Best Power Fortress LI520 User manual

The Answer in Power Protection
Fortress®
Uninterruptible Power System
User
Guide
Advanced Power
Management
for enterprise
network
computing

1
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................2
1. Getting to Know Your Fortress.............................................................................4
2. Startup.....................................................................................................................6
3. Lights and Display..................................................................................................9
3A. Lights..............................................................................................................9
3B. Display..........................................................................................................11
4. Using the Keys......................................................................................................12
4A. What the Keys Do........................................................................................12
4B. Displaying the Input Voltage and Battery Charge Bar Graphs....................12
5. Communicating with Fortress.............................................................................14
5A. CheckUPS Software.....................................................................................14
5B. Communication Modes.................................................................................14
5C. RS232 Communication Mode......................................................................15
5D. Extended Signal Communication Mode......................................................16
5E. Remote Shutdown.........................................................................................16
6. Alarms....................................................................................................................17
6A. Silencing Alarms..........................................................................................17
6B. Reacting to Alarms.......................................................................................17
6C. Alarm Table..................................................................................................18
7. Troubleshooting....................................................................................................20
7A. Customer Support.........................................................................................20
7B. Troubleshooting Table..................................................................................20
7C. Replacing the Fuse.......................................................................................22
7D. Replacing the Batteries.................................................................................22
7E. Changing the Fortress’ Sensitivity to Power Problems................................25
7F. Changing the Fortress’ Baud Rate................................................................27
8. About Your Fortress.............................................................................................27
8A. General Specifications..................................................................................27
8B. 100-volt and 120-volt Specifications...........................................................28
8C. 220/230/240-volt Specifications...................................................................29
8D. Runtime Table..............................................................................................29
9. Warranty...............................................................................................................30
Index...........................................................................................................................33
Best Power makes no claim on trade names of application products mentioned in this
publication. Best Power’s trademark ownership extends to its own products only.Best
Power reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
Listed models available:
FSS-0387A
© 1996-1997 Best Power. All rights reserved.

2
Introduction
Fortress provides complete, no-break power protection, including protection against brownouts,
high voltage, and surges. During a power outage, Fortress provides power from its battery.
Fortress uses its lights, two-digit display, and Morse Code alarms to keep you informed of the
UPS status.
If you have a question or problem, please call the nearest Best Power office. (See the list
on the next page.) You can also get more product information by visiting Best Power’s World
Wide Web site at http://www.bestpower.com.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR UPS.
The installation and use of this product must comply with all national, federal, state, municipal,
or local codes that apply. If you need help, please call the nearest Best Power office.
CAUTION
Whenever the UPS is on, there may be dangerous voltage present at the UPS outlets. This is
true because the UPS battery supplies power even if the UPS is not plugged into the wall
outlet. All UPS units contain dangerous voltages. Before maintenance, repair, or shipment,
all connections must be removed; the UPS must be completely switched off and unplugged
or disconnected. The power supply cord is intended to serve as the AC disconnect. The out-
let must be near the equipment and easily
accessible.
In UPS models with an input plug, the UPS ground (earth) conductor carries the leakage
current from the loads in addition to any leakage current the UPS generates. This UPS
generates no more than 0.4 mA of leakage current. To limit the total leakage to 3.5 mA, the
load leakage current must be limited to 3.1 mA. If you do not know the load leakage
current, replace the UPS power cord with a cord that uses a locking plug with a minimum
rating of 10 A (such as IEC 309). If you do not have a matching receptacle, consult an
electrician to install the proper receptacle. The three-wire receptacle that you plug the UPS
into must have a good (low-impedance) ground (protective earth) connection to provide a
safe path for leakage current.

3
North America
Best Power
P.O. Box 280
Necedah, WI 54646 U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone]
Toll-Free: 1-800-356-5794 (U.S.A. and Canada)
FAX: [phone] (U.S. and Canada)
International FAX: [phone]
Worldwide Service
P.O. Box 11
Necedah, Wisconsin 54646 U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone] (U.S.A. and Canada)
or 1-608-565-2100
Latin America
Best Power Technology Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Golfo de Riga, 34
Colonia Tacuba
Mexico D.F. 11410
MEXICO
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Asia
Best Power Technology Pte. Ltd.
30 Prinsep St. #07-00
LKN Prinsep House
SINGAPORE 188647
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Australia
Sola Australia Ltd.
13 Healey Road
Dandenong Victoria 3175
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Europe
Best Power Technology Limited
BEST House
Wykeham Industrial Estate
Moorside Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 7RX
ENGLAND
Telephone: [phone]
Toll-free: 0800 378444
FAX: [phone]
Best Power Technology GmbH
Am Weichselgarten 23
D-91058 Erlangen
GERMANY
Telephone: +(49)9131/77700
Toll-Free: 0130/84/7712 (in Germany)
FAX: +(49)9131/7770-444
Borri Elettronica Industriale Srl
Via dei Lavoratori, 124
20092 CINISELLO BALSAMO (Mi)
Milan, ITALY
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Best Power Technology AG
Limmatstrasse 12
8957 Spreitenbach
SWITZERLAND
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Best Power Technology sarl (PARIS)
Zone de Fret 5-SOGARIS
14 Rue de la Belle Borne
B.P. 10673/Tremblay en France
95725 ROISSY CDG CEDEX, FRANCE
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

4
1. Getting to Know Your Fortress
Make sure you have the following:
GFortress UPS
GFor all models except 220/230/240-volt IEC* models, UPS Power Cord
GFor IEC* models, Equipment Cord and Plug
GCheckUPS® Software Package and Interface Cable
* The drawings on the next page will help you identify your model.
If the UPS has been damaged during shipping, call your vendor immediately. If you plan to store
the UPS, follow these guidelines:
•Charge the batteries right away.
When you first unpack the UPS, plug it in and press to start the UPS. (As it starts, the
display will show “On.”) Leave the UPS on for 24 hours to charge the batteries completely.
Shut down the UPS by pressing and holding the key; then, unplug the UPS and store it.
•Check the temperature.
Store the UPS between 0° and 40° Celsius (32° and 104° Fahrenheit). If you store the UPS
above 25° Celsius (77° Fahrenheit), battery life will be shorter.
•Recharge the batteries.
Every six months, charge the batteries again. If you store the UPS at temperatures above 25°
Celsius (77° Fahrenheit), charge the batteries more often.
Model Number
Display
On/Off Key and Line Light
Battery Light
Alarm Light
Scroll Key

5
Back View of LI 520 and 720 Models
100-volt and 120-volt Models 220/230/240-volt 220/230/240-volt
IEC Models Australian Models
1 = Outlets 2 = Fuse Drawer
3 = Inlet (Connect Power Cord Here) 4 = DB9 Communication Port
5 = DIP switches 6 = Site Wiring Fault Light (120-volt Models
Only)
Back View of LI 1020 and 1420 Models
100-volt and 120-volt Models 220/230/240-volt 220/230/240-volt
IEC Models Australian Models
1 = Outlets 2 = Fuse Drawer
3 = Inlet (Connect Power Cord Here) 4 = DB9 Communication Port
5 = DIP switches 6 = Site Wiring Fault Light (120-volt Models
Only)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
1
2
34
5
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
1
2
1
11
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
2
34
5
34
56

6
2. Startup
1Place the UPS near the equipment it will protect. Do not put the UPS near a source of heat. Do not block the UPS’
ventilation holes.
2See page 5 to decide whether your UPS is a 100-volt or 120-volt model, a 220/230/240- volt IEC model, or a 220/230/240-volt Australianmodel.
All models exceptIEC models:Plug
the cord that came with your UPS into
the UPS as shown. Then, plug the UPS
into your wall outlet. (Note for 120-volt
models: if the “Site Wiring Fault” light
shown is on, see Section 3A.)
IEC Models:
I) The computer (or other equipment)
that you want to protect should have a
power cord that you can disconnect or
“unplug” as shown. Disconnect this cord
so you can use it for the UPS. If the cord
is permanently attached to the equipment
you want to protect, order a UPS power
cord from Best Power or buy a cord that
will plug into the UPS’ IEC 320 inlet
and your wall outlet. II) Plug the cord
into the UPS as shown.
3Now, press the key to start the UPS. The display should show “On,” then the percent of the UPS’ power that is being used. (This
may show a small number now.) The green light (on the key) should
be on. If the red Alarm light is on and the display shows a two-letter
alarm message, go to the alarm section on page 17; if there is
another problem, go to the troubleshooting section on page 20.(If
you need to shut the UPS off, press and hold the key.)
III
CAUTION
The UPS outlets now have power.
7

7
4The battery charges automatically whenever the green light is on. To make sure the UPS’ batteries can supply power, let the
batteries charge for at least 10 hours, especially if you have stored
the UPS. To check the battery charge, see Section 4B.
5To protect your equipment, turn it off and plug it into the outlets on the back of the UPS.
IEC models only: You received a cord you can use to connect
your equipment to the UPS. If you cannot connect this cord to
the equipment you want to protect, an electrician can wire the
plug you received to the equipment’s power cord.
6Switch on the equipment plugged into the UPS, one at a time. If the display shows “OL” and the Alarm light comes on, your
equipment needs more power than the UPS can supply. Turn off
the UPS (if it has not shut itself down) and disconnect the least
important equipment. Then, restart the UPS. If the display still
shows “OL,” turn off more equipment until the alarm stops and
the display shows the percent load (99 or below).
7The UPS includes a CheckUPS software package that monitors power conditions; during a long power outage, CheckUPS
automatically shuts down a computer system connected to your
UPS just before the UPS runs out of battery time. CheckUPS
also provides basic UPS monitoring and control. Find the
interface cable that came with the software package. Plug the
end of the cable marked “UPS” into the port on the back of the
UPS as shown, and tighten the screws on the top and bottom of
the port. Then, connect the other end of the cable to the
computer system that the UPS is protecting.
71

8
8If the UPS will protect a computer that uses Windows 95,shut the computer down and insert the CheckUPS CD. Then, restart the computer. Follow the instructions that came
with your CheckUPS software package to get started; then, use the online instructions to
install CheckUPS.
If the UPS will protect a computer that is NOT using Windows 95,start the
computer system. Follow the instructions in the CheckUPS software package to load and
start CheckUPS. Once you have done this, you can use the online instructions to learn to
use CheckUPS.
9Remember to fill out the Warranty registration card and return it to Best Power. This card registers your warranty and helps Best Power provide better service.
You have finished starting the UPS. To learn more about the UPS front panel lights and
keys, please read on.
Protecting Telephone and Data Lines
To protect telephone or data lines, you can use a Best Power SpikeFree surge suppressor. SpikeFree
MAXmodules connect to the TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppression) ground terminal on the
back of the Fortress. This provides a common ground for the power lines and your data or
telephone lines. This connection is the key to the best surge protection from your SpikeFree MAX
modules. If you would like to order a SpikeFree, please call the nearest Best Power office for
information on the modules that are available for your equipment.
Note:If your SpikeFree modules are already connected to a SpikeFree Base, you do not need to
connect them to the Fortress TVSS ground. The Base unit provides the grounding the
modules need.
To connect the SpikeFree module to your Fortress, follow these steps:
1. Packed with your SpikeFree module, you will find a kit with the following parts:
• a metal clip • a wire with a ring connector on each end
• two Phillips screws • a star washer
• a nut • a brass bushing
You will notbe using the larger Phillips screw and the brass
bushing.
2. Figure 1 shows how you will connect the smaller screw and the wire,
washer, and nut to the metal clip. Start by sliding the smallerPhillips
screw into the clip, and let the bottom of the screw fall through the hole
in the clip. The screw head should rest inside the clip as shown in
Figure 1.
Phillips
Screwdriver
Metal Clip
Ring
Connector Star
Washer
Nut
Screw
Figure 1

9
3. Now, use a Phillips screwdriver to pry the clip open as shown in
Figure 1. Insert the screwdriver into the screw head.
4. Next, find the wire with ring connectors on each end. Attach one ring
connector to the screw as shown in Figure 1. Place the washer on the
screw under the ring connector, and use the nut to fasten the
connection. Remove the Phillips screwdriver from the clip.
5. Now, turn your SpikeFree module upside-down. Notice that there are
two slots in the bottom of the surge protector — one on the side of the
protector that curves in, and the other on the side that curves out. See
Figure 2. Insert the metal clip into the slot on the side of the module
that curves out. (Using this slot will make the clip easier to remove
later.)
Note: If you have two or more SpikeFree modules connected
together, attach the metal clip to the end module as shown
in Figure 3.
6. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove
the ground screw from the back of the
Fortress. (See Figure 4 to find the
ground screw.)
7. Place the ring connector on the ground
screw and reattach the screw to the
Fortress as shown.
3. Lights and Display
Fortress uses its lights and its display to let you know what it is doing. As you use the UPS, the
lights and display may change. This section shows you how to understand the UPS front panel.
3A. Lights
The UPS has three lights on the front panel: the green light, the yellow light, and the red
light. 120-volt models also have a small red Site Wiring Fault light above the DIP switches
on the back panel. The paragraphs below explain what each light means.
Figure 2
Figure 3
TVSS Ground
Connection
TVSS Ground
Connection
LI 1020 and 1420
LI 520 and 720
Figure 4

10
When this light is on (steady, not blinking),the UPS is using the utility power it
receives when you plug it in. The UPS conditions this power and protects your
equipment from power problems. The display shows the percent of the UPS’ power
that your equipment is using.
If the green light is blinking while the yellow light is on,utility power is available, but the UPS is
not using it because of high or low voltage or other power problems. If the input power problem
continues, the UPS will continue to run on battery power until it uses up its battery backup time.
To adjust the UPS’ sensitivity to utility power problems, see Section 7E.
When this light is on (steady, not blinking),the UPS is using its batteries to
provide power to your equipment. This happens during a power outage or when there
is a severe problem in the power your UPS is receiving. The display flashes the
number of minutes the UPS can provide battery power (backup time or runtime), and
the UPS beeps regularly.
If this light is on while the green light is blinking,the UPS is running on battery power because
of a problem in the input power, not because of a power outage. The UPS must run on battery
power to provide the best power to your equipment. To adjust the UPS’ sensitivity to these power
problems, see Section 7E.
When this light is blinking,the UPS is performing a battery test to make sure it can provide
enough backup time. The UPS does the battery test automatically every 30 days; you can also
start a test by pressing and holding the key. (See Section 4A.)
When this light is on or flashing,the UPS is warning you that something is wrong.
The UPS helps you identify the source of the problem in two ways:
1) by flashing a two-letter alarm message, and
2) by sounding the Morse Code for an alarm letter.
The Alarm section on page 17 will help you identify the alarm using either the alarm message or
the Morse Code. To silence the alarm, press and hold . The display will show “Sh” briefly, and
the red light will be steady (not blinking or flashing).
120-volt models have a light on the back panel in the lower right corner.
If this light is on, the outlet the UPS is plugged into needs repair. Plug
the UPS into another outlet and call an electrician to repair the faulty
outlet.
4
3
2
1
Site Wiring
Fault Light

If the green light is on,the display is showing the percent of the UPS’ power your
equipment is using. If your equipment requires more than 100% of the power your model
can provide, the UPS will sound an Overload alarm. (See Section 6C.)
If the yellow light is on,the display is showing the estimated battery backup time left
— in other words, the number of minutes the UPS can continue running on battery power
until it shuts down.
The UPS shows this display when you have shut it down using the offor shutdown
command. You can send this command if you have connected a computer to the UPS’
RS232 port and if the UPS is in RS232 mode. For more information, call Best Power for
document FTS 502.
The UPS displays “bt” when you have started a battery test by pressing and holding the
key. (See Section 4A.)This test determines whether the UPS is ready to run on battery
power. If the UPS fails the test, it sounds an “rb” (replace battery) alarm; see Section 6C.
Once the test starts, you can cancel it by pressing and holding the key; the display will
show “tc” for “test cancel.”
Some alarms cause the UPS to shut down; the UPS also shuts down when you use the offor
shutdowncommands. (See the - - display above.) Once the UPS has shut down, you can
restart it using the key on the front panel. However, if utility power is not available from
the outlet the UPS is plugged into, the UPS will not restart, and it will show this display.
The UPS displays “OF” briefly when you turn the unit off.
The UPS displays “On” briefly when you turn the unit on.
When you silence an alarm, the UPS displays “Sh” briefly. You can silence an alarm by
pressing the key. Once you silence the alarm, the red light will be steady instead of
flashing.
The UPS shows this display when you cancel a battery test. See the “bt” display above.
Normally, you can start a battery test by pressing and holding the key. If the UPS cannot
do this test because the battery power is low, the display will show “t?.”
“Un” stands for “unsilence.” When you silence an alarm, the UPS shows the “Sh” display
shown above. If you want to hear the alarm again, you can press the key; the UPS will
sound the alarm and show “Un” briefly on the display.
71
L?
OF
15
--
11
3B. Display
The UPS uses the two-character display above the lights to show you the unit’s status.If the red
light is on, the UPS flashes a two-letter alarm message. Press the key to silence the alarm;
then, find the alarm message in Section 6C to identify the alarm.If the display shows a “b” or
“U” (V) with a line after it, the display is showing a bar graph of the battery charge or input volt-
age. See Section 4C to display and interpret the bar graphs. The table below explains the other
displays you may see on the front panel.

12
4. Using the Keys
4A. What the Keys Do
On/Off Key:
Pressing this key turns the UPS on or off. When you turn the unit off, you
must hold the key briefly; the display will show “OF” before the unit shuts
down.
If the UPS shuts itself down because of an alarm, or if you shut the UPS down using a
command or DB9 contact, you can press this key to restart the UPS. Utility power must be
available at the outlet the UPS is plugged into before the UPS can restart.(See Sections
5C and 5D for information on contacts. For information on sending commands from a
terminal or computer, call Best Power.)
Scroll Key (Silence, Display, and Test):
Pressing this key brieflydisplays the input voltage bar graph. (See Section
4B.) Pressing the key once more displays the battery charge bar graph.
Pressing the key briefly one more time switches the UPS back to the normal
display.
If the UPS is sounding an alarm, pressing and holdingthis key silences the Morse Code
alarm. The display shows “Sh” when you do this. If you need to hear the alarm again, press
this key again; the display will show “Un” for “unsilence.”
If the UPS is not sounding an alarm, pressing and holdingthis key starts a system test; the
display will show “bt” briefly for “battery test.” The test determines whether the UPS is
ready to run on battery power. (The UPS does this test automatically every 30 days.) If the
UPS fails the test, it sounds an “rb” alarm. (See Section 6C.) Once the test starts, you can
cancel it by pressing and holding this key; the display will show “tc” for “test cancel.” If
the UPS cannot do the battery test because battery power is low, the display will show
“t?.”
4B. Displaying the Input Voltage and Battery Charge Bar
Graphs
Displaying the Input Voltage Bar Graph:
The input voltage bar graph shows you whether the voltage coming into the UPS
is normal, high, or low. This information can help you (or a technician) identify
problems in your input power.

13
To display this bar graph, press once. This display shows a “V” on the left and a line on the
right. The line on the right is a bar graph that shows the level of the voltage available at your
wall outlet and how the UPS is using this voltage. Here is what the graph means:
The input voltage is too low, so the UPS is boosting the voltage before providing
output to your equipment.
The input voltage is normal. The UPS is conditioning the power from your input
voltage before providing output to your equipment.
The input voltage is too high, so the UPS is in “buck” mode. In this mode, the UPS
reduces the voltage before providing output to your equipment.
To switch back to the normal display, press briefly twice. The first time you press this key,
the display will change to the Battery Charge bar graph. The second time you press the key, the
UPS will switch back to the normal display.
Displaying the Battery Charge Bar Graph:
The Battery Charge bar graph shows you how much the batteries are charged. To display this bar
graph, press to display the input voltage bar graph first; then, press once more to display the
battery charge bar graph. This display shows a “b” on the left and a line on the right. The line on
the right shows the battery charge. Here is what the graph means:
The battery charge is very low. If there is a power outage, the UPS will only run on
battery power for a short time before shutting down. If the UPS is receiving input
voltage from the wall outlet, it is charging its batteries.
The batteries are partly charged. If there is a power outage, the UPS can operate on
battery power for a short time. If the UPS is receiving input voltage from the wall
outlet, it is charging its batteries.
The batteries are fully charged (or close to being fully charged). If there is a power
outage, the UPS should be able to provide the full battery backup time (runtime) for the
equipment it is protecting. If the UPS is receiving input voltage from the wall outlet, it
is keeping the batteries charged.
To change back to the normal display, press the key briefly.
Note: When the UPS switches from battery power operation to normal (AC line) operation, the
battery charge bar graph may not be accurate for a few seconds. The UPS will
correct the graph after a few seconds.

14
5. Communicating with Fortress
5A. CheckUPS Software
Your Fortress includes an interface cable and a CheckUPS software package for easy communication
and power monitoring. See the instructions that came with your software package to install
CheckUPS software and start the online instructions.
CheckUPS monitors power conditions and lets you display them on your computer screen. When
there is a long power outage and the UPS is running out of battery time, CheckUPS will ask the
users on your system to log out. Then, CheckUPS will do an orderly shutdown of the system
before the UPS shuts down. See the online CheckUPS manual for more information. CheckUPS
also lets you monitor power problems and display information about the UPS. The CheckUPS
CDROM Suite you received supports Novell NetWare, Windows (3.x, 95, and NT), UNIX and
compatible systems, OS/2, and DOS. For the latest information on CheckUPS or automatic shut-
down kits, call 1-800-356-5794 (U.S. and Canada), 1-608-565-7200, or the nearest Best Power
office.
Even if you are not using CheckUPS, you can communicate with the UPS using a dumb terminal
or a terminal emulation program (such as CROSSTALK® or ProComm™); see Sections 5B and
5C. (Windows® includes a terminal program; see the icon labeled “Terminal.”)
5B. Communication Modes
The UPS has two communication modes:
RS232 Communication Mode
Your UPS is set to this mode when you receive it. This is the communication mode used
by CheckUPS software; see Section 5A. If you decide not to use CheckUPS, you can use
this mode to issue commands to the UPS and to display UPS settings and power
conditions. See Section 5C for pin information; if you would like more information on
two-way communication, commands, and UPS settings, call Best Power to request
document FTS 502.
Extended Signal Mode
In this mode, additional signal contacts are available for Remote Shutdown and On Battery
Status. You may decide to use this mode if you have your own UPS
monitoring software and you do not plan to use CheckUPS. Two-way
communication is not possible in this mode — you cannot send commands or
display or change parameters. See Section 5D.

15
Changing Communication Modes
1. Find the DIP switches on the back of the UPS (see the drawings
below); then, find DIP switch 4 (see the drawing to the right).
2. Use a nonmetal object such as a toothpick to move DIP switch 4
from one side to the other; if the UPS is on, it will beep. Make sure
you do not accidentally change the position of another DIP switch.
LI 1020 and 1420
LI 520 and 720
5C. RS232 Communication Mode
When the UPS is in the RS232 communication mode, the pins at the DB9 communication port
perform these functions:
Pin 1: RS232 Receive Data. Receives incoming RS232 communication data.
Pin 2: RS232 Transmit Data. Sends outgoing RS232 communication data.
Pin 3: Normally Open On Battery Contact. A normally open contact that closes 15 seconds
after the UPS switches to battery power.
Pin 4: Common. The signal ground for all signal pins.
Pin 5: Normally Open Low Battery Alarm Contact. A normally open contact
that closes during a Low Battery, Near Low Battery, or Low Runtime
alarm. This tells CheckUPS and other shutdown software when to start a
computer shutdown. (You can enable this contact for other alarms; for
more information, call Best Power for document FTS 502.)
Pin 6: Plug and Play Sense for Windows 95.
Pin 7: Remote Shutdown. Shorting this pin to common turns the UPS off.
Pin 8: Unregulated +12 V isolated source.
Pin 9: Not Used.
Contacts consist of open collector circuits capable of switching up to +40 VDC 50 mA resistive
load. If you would like to communicate with the UPS without using CheckUPS software, call
Best Power to request document FTS 502.
DIP Switches
DIP Switches
4
3
2
1
RS232
Mode Extended Signal Mode

16
5D. Extended Signal Communication Mode
In this mode, the UPS communication port acts as a source for signals for your computer software
or other external equipment. This mode does not allow for two-way RS232
communication. The functions of pins 1 and 2 change in this mode, but pins 3-9 have the same
functions. Contacts consist of open collector circuits capable of switching up to +40 VDC 50 mA
resistive load.
Pin 1: Remote Shutdown. If the UPS is using battery power and a +12-volt DC signal is applied
to this pin for 5 seconds, the UPS will shut down 30 seconds later. When the power outage
ends, the UPS will automatically restart. Signal and shutdown times and automatic restart
are programmable; see document FTS 502 for more information.
Pin 2: On Battery Status. When the UPS is using battery power, this pin produces a +12-volt DC
(RS232-level) signal.
Pin 3: Normally Open On Battery Contact. A normally open contact that closes 15
seconds after the UPS switches to battery power.
Pin 4: Common. The signal ground for all signal pins.
Pin 5: Normally Open Low Battery Alarm Contact. A normally open
contact that closes during a Low Battery, Near Low Battery, or Low
Runtime alarm. This pin tells CheckUPS and other shutdown
software when to start a computer shutdown. (You can enable this contact
for other alarms; for more information, call Best Power for document FTS
502.)
Pin 6: Plug and Play Sense for Windows 95.
Pin 7: Remote Shutdown. Shorting this pin to common turns the UPS off.
Pin 8: Unregulated +12 V isolated source.
Pin 9: Not Used.
5E. Remote Shutdown
You can set up the UPS for remote shutdown using contacts at the DB9 port. These contacts let
you shut down the UPS completely; it will not supply power to the equipment it protects. Your
remote shutdown switch must have a set of contacts that can short pin 7 on the UPS
communication port to pin 4 (common). This connection will shut down the UPS’ output power to
the protected equipment. When this happens, the UPS will sound alarm “Sd” for “shutdown”
(Morse code alarm H). When you are ready to restart the UPS, the shutdown switch must remove
the connection to pin 7 on the UPS communication port. Then, you can press the key to
restart the UPS. You can change the type of Remote Shutdown signal that the UPS responds to and
how quickly it responds. Call Best Power’s Worldwide Service for more information.

17
6. Alarms
Sometimes Fortress detects a problem and warns you about it by sounding an alarm. When this
happens, the UPS lights the red (Alarm) light, flashes a two-letter alarm
message on the display, and sounds a Morse code alarm.
6A. Silencing Alarms
To silence an alarm, press the bottom (arrow) key on the front
panel. The Morse-code alarm will stop, and the display will
show “Sh” for a short time. The red Alarm light will stop
blinking, but it will stay on unless you have solved the
problem that caused the alarm. The display will still show the
alarm message. Remember: Silencing the alarm does not
solve the problem that caused it. Go on to find out how to
react to the alarm.
If the alarm is still active and you would like to hear the alarm again, press the bottom key again.
The display will show “Un” for “unsilence,” and the unit will begin sounding the Morse Code
for the alarm.
6B. Reacting to Alarms
The UPS display switches between the normal display and an alarm message. Go to the Alarm
Table on the next few pages and find your alarm message in the left column. Follow the
instructions for that alarm. The UPS also sounds the alarm letter code in Morse Code; if you are
not near the UPS, you can use the Morse code and the table on the next few pages to identify the
alarm.
Example: If the display shows “OL” as shown, read the information next to “OL” in the Alarm
Table. The table shows that this is an overload alarm, and you must disconnect some of
the equipment plugged into your UPS.
Press this
key to
silence
alarms.
OL

18
6C. Alarm Table
Alarm
Message Alarm
(Morse)
Code
What the Alarm Means What to Do
CL I
(• •) Calibration Lost. This can happen when you replace the batteries if the UPS is
off and you wait too long to install the
new batteries. The alarm means the UPS
has lost any changes you have made to
parameters via two-way communication;
it may also mean the UPS has lost
internal factory settings.
Call Best Power. If you have changed any
parameter values since you received the
UPS (including time and date), you must
set these parameters again.
FA F
(• • – •) Fan Malfunction. The fan in the LI 1420 is not operating. If the problem
continues, the UPS will shut down.
Call Best Power’s Worldwide Service or
the nearest Best Power office.
Hb C
(–• –•) High Battery. Battery voltage is high, which could mean there are battery or
charger problems. When the UPS
sounds this alarm, it cannot charge the
batteries.
Call Best Power’s Worldwide Service or
the nearest Best Power office.
Lo
Lb
B
(– • • •)
A
(• –)
Near Low Battery. The UPS has run on
battery power for a while and the
batteries are near a Low Battery
shutdown. (See alarm “Lb.”) If the UPS
continues to run on battery, it will soon
shut down and sound a Low Battery
(Lb) alarm. If the UPS switches back to
AC input power before the Lb shut-
down, it will recharge its batteries; the
“Lo” alarm will stop as batteries
recharge.
Low Battery. The UPS has run on
battery power for a while and the
batteries are low, so the UPS has shut
down. The alarm will stay on until the
power outage (or power problem) ends
and the UPS can restart using AC input
power.
To prepare for the Low Battery
shutdown, switch off the equipment
connected to the UPS. If the power outage
ends before the “Lb” shutdown, you can
restart your equipment. If not, the UPS
will restart automatically when the power
outage or power problem ends. Restart the
equipment connected to the UPS. Battery
time will be low until the UPS recharges
its batteries.
Shut down any equipment connected to
the UPS. After the power outage (or
power problem) ends, the UPS will restart
automatically; if you do not want it to do
this, call Best Power for help. When the
UPS restarts, you can start the equipment
connected to the UPS. Battery backup
time (runtime) will be low until the UPS
recharges its batteries.

19
To cancel the User Test alarm, send the
alarmtest cancelcommand from a
computeror terminal. (For more
information oncommands,call Best
Power for documentFTS 502.)
To restart the UPS, reset the remote
shutdown switch and press on the
UPS. The display will show “On,” and the
UPS will restart.
User Test Alarm. A user started an alarm
test by sending the alarmtest command
from a computer or terminal. (For more
information on commands, call Best
Power.)
External shutdown. A user started a
remote shutdown. (See Section 5E.)
J
(• – – –)
H
(• • • •)
Ut
Sd
Call the nearest Best Power office
immediately to order new batteries. Then,
follow the instructions in Section 7D to
replace the batteries.
Replace Battery. The UPS batteries need
replacing; they have failed the system
test. (The UPS does this test
automatically every 30 days; you can also
start the test by pressing the bottom key.)
K
(– • –)
rb
• If the UPS is still running, decide which
equipment is least important, and shut off
one piece of equipment plugged into the
UPS. If the alarm does not stop, shut off
more equipment until the Morse code alarm
stops and the red light turns off. Then,
unplug the equipment you have shut off; for
now, you can plug it into the nearest wall
outlet.
• If the UPS has shut down, disconnect the
least important equipment from the UPS
and restart the UPS by pressing . Then,
restart your equipment. If the UPS sounds
an overload alarm again, you must
disconnect more equipment.
Output Overload. Your equipment needs a
larger UPS because it requires more than
100% of your model’s power. The display
shows the alarm number and then what
percent of the UPS’ power you are using.
Depending on the amount of overload,
the UPS may shut down soon.
G
(––•)
OL
Call Best Power’s Worldwide Service or the
nearest Best Power office.
Low ACOutput. The output voltage to
the loads is low, so the UPS shuts down.
E
(•)
LU
If you are using CheckUPs software,
CheckUPS will warn users to log out of the
system and will begin an automatic
shutdown. If you are not using CheckUPS,
switch off the equipment connected to the
UPS and switch off the UPS. When the
power outage ends, the UPS will restart
automatically, and you can restart the
equipment connected to the UPS. Battery
time will be low until the UPS recharges its
batteries.
Low Runtime. The UPS has been
running on battery power; the batteries
are discharging, so the UPS can only
operate on battery for a short time before
shutting down. The alarm starts when the
UPS has three minutes of battery backup
time left; see the display for the
estimated battery time (runtime).
D
(– • •)
Lr
What to DoWhat the Alarm MeansAlarm
(Morse)
Code
Alarm
Message