are several methods to update the firmware of the UPS:Locally via a Serial connection using the Firmware Upgrade Wizard application. This is the most universal method and should be used whenever possible. CLICK HERE to update using a Serial connection and the Firmware Upgrade Wizard. (RECOMMENDED) Remotely via the web interface of the Network Management Card (NMC): requires a a SmartSlot or Embedded NMC. CLICK HERE to update using the web interface of the Network Management Card Remotely via the command line interface of the Network Management Card (NMC): requires a a SmartSlot or Embedded NMC.CLICK HERE to update using the command line interface of the Network Management Card Remotely via SmartConnect - supported only by EcoStruxure Ready Smart-UPS devices only (UPS Models with the prefixes SCL, SMC, SMT, SMTL, SMX, SRTL models with a "C" suffix; e.g. SMX1500IC, SCL500RMI2UC, SMT1500C, SMX1000C). CLICK HERE to update via Smart-Connect Locally via a USB flash drive - supported by XU1K3LLXXRCC and certain Smart-UPS SRT and SRTL UPS models only. CLICK HERE to update via a USB flash drive The Firmware Upgrade Wizard, Network Management Card, SmartConnect and USB methods may require that the UPS output power is turned off. If the UPS output power must be turned off, ensure that your network access is not dependent on the UPS for power when updating via the Network Management Card or SmartConnect.

Question 7

What are the basic troubleshooting steps for the Back-UPS / Pro and Smart-UPS / Online / Ultra?

Accepted Answer

Issue:What are the basic troubleshooting steps for the Back-UPS / Pro and Smart-UPS / Online / Ultra?Product Line:APC Back-UPS, Back-UPS Pro, Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS Online, Smart-UPS UltraEnvironment: All Serial NumbersCause:During normal operation, you may find your UPS not functioning as expected. This may be due to a malfunction, configuration issue, or the installation environment.Resolution:Please take a look at the list below and click the link for the applicable Basic Troubleshooting FAQ of your UPS model. If your model does not appear in the list below, the issue is not available, or complex UPS problems, please get in touch with the Customer Care Center by clicking on the Green icon (Get Help) on the bottom right of the website. Back-UPS ESBack-UPS ES model BE350G / BE350G-CNBack-UPS ES model BE425M/BE425M-LM, BN450M/BN450M-CABack-UPS ES model BE600M1, BN650M1/BN650M1-CA/BN675M1Back-UPS ES model BE750G / BE750G-CN & BE750G-LMBack-UPS ES model BE850M2, BN900M/BN900M-CABack-UPS BE500G3 / BE700G3 / BE900G3 / BE1050G3Back-UPS ProBack-UPS Pro with Networking BG500Back-UPS RS model BR700GBack-UPS Pro model BX850M, BX1000M, BX1350M and BX1500MBack-UPS RS model BR1000GBack-UPS RS model BR1300G / BR1500GBack-UPS XS model BX1300G / BX1500GBack-UPS Pro BR/BN "MS/MS2/M2/M2-CA" modelsBack UPS Pro Gaming UPS (BGM1500,BGM1500B,BGM2200B-GR/MSX,BGM2200-GR/MSX)Back-UPS ConnectBack-UPS Connect Mobile Battery M12USWH / M12USWH-CABack-UPS Connect model BGE50ML / BGE50ML-CABack-UPS Connect models BGE70/BGE70ABack-UPS Connect model BGE90M / BGE90M-CASmart-UPS (SCL, SMC, SMT, SMX)Smart-UPS SCL500RM1U / SCL500RM1UC / SCL500RM1UNCSmart-UPS SMC1000 / SMC1500Smart-UPS SMC1000-2U / SMC1500-2USmart-UPS SMT750 / SMT1000 / SMT1500Smart-UPS SMT1000RM2U / SMT1500RM2USmart-UPS SMT3000RM2U / SMT3000 / SMT2000RM2U / SMT2000Smart-UPS SMX750 / SMX1000 / SMX1500Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2USmart-UPS SMX2000HV / SMX3000HV Smart-UPS SMX2000LV / SMX3000LVSmart-UPS SMX2000RMHV2U / SMX3000RMHV2USmart-UPS SMX2000RMLV2U / SMX2200RMLV2U / SMX3000RMLV2USmart UPS Online (SRT)Smart-UPS SRT1000-3000 XLA/RMXLA/RMXLA-NCSmart-UPS SRT3KXLT / SRT3KRMXLTSmart-UPS SRT5KXLT / SRT5KRMXLT / SRT6KXLT / SRT6KRMXLT Smart-UPS SRT8KXLT / SRT8KRMXLT / SRT10KXLT / SRT10KRMXLTSmart-UPS Ultra (SRTL)Smart-UPS Ultra SRTL3KRM1UC/SRTL3KRM1UNC/SRTL2K2RM1UC/SRTL2K2RM1UNCSmart-UPS Ultra SRTL5K-10K RM2UT/I/J RM4UT/I/J

Question 8

What is the maximum ambient temperature that a transformer can be installed in?

Accepted Answer

Issue:Ventilation and cooling is an important issue in the installation and operation of transformersProduct Line:LV TransformersEnvironment:Applies to all Low Voltage (LV) Transformers by SquareD/Schneider ElectricCause:Excessive heat is destructive to transformersResolution:The average ambient temperature for a transformer over a 24 hour period should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. For instance, if the transformer ambient temperature was 40 deg. C for 12 hours, then the transformer must not exceed 20 deg. C for the remaining 12 hours to average a 30 deg. ambient temperature.If the average ambient temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the derating factor is 0.4% reduction of VA for every degree Celsius above 30 degrees Celsius per IEEE C57 12.96. The IEEE formula that is used to derive the 0.4% factor is valid only up to an AVERAGE of 50 degrees Celsius. Also, using transformers above their listed ambient temperature can shorten the life of the transformer. Due to the number of other factors involved, such as loading, frequency of use, and humidity, no data exists on how high ambient temperatures affect the life of a transformer.

Question 9

What is DPF ?

Accepted Answer

Displacement Power FactorDisplacement Power Factor is caused by a reactive component in the load.

Question 10

Can a customer call DPSG directly, for Drive and Softstart troubleshooting help?

Accepted Answer

Issue : Drives Product Support Group direct contact number.Product Line : Altivar Drives & Altistart Soft StartsCause : How to contact the support group for drive and soft start.Resolution : Yes. Call our Toll Free number at 1-888-778-2733.Select option 1 to enter an existing case number, or key in your 5-digit Premier Support Contract number. ORSelect option 2 for Technical Support QueueAndSelect option 4 for AC Drives and SoftstartsEmail address is drive.products.support@se.comChat live via chat portal : Live Chat SupportNormal hours are 8am to 8pm EST, Monday to Friday. Emergency support is available outside normal hours for a fee or available to customers with a Premier Support Contract. If this article does not answer your question, check out our FAQ database that has answers to more commonly asked questions: Frequently Asked Questions - Schneider Electric (se.com) If this FAQ did not solve your issue, you can call us at 1-888-778-2733 Option 2 and then 4 or e-mail us at drive.products.support@se.com to create a case with our Technical Support Team. If you are not located in North America, please contact your local Customer Care Center for assistance: Support | Schneider Electric Global (se.com)

Question 11

What is the NEMA enclosure rating of the SPD part number HEPD80/HEPD50?

Accepted Answer

Issue:HEPD80 Enclosure Rating. Product Line:Home Surge Protective Device, Surgelogic Environment:Surgelogic products, United States Cause:Specifications pertaining to enclosure Resolution:The HEPD80 and HEPD50 carries a NEMA 4X enclosure rating, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation.

Question 12

What is the difference between Open and Close transition for Automatic Throwover Applications?

Accepted Answer

Issue: Automatic Throwover. Product Line: Switchgears and Switchboards. Environment: Switchgears and Switchboards. Cause: Define Open and Close Transitions. Resolution: The Automatic Throwover System (ATS) operates when the primary source is shut down, transferring the load to the secondary source. In other words, the ATS disconnects the load from Source 1 and connects it to Source 2, which can be a secondary utility or an emergency generator, ensuring a steady power supply. In a closed transition, there is a brief period when both sources are connected to the load simultaneously, operating in a parallel system. In contrast, during an open transition, both sources cannot be connected at the same time. Switchgears and switchboards usually have ATS functionality, which can be controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Protection Relays.

Question 13

Do we have service entrance barrier kit for NQ main lug panelboard?

Accepted Answer

Issue: Service Entrance application on NQ main lug panelboard Product Line: NQ, NF, I-line Panelboards Answer: NQ panelboard service entrance barrier kit is for main breaker application only not on main lug.

Question 14

What does the term "NEMA Type 1A" refer to?

Accepted Answer

NEMA Standards Publication 250-1997, "Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum)" no longer lists this enclosure type. This enclosure type is commonly accepted to be referring to a NEMA 1 enclosure with a gasketed cover.

Question 15

What is the Nomenclature for Common Relays

Accepted Answer

Issue:User wants to know the abbreviations for common relay types. Resolution: Normally Open (NO) contacts connect the circuit when the relay is activated; the circuit is disconnected when inactive. This type is also called Form A or a make contact.Normally Closed (NC) contacts disconnect the circuit when the relay is activated; the circuit is connected when inactive. This type is also called Form B or a break contact.Change-over (Double-Throw) contacts control two circuits: one NO and one NC contact with a common terminal. This type is called Form C or a transfer contact. It is often “break-before-make.” The opposite, “make-before-break,” is Form D. Other common relay types: SPST (Single Pole Single Throw): Two terminals that can be connected or disconnected. With coil terminals, there are four total. Contact can be NO or NC; abbreviations SPNO and SPNC clarify this.SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw): One common terminal connects to either of two others. With coil terminals, there are five total.DPST (Double Pole Single Throw): Two pairs of terminals, equivalent to two SPST relays operated by one coil. Six terminals total.DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw): Two rows of change-over terminals, equivalent to two SPDT relays operated by one coil. Eight terminals total.4PDT (Four Pole Double Throw)/Quadruple Pole Double Throw (QTDP) : Four rows of change-over terminals, equivalent to four SPDT relays or two DPDT relays operated by one coil. Fourteen terminals total.

Question 16

Insulation Resistance Testing and Humidity

Accepted Answer

Issue:How does humidity affect insulation resistance testing results?Product Line:Circuit BreakersEnvironment:Molded case and insulated case breakersResolution:High humidity can drastically reduce insulation resistance testing results for circuit breakers.Some equipment acceptance testing documents suggest values above 100 mega ohms and normally that is okay however high humidity can drastically reduce the results of the insulation resistance values. Below is a sample of how higher humidity can reduce the IR values, making the 100 mega ohms acceptance testing values invalid.40% humidity: breaker IR value above 500 mega ohms, typical 1 G ohm*75% humidity: breaker IR value around 10 mega ohms*95% humidity: breaker IR value around 4 mega ohms**All values above are functional and conforming. Values derived from test data on Powerpact H frame breakers in a Schneider Electric laboratory.The IEC 60947 standard, section 6.1.3.1 states that IR testing should be done below 50% humidity and states a 1 M ohm minimum IR value for a new breaker.NEMA AB-4 recommends IR values for breakers, less than one mega ohm (1,000,000 ohm) should be investigated. The Schneider Electric field testing and maintenance guide also states the same one mega ohm value, as written below.Severe environmental conditions can reduce the dielectric strength ofmolded case circuit breakers. Check insulation resistance during electricalsystem testing.To check the insulation resistance, perform the following steps:1. De-energize and isolate the circuit breaker.2. Clean the circuit breaker as described earlier.3. Using a megohmmeter with a capacity of 500–1000 Vdc, apply voltagefrom:a. Each phase-to-ground with the circuit breaker on (circuit breakercontacts closed).b. Phase-to-phase with the circuit breaker on (circuit breaker contactsclosed).c. Between each line and load terminal with the circuit breaker off(circuit breaker contacts open).4. Record resistance values. Resistance values of less than one mega ohm(1,000,000 ohm) should be investigated.

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