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APC smartups 2000 cap replacement.

I have an APC smartups 2000 that needs some repair. Our lab has had this unit for several years and finally told us the battery was in need of replacement. I have been tasked with getting it working again.

After examining the UPS and seeing it will not power up I discovered the end of one of the two bennic 250VAC 20uf capacitors has deformed and that whole end is kind of swollen. It looks to me to be the problem (I also detect the faint smell of magic smoke). I think the capacitor type is polypropylene and foil but APC is less then helpful, preferring I buy a new UPS. I note APC has a white paper about failure of capacitors in UPS systems, but is mostly then stroking themselves about some new design of theirs.

Are there many replacement types I can use or should I try to hunt down an exact replacement? I figure that I need to keep the values the same but I assume if I can only get close (in uf) I will need to replace both so that the pair is still matched.

Input from anyone having had to deal with this before is appreciated.

Reply to
dphilli8
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Replacements should be VERY EASY to find.

First, go to the CDE/Mallory web page - which has all of the types CDE manufactures in the Carolinas.

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Your capacitors is very likely an aluminum electrolytic model Next, note the specifications and dimensions of the capacitor(s) that you are trying to replace.

Then go to the specific CDE web page - note that there are inverter and low ESR versions

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or the Mallory Electrolytic web page

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You may be able to actually match the exact CDE or Mallory Type previously used by APC.

You can purchase from Mouser or any CDE/Mallory distributor/dealer (ask CDE if you can not find one in your local area)

Panasonics from Digi-Key are very good, but usually a bit more expensive.

AVOID the GREEN Taiwan electrolytic capacitors -- these have been documented since 2002 in IEEE (Electrical Engineering Society) - these badly formulated devices found their way into computer motherboards, UPS systems, etc.

Some companies decided to steal an electrolyte formula from another competitor. Little be known to them, the stolen formula was incomplete and flawed. They didn't discover this until it was too late and they had manufactured and distributed literally MILLIONS of these flawed capacitors. It was way too late for any kind of recall, and even today, these crappy components are being used in new Pentium IV motherboards!! Basically a modern industrial espionage ring -- and the modern-day Rosenberg incident of industry.

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Web Site - BADCAPS.NET !

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Forum

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Reply to
g. beat

"g. beat >" Replacements should be VERY EASY to find.

20 uF 250VAC electrolytics easy to find? Not in my world!

Dave

Reply to
Dave D

HA HA, not in mine either - thanks for catching that ! I either did not see the AC reference or progresives fooled me (getting old)

Package / size will be the trick for this repalcement - likely means Far East. .. motor-start models - likley not appropriate

Polyester film? (sorry Taiwan supplier - ugh)

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Reply to
g. beat

Thanks. I am well aware of recent capacitor (green, black, any color) issues. I've been re-capping for a few years now. It really sucks when schools and other low funded organizations get hit.

Reply to
dphilli8

Upon a closer inspection, now that it is Monday. This is exactly what is printed on them.

MF 20.0uF 250V AC K

The blown one has a almost waxy stuff on the outside, I don't know if that is due to failure or careless assembly years ago. The good one, looks clean and clear with no residue.

I'm thinking they decided to us MF to signify Metalized Film? Nothing else I can think of makes sense to me(well there is one thing...). I know the K is for 10% tolerance.

They yellow outer package is either a plastic or resin shell. On the failed unit it is brittle and breaks off easily (I probed it with a plastic feeler to see if it was bubbled out or just some gunk on it).

Reply to
dphilli8

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