FERRUPS

Uninterruptible Power Systems

FE or QFE 500VA to 18KVA

50/60 Hz

USER MANUAL

FSS-0342J

Listed Models Available

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS This manual contains important instructions for your UPS.
How to Use This Manual
Your FERRUPS is very easy to start and operate. This manual tells you how to start, operate and communicate with
FERRUPS and how to get more information for special situations. Begin with Section 100 to find the startup section for
your model. Section 100 will also help you find out if you need to do any installation before you start your FERRUPS.
IF YOUR FERRUPS IS SOUNDING AN ALARM, and you need to know what the alarm means and how to
respond, turn to Section 304 on page 15.
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 Best Powers Worldwide Service at 1-800-356-5737 (U.S.A. or Canada) or 1-608-5652100, or call the nearest Best Power office. Please have your UPS serial number available when you call. Best Powers
international and domestic offices are listed below.

FERRUPS SERIAL NUMBER: ____________________________

Best Power
P.O. Box 280
Necedah, Wisconsin 54646 U.S.A.
Telephone: 1-608-565-7200
Worldwide Service: 1-800-356-5737 (U.S.A., Canada)
1-608-565-2100
Service Fax: 1-608-565-2509
International Fax: 1-608-565-7675
International Service Fax: 1-608-565-2799
Best Power Canada
A Unit of General Signal Limited
1555 Bonhill Road, Unit 11
Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1Y5
CANADA
Telephone: 1-905-564-7655
FAX: 1-905-564-7635
Best Power Technology Mexico S.A. de C.V.
Golfo de Riga, 34
Colonia Tacuba
Mexico D.F. 11410
MEXICO
Telephone: (52)(5) 399-0369
FAX: (52)(5) 399-1320

Best Power Technology Limited

BEST House
Wykeham Industrial Estate
Moorside Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 7RX
ENGLAND
Telephone: (44) 1962-844414
Toll-Free: 0800 378444
FAX: (44) 1962-841846
Best Power Technology GmbH
Am Weichselgarten 23
D-91058 Erlangen
GERMANY
Telephone: +49/9131/77700
Gebhrenfrei: 0130/84/7712 (in Germany)
FAX: +49/9131/777050
Borri Elettronica Industriale Srl
Via dei Lavoratori, 124
20092 CINISELLO BALSAMO (Mi)
Milan, ITALY
Telephone: (39) 2-6600661-2
FAX: (39) 2-6122481

Best Power Technology Pte. Ltd.

PICO Creative Centre, Level 5
20 Kallang Avenue
SINGAPORE 339411
Telephone: 65-2938122
FAX: 65-2968766

Best Power Technology AG

Postfach, CH-5412 Gebenstorf
SWITZERLAND
Telephone: 41/56/2019595
FAX: 41/56/2019555

1993-1999 Best Power. All rights reserved.

Sola Australia Ltd.

13 Healey Road
Dandenong Victoria 3175
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61-3-9706-5022
FAX: 61-3-9794-9150

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
001 If You Have a Problem or a Question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
002 If You Need More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section 100: Identifying Your FERRUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Section 200: Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

201 Storing Your FERRUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
202 Startup: FE and QFE 500VA to 3.1KVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
203 Startup: FE and QFE 4.3KVA to 18KVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3
3
3
6

Section 300: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

301 Front Panel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
302 How to Use the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
303 Automatic System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
304 ALARMS: What They Mean, What to Do about Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
305 Parameter Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
306 How to Read the Alarm and Inverter Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
307 If You Have an Extended Power Outage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
308 How (and When) to Shut Down Your FERRUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11
11
12
15
15
17
20
22
22

Section 400: Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

401 Connecting a Terminal or Computer to the RS232 Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
402 Entering Commands from a Terminal or Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
403 Remote Monitoring and Remote Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24
25
27
29

Section 500: Maintenance and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

501 Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
502 Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Section 600: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

601 Specification Table: Standard Product FE and QFE 500VA-3.1KVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
602 Specification Table: Standard Product FE and QFE 4.3KVA-18KVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
603 AC Output with Nominal Input Power and Loads (Protected Equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
604 Lightning and Surge Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
605 Isolation and Noise Rejection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
606 Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
607 Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
608 Batteries and Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32
32
33
34
34
34
34
35
35

Section700: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Section 800: Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Introduction
Welcome to the growing FERRUPS family. FERRUPS represents a breakthrough in the design of advanced, online uninterruptible power systems.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your FERRUPS. Keep this manual handy for future
reference.

001 If You Have a Problem or a Question

Best Power is committed to outstanding customer service. Our Worldwide Service center is happy to help you
with any problems or answer any questions you may have. Service technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365
days a year. Just call the telephone number below or the nearest Best Power office, or send a fax to the
Worldwide Service fax number. Please have your units serial number available when you call.
If you prefer to contact Best Power via computer, bulletin board service and CompuServe are available, and Best
Power has a World Wide Web site with more product information.
Best Powers toll-free Fax on Demand service is also available 24 hours a day to give you access to technical
notes and product information.
Worldwide Service:
Worldwide Service Fax
Bulletin Board Service:
CompuServ:
World Wide Web Site:
Fax on Demand:

1-800-356-5737 (U.S.A. and Canada) or 1-608-565-2100

1-608-565-2509
1-608-565-7424
Go BEST at any ! prompt.
http://www.bestpower.com
1-800-487-6813 (U.S.A. and Canada)

002 If You Need More Information

This manual provides the information you need for basic operation of your FERRUPS. If you have a special
application or if you need more in-depth information, Best Power offers an excellent selection of literature to
help you, including Service Manuals with complete technical information and guidelines. Simply call your local
Best Power office. Well be happy to meet your information needs promptly.

Page 1

Section 100: Identifying Your FERRUPS

FERRUPS units come in different sizes. This section will help you choose the startup section for your model. If
your FERRUPS does not have a plug, or if it has a separate battery cabinet, make sure it has been installed before
you go on.

If your FERRUPS looks like this drawing, it is in

the 500 VA-3.1 kVA range. Go to Section 202.

If your FERRUPS looks like this drawing, it is in

the 4.3 kVA-18 kVA range. Go to Section 203.

Page 2

Section 200: Startup

This section provides step-by-step instructions on starting your FERRUPS. Well explain how to turn on DC and
AC power and how to prepare the UPS to support your equipment.

201 Storing Your FERRUPS

If you do not plan to use your FERRUPS right away, you must store it between
20 and +40 Celsius (
4 to
+104 Fahrenheit). If you remove the batteries and store them separately, you can store the UPS itself at
20 to
+60 C (
4 to +140 F). Keep batteries in storage fully charged. Recharge the batteries every 90-120 days.
Batteries will have a longer shelf life if you store them below 77 F (25 C).

202 Startup: FE and QFE 500VA to 3.1KVA

Make sure the temperature is 0 to 40 Celsius (32 to 104 Fahrenheit). The relative humidity must be 0-95%
without condensation. The air must be free of dust, chemicals that corrode, or other contaminants, and the air
must be free to move around FERRUPS.

Back View
1.8-3.1 kVA
1.15 and 1.4 kVA
500 VA-850 VA

1 = On/Off Switch
3 = RS232 Communication Port

2 = Output Receptacles (for your equipment)

4 = Alarm Silence Switch

Page 3

CAUTION
To avoid possible equipment damage or personal injury, assume that AC voltage is present at the
FERRUPS terminals or receptacles any time AC input voltage or DC battery voltage is supplied.
FERRUPS can provide output voltage from its batteries even when there is no AC input voltage.
Whenever AC input voltage is present, FERRUPS can provide output voltage even when its batteries are
disconnected. Always disconnect the AC input source to make sure there will be no UPS output voltage; if
you have a separate battery cabinet, you must also shut off the DC switch or disconnect the battery cabinet
from the UPS.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, install the UPS in a temperature-controlled indoor area free of
conductive contaminants.

1
2

Turn off the equipment you want the FERRUPS to protect.

FE Plug-in Models:
Plug in the UPS. Once you have done this, the AC LINE light
should light
. If the plug does not match your outlet (receptacle),
ask your electrician to install the outlet you need.
QFE Plug-in Models:
Do not use the cord you received to plug in the UPS; this cord is
for plugging your equipment into the UPS. The computer (or
other equipment) that you want to protect should have a power
cord that you can disconnect or unplug. Disconnect this cord
from your equipment and use it to plug in the UPS. If you
need to order a UPS power cord, please call the nearest
Best Power office. Once you have plugged in the UPS, the
AC LINE light should light.
Hardwired Models (models that are not plug-in):
Your electrician should have followed the instructions in the Installation Manual to install your UPS
and connect your protected equipment. Turn the AC Disconnect Switch on. The UPS AC LINE light
should light
.

The AC LINE light will not light for models FE 1.8, FE 2.1, and FE 3.1 with serial numbers 25000 and up.
NOTE: If you have a separate battery cabinet with a DC switch on the front, turn the switch on now.

Turn the On/Off (I/O) switch to the On (I) position. (The On/Off switch is shown in step 2.) After a short
startup test, the green READY light should light (on earlier models the light will blink for a few seconds
before remaining lit).

The CHARGING light may be on at this point; this means FERRUPS batteries are not fully charged, and
FERRUPS is charging them now. FERRUPS automatically charges the batteries whenever the AC LINE
light is on and the BATTERY POWER light is off. The CHARGING light will turn off when the batteries
have been fully charged; this may take 24 hours. FERRUPS runtime (battery backup time) will be shorter
until the batteries have been charged.
Page 4

FERRUPS units with receptacles on the back:

Plug the equipment you want to protect into the
UPS receptacles. (If you have a 50 Hz model,
use the cord or plug provided to connect your
equipment to FERRUPS receptacles.) Next,
switch on your equipment. If the red ALARM
light comes on, see Section 304 on page 15.
FERRUPS units without receptacles on the
back: Turn the bypass switch to UPS. Then,
switch on the equipment that is connected to
your FERRUPS. If the red ALARM light
comes on, see Section 304 on page 15.

Fill out the Warranty Registration Card in

this manual and return it to Best Power.
Your FERRUPS includes free CheckUPS II Suite power management software. The CheckUPS II Suite
monitors power conditions; during a long power outage, CheckUPS II automatically shuts down your
computer system just before the FERRUPS runs out of battery power. To install CheckUPS, see the
instructions you received with the software.

Thats it! Your FERRUPS is now providing conditioned, computer-grade power to your equipment, and
FERRUPS is ready to provide power from its batteries if there is a power outage or if there are AC input power
problems.
When the FERRUPS operating mode changes, FERRUPS will bring it to your attention. For example, when
FERRUPS runs on battery power, the yellow BATTERY POWER light comes on and FERRUPS beeps a few
times each minute. When there is a FERRUPS alarm, the red ALARM light comes on and FERRUPS sounds the
Morse code for the alarm.
See the rest of this manual for information on operation, communication, and alarms.

Page 5

203 Startup: FE and QFE 4.3KVA to 18KVA

Make sure the temperature is 0 to 40 Celsius (32 to 104 Fahrenheit). The relative humidity must be 0-95%
without condensation. The air must be free of dust, chemicals that corrode, or other contaminants, and the air
must be free to move around FERRUPS.

FERRUPS Features
Front Panel Lights (LEDs)

Control Panel

On/Off Switch

FERRUPS Back View

7-18 kVA
4.3 kVA and 5.3 kVA
1 = Receptacle Panel
(Optional for 4.3-7 kVA)
2 = RS232 Communication Port

Page 6

CAUTION
To avoid possible equipment damage or personal injury, assume that FERRUPS terminals or receptacles
may have AC voltage present any time AC input voltage or DC battery voltage is supplied. FERRUPS can
provide output voltage from its batteries even when there is no AC input voltage. When AC input voltage
is present, FERRUPS can provide output voltage even when its batteries are disconnected. Always
disconnect the AC input source AND disconnect or turn off DC (see Section 308) to make sure there will
be no UPS output voltage. To reduce the risk of electric shock, install the UPS in a temperature-controlled
indoor area free of conductive contaminants.

Turn off the equipment you want the FERRUPS to protect.

If your FERRUPS has an input plug, make sure the

AC input power is off at the service panel. Then,
plug in the UPS. If the plug and your outlet
(receptacle) do not match, ask your electrician to
install the outlet you need.
If your FERRUPS does not have a plug, your
electrician should have installed your UPS and
connected your protected equipment using the
Installation Manual. Make sure your AC Disconnect
Switch and the UPS On/Off switch are both off at
this time.

To switch on the DC (battery power), follow these

steps:
a. Unlock the lock in the center of the UPS front
panel, and lower the panel.
b. If there is a DC switch with a precharge
button behind the panel, press the precharge
button for a few seconds; then, turn on the
switch. If there is a switch but no precharge
button, turn on the switch. There may not be
a DC switch behind the panel. Close the
panel.
c. If your UPS has separate battery cabinets,
turn on the DC switch at each battery cabinet.

Page 7

To start FERRUPS on battery power, use the

key to
turn on the On/Off switch. After a brief selfcheck, the yellow BATTERY POWER light and
the green READY light will light on the UPS
and the control panel. The UPS will beep every
20 seconds to let you know it is running on
battery power (inverter). The control panel will
show the Best Power logo; press the [ENTER]
key. Now, the control panel will scroll this
display:
FERRUPS by BEST
Mode:
Auto
Charger:
Off
Beeper:
Enabled
If the red ALARM light is on, read the
alarm message on the control panel display,
turn off the On/Off and DC switches, and
call Best Powers Worldwide Service at 1800-356-5737 or 1-608-565-2100, or call the
nearest Best Power office.

If your FERRUPS has a plug, turn the AC input

power on at the service panel. The green AC
LINE light will light. After a few seconds,
FERRUPS will switch from battery power
(inverter) to AC input power. The BATTERY
POWER light should turn off.
If your FERRUPS does not have a plug, it has a
bypass switch (either on the back of the
FERRUPS or mounted nearby). Turn the UPS
AC Line Disconnect Switch on. The green AC
LINE light will light. After a few seconds,
FERRUPS will switch from battery power
(inverter) to AC input power. The BATTERY
POWER light should turn off. Now, turn the
UPS Bypass Switch to UPS.

The CHARGING light may be on at this point; this means FERRUPS batteries are not fully charged, and
FERRUPS is charging them now. FERRUPS automatically charges the batteries whenever the AC LINE
light is on and the BATTERY POWER light is off. The CHARGING light will turn off when the batteries
have been fully charged. This may take 24 hours. FERRUPS runtime (battery backup time) will be shorter
until the batteries have been charged.

Page 8

FERRUPS units with receptacles on the back:

Plug the equipment you want to protect into the
FERRUPS receptacles. Then, switch on your
equipment. If the red ALARM light comes
on, see Section 304 on page 15.
FERRUPS units without receptacles: Switch on
the equipment connected to your FERRUPS. If
the red ALARM light comes on, see Section
304 on page 15.

Now, you can set the time and date using the control panel. FERRUPS needs the correct time and date for
its Alarm and Inverter Logs, so you should reset the time and date whenever FERRUPS has been shut
down. Time is parameter 0; see Section 305 for more information on parameters. To set the time, follow
these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[DISPLAY]
[0]
[ENTER]
[PROGRAM]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
Display:
Display:
0
00 Time: 11:30:20
00 Pgm:

Enter the correct time using the 24-hour system. To do this, you enter times from 1:00 a.m. to 12:59 p.m.
just as you would read them from a clock. From 1:00 p.m. to 11:59, however, you add 12 hours to the
clock time. So 8:30 a.m. would be entered [8] [3] [0], but 8:30 p.m. would be entered [2] [0] [3] [0].
Midnight is [0] [0] [0] [0], 12:30 a.m. is [0] [0] [3] [0], and so on. For example, if the time is 9:30 a.m., you
would enter the following:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[9][3][0]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
00 Pgm:
930
00 Time 09:30:00

Set the date next. The date is parameter 10. To display the date, follow these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[DISPLAY]
[1][0]
[ENTER]
[PROGRAM]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
Display:
Display:
10
10 Date: 01/01/96
10 Pgm:

Now, press the number of the month, then the number of the day of the month, and then the year. For
example, to enter June 14, 1996:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[0] [6] [1] [4] [9] [6]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
10 Pgm:
061496
10 Date 06/14/96

Page 9

Please fill out the Warranty Registration Card in this manual and return it to Best Power. This card
helps Best Powers Worldwide Service when your FERRUPS needs routine maintenance or if there is a
problem.
Your FERRUPS includes free CheckUPS II Suite power management software. The CheckUPS II Suite
monitors power conditions; during a long power outage, CheckUPS automatically shuts down your
computer system just before the FERRUPS runs out of battery power. To install CheckUPS, see the
instructions you received with the software.

Thats it! Your FERRUPS is now providing conditioned, computer-grade power to your equipment, and
FERRUPS is ready to provide power from its batteries if there is a power outage or if there are AC input power
problems.
When the operating mode changes, FERRUPS will bring it to your attention. When FERRUPS runs on battery
power, the yellow BATTERY POWER light comes on and FERRUPS beeps a few times each minute. When
there is a FERRUPS alarm, the red ALARM light comes on and FERRUPS sounds the Morse code for the alarm;
FERRUPS also displays an alarm message on the control panel.
See the rest of this manual for information on operation, communication, and alarms.

Page 10

Section 300: Operation

This section will describe how FERRUPS works. Well discuss the meaning of the front panel lights and describe
how to use the control panel. Well also describe what the automatic system test does, what each alarm means,
what parameters are, and how to read the Alarm and Inverter Logs. Finally, well see how to turn off FERRUPS.

301 Front Panel Lights

At the front of your FERRUPS is a panel with five lights (LEDs). These lights tell you several things about the
operating status of the FERRUPS.

Light (LED)

Color

What It Means When Its

ON

What It Means When Its

OFF

What It Means When It

Blinks

AC LINE

Green

FERRUPS is getting power

from the AC input power
source. (Models FE 1.8, FE
2.1, and FE 3.1 with Serial
Numbers 25000 and up must
be turned on in addition to
being connected to AC power
supply.

FERRUPS is not getting

input power; there is an
outage, the AC input breaker
is tripped, the UPS is
unplugged, or, for later
models FE 1.8, FE 2.1, and
FE 3.1, the On/Off switch is
not on.

Not applicable.

READY

Green

FERRUPS is ready to provide

backup power from its
batteries when needed.

FERRUPS cannot provide

backup power; it may be in
the Line Condition Mode or
the Off Mode (see Section
302), or its batteries may be
discharged, or it may be
running on battery power
(Inverter On mode).

You have just started the

UPS; the UPS is testing the
batteries as part of the
automatic system test (see
Section 303); or, you have
started a timed shutdown
(Section 402).

CHARGING

Green

FERRUPS is charging the

batteries.

The battery charger is off;

batteries are at full charge.

Not applicable.

BATTERY
POWER

Yellow

FERRUPS is providing power

from its batteries; it is in the
Inverter Mode.

FERRUPS is providing
condi-tioned power from the
AC input power source, or
FERRUPS is off.

The UPS is testing the

inverter as part of the
automatic system test. (See
Section 303.)

ALARM

Red

FERRUPS is warning you that

an alarm exists. If you have
not silenced the alarm beeper,
you should be hearing a code
that tells you what the problem
is. (See Section 304.) If you
have a control panel, an alarm
message appears on its
display.

No alarm exists.

Not applicable.

Page 11

302 How to Use the Control Panel

The control panel comes with all FE/QFE 4.3KVA to 18KVA models. If you have an FE/QFE 500VA to
3.1KVA, you may have ordered the control panel as an option. If you have, please see TIP 407 to connect the
control panel.

The control panel is attached to the front of your FERRUPS with a six-foot (1.8-meter) cable, which lets you pick
up the control panel and hold it in your hand. The panels READY, BATTERY POWER and ALARM lights
work like the READY, BATTERY POWER and ALARM lights on the front of the UPS. (See Section 301.)
You can use the control panel to change FERRUPS system modes and display and change parameters. You can
also lock the control panel and change some of its features. If you press the wrong key at any time, press
[CLEAR] and then the correct key. The control panel will click each time you press a key.

How to Change Operating Modes

There are four UPS operating modes: Auto, Inverter On (Battery Power), Line Condition, and Off. FERRUPS
will select the appropriate operating mode automatically; however, there may be times when you need to set the
operating mode manually from the control panel. Notice that the names of the operating modes appear in red on
the bottom of keys 1-4.
Operating Mode

How to Select It

What It Means

Off

Press [CONTROL] [1]

[ENTER] [ENTER].

FERRUPS is not providing power to your equipment, but you can still use
the control panel. The READY light is off.

Auto

Press [CONTROL] [2]

[ENTER] [ENTER].

This is the normal operating mode. FERRUPS conditions AC input power

and provides this conditioned power to your equipment, and it is ready to
switch to battery power if necessary. The AC LINE and READY lights
should be on.

Line Condition

Press [CONTROL] [3]

[ENTER] [ENTER].

FERRUPS is conditioning AC input power and providing this conditioned

power to your equipment, but if there is a brownout or power outage,
FERRUPS will not switch to battery power. Instead, the UPS will shut
down its output until AC input power is available again. The READY light
is off when FERRUPS is in this mode.

Inverter On
(Battery Power)

Press [CONTROL] [4]

[ENTER] [ENTER].

FERRUPS converts battery power to AC power for your equipment. It will

not charge the batteries. The BATTERY POWER light is on. The UPS
calculates the runtime remaining and sounds an alarm when runtime starts
to get low.

Page 12

How to Enter Passwords

Before you can change some parameter values, you must enter a password. (The instructions below describe how
to display and change parameters.) You must also enter a password before you enter some of the commands listed
in Section 402.
Note: When you first receive your UPS, you do not need to enter a password before you change some
parameters (such as Time, Date, and User ID). If you change parameter 39 to Yes, you must enter a
User password before you can change these parameters. (See Section 305.) If you change parameter 39 to
Yes, you must also enter a User password before you can:
-use [CONTROL] key functions like the ones that change system modes, or
-use some commands. (See Section 402.)
The User Password is 377. If you need a higher password, call Best Powers Worldwide Service or the nearest
Best Power office. To enter the User Password, follow these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[CLEAR]
[PROGRAM]
[3] [7] [7]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
FERRUPS by BEST
Password:
Password:
377
Level:
User

When you want to clear the password, press the [CLEAR] key until you see Password Cleared on the control
panel display.

How to Display and Change Parameters

To display a parameter press [DISPLAY], the parameter number, and [ENTER]. (The names of the first 11
parameters appear in green on the top of the number keys.) For example, to display parameter 0 (time), follow
these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[DISPLAY]
[0]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
Display:
Display:
0
00 Time 07:04:08

To change a parameter, display it first. Then, press [PROGRAM], enter the new value you want for the
parameter, and press [ENTER]. (You will need a password to change most parameters.) For example, to change
parameter 0 (time), follow these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[DISPLAY] [0] [ENTER]
[PROGRAM]
[9] [3] [0]
[ENTER]

Page 13

DISPLAY SHOWS:
00 Time 07:04:08
00 Pgm:
00 Pgm:
930
00 Time 09:30:00

How to Lock and Unlock the Control Panel

You may need to disable (lock) your control panel if you want to limit its use. When you disable the control
panel, it will not respond to its keys until you enable it again. To disable the panel, press the keys shown below.
(Make sure you have the Unlock number shown below.)
PRESS THESE KEYS:
[CLEAR] and [ENTER] together

DISPLAY READS:
-Keypad Locked-

When you lock the control panel, it will beep and show the display above for about two seconds; the control
panel will beep and show this display whenever you try to use the keys. The front panel lights (LEDs) will
continue to show the UPS status, and the control panel will show UPS alarms. To enable the control panel again,
PRESS THESE KEYS:
[CLEAR] and [ENTER] together
[8] [2] [0] [4] [9]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY READS:
Unlock #:
Unlock #: 82049
Keypad Unlocked

After about two seconds, the control panel will show the same display it showed before you unlocked it. If you
enter the wrong Unlock number, the control panel will display -Keypad Locked- for two seconds, and the
control panel will remain locked.

How to Use the Configuration Menu

Your control panel includes a Configuration Menu that lets you adjust its baud rate and brightness, turn the
beeper on or off, turn off the click you hear when you press keys, and control other features. The label on the
back of your control panel includes more information on this menu. (See the drawing below.)

Page 14

303 Automatic System Test

FERRUPS regularly tests its memory, batteries and inverter
to make sure they will perform when you need
them. (The factory setting for the time between tests is seven days.) During the system test, the BATTERY
POWER and READY lights will blink. For the results of the last system test, you can display parameter 26. (See
Section 305.)
Logic Test:

First, FERRUPS checks its memory. If it finds a problem, the UPS sounds alarm O, Memory
Check ( ). (See Section 304.)

Inverter Test: The inverter converts DC battery power into the AC power your equipment uses. During the
Inverter Test, FERRUPS pulses its inverter to see if it delivers the proper amount of current. If
not, the UPS sounds alarm N, Check Inverter (
). (See Section 304.) Although it is testing
the inverter, the UPS is not in Inverter Mode; it continues to condition input power, and it is
ready to provide battery power if there is a power outage. The BATTERY POWER light will
blink during this part of the test.
Battery Test: FERRUPS also checks its batteries to make sure that they can support your equipment for the
minimum specified runtime. If not, FERRUPS sounds alarm M, Check Battery ( ). (See
Section 304.) The READY light will blink during this part of the test.

Later models FE 1.8, FE 2.1, and FE 3.1 do not perform inverter tests.

304 ALARMS: What They Mean, What to Do about Them

When FERRUPS detects a problem, it

sounds an alarm code,

lights up the red ALARM light on the front panel (and the control panel if you have one), and
displays an error message on the control panel (if you have one). (If the control panel does not display the
message, press [CLEAR] until you reach the scrolling display.)

Heres how you should react:

1. Find out which alarm FERRUPS is sounding. If you have a control panel, you can read the alarm on the
display. If you do not have a control panel, listen to the FERRUPS alarm code; FERRUPS will sound the
Morse Code for the alarm letter. (See the alarm table on the next two pages to match the code to a letter.)
2. Find the alarm in the table on the next two pages. This table will tell you what the alarm means and how
to react to it. If the table tells you to call Best Power, call the nearest Best Power office. (You can call
Worldwide Service at 1-608-565-2100; in the U.S. and Canada, call 1-800-356-5737.)
3. If you want to silence the alarm beep, follow the instructions below.
FE/QFE 500VA to 3.1KVA: Find the Alarm Silence Switch on the upper right corner of the back of
your FERRUPS. Turn this switch off.
FE/QFE 4.3kVA to 18KVA: Press [CONTROL] [5] [ENTER] [ENTER] on the control panel.
Remember to turn the alarm beep back on (using either a switch or a control panel) after youve
corrected the problem that caused the alarm. If you forget to do this, FERRUPS will not be able to sound
an alarm code (beep) the next time there is an alarm. (FERRUPS will still show a red ALARM light and
flash an alarm message on the control panel display.)

Page 15

Letter

Audio
Code

Alarm Message

What It Means

What To Do

Low Battery

The battery charge is low because

the system was running on battery
power, or the DC Switch is not on.

The UPS will shut down. Before this alarm, you should
have received a Low Runtime alarm (


) to warn
you to shut down your equipment. When AC power
returns, turn FERRUPS on again. The green
CHARGING LED should light as the batteries
recharge.

Near Low Battery

The battery voltage has reached the

Near Low Battery setpoint.

The alarm should clear itself when the battery charger

has charged the batteries enough.

High Battery

There may be a problem with the

charging circuit or parameter
settings.

Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Low Runtime

The unit is running on battery

power, and the battery runtime
remaining is low.

Do an orderly shutdown of your equipment. Then turn

FERRUPS off to conserve battery power. When AC
input power returns, turn FERRUPS on again.

Low AC Output

The output voltage is below a

preprogrammed setpoint.

The UPS will shut down. Shut down your equipment or

bypass the UPS, and turn the UPS switch off. Phone
Best Powers Worldwide Service.

High AC Output

The output voltage is higher than

the alarm setting.

Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Output Overload

Your equipment is drawing more

volt-amps (power) than the UPS
can provide. (See your models
VA rating.) The unit will continue
to run with overloads as high as
125% for 10 minutes and then shut
down.

Reduce the amount of equipment using FERRUPS

power and turn FERRUPS on again. If the problem
persists, phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Hi Ambient Temp

The temperature inside the unit is

too high. If the temperature
reaches a preset point, the unit will
shut down.

If the UPS has shut down, call Best Powers

Worldwide Service. If not, shut down the protected
equipment and FERRUPS, correct the cause of the high
temperature if possible, and turn FERRUPS on again.
If the problem persists, phone Best Powers Worldwide
Service.

Hi Heatsink Temp

The inverter temperature is too

high. If the temperature reaches a
preset point, the UPS will shut
down.

If the UPS has shut down, call Best Powers

Worldwide Service. If not, shut down your equipment
or bypass the UPS; turn the UPS off. Phone Best
Powers Worldwide Service.

User Test Alarm

The user is testing the alarm

feature.

To start the user test alarm from the control panel, press
[CONTROL] [8] [ENTER] [ENTER]. Repeat the
procedure to turn the alarm off.

Hi Transfmr Temp

The transformer temperature is too

high. If the temperature reaches a
preset point, the UPS will shut
down.

The UPS may have shut down; if so, call Best Powers
Worldwide Service. If the UPS has not shut down, shut
down your equipment or bypass the UPS; then, turn the
UPS off and call Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Check Charger

The UPS has detected a charger

problem.

Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Page 16

Letter

Audio
Code

Alarm Message

What It Means

What To Do

Check Battery

The batteries have failed the

automatic system test.

Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Check Inverter

The inverter has failed the

automatic system test.

Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Memory Check

Possible microprocessor problem.

Shut down your equipment or bypass the UPS; turn the

UPS off. Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Emergency PwrOff

The Remote Shutdown feature has

been activated at the RS232 port.
(See Section 403.)

To restart the UPS, disconnect the signal to pin 21 on

the RS232 port. If you have a control panel, put the
FERRUPS in Auto Mode. If not, turn the On/Off
switch off and then on again.

Hi PFM Res Temp

The Power Factor Modules

temperature is too high. If the
temperature reaches a preset point,
the UPS will shut down.

If the UPS has shut down, call Best Powers

Worldwide Service. If not, shut down your equipment
or bypass the UPS; then, turn the UPS off and call Best
Powers Worldwide Service.

Probe Missing

A temperature probe is missing or

damaged.

The UPS may shut down. Call Best Powers

Worldwide Service.

High AC Input

The input voltage is higher than

the alarm setting.

Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

Call Service

The UPS has detected a problem

that requires service.

The UPS will shut down. Call Best Powers Worldwide

Service.

Fan Alarm

The fan has stopped.

The UPS may have shut down; if so, call Best Powers
Worldwide Service. If the UPS has not shut down, shut
down your equipment or bypass the UPS; then, turn the
UPS off and call Best Powers Worldwide Service.
Phone Best Powers Worldwide Service.

305 Parameter Table

The table on the next two pages shows the first 26 parameters. You can view or reset the parameters using a
FERRUPS control panel or a terminal or computer (Section 402). Some of these parameters can keep track of
information (like Time, Date, or the Alarm and Inverter Logs) or display operating and power conditions (like
voltage, current or temperature). Other parameters (like User ID) let you program FERRUPS for special
situations.

If you plan to view or change parameters from a control panel, see Section 302 for instructions.
If you plan to view or change parameters from a terminal or computer that you have connected to the RS232
port, see the commands in Section 402. When you use commands to display or change parameters, you can
identify the parameter with either its number or name. (The table shows both.) If you use the name, you can
enter the whole parameter name or just the short form shown in the table; you can also abbreviate the
parameter name as long as your abbreviation includes the letters in the short form.

Although you do not need a password to view any of the first 26 parameters, all of them require a password to
change. (See the Password column in the Parameter Table.) See Section 302 or 402 for password information.
All changeable parameters except 0 (Time), 10 (Date) and 15 (Unit ID) are set at the factory. Only qualified
technicians using the proper metering equipment should change other parameters. Improper calibration may
cause the FERRUPS to malfunction. Call Best Powers Worldwide Service before you attempt to change any
parameters except 0, 10 and 15.
Page 17

Number

Sample Display

Password

Terminal
Name
(Short Form)

Explanation

00 Time 07:04:00

None1

time
(t)

System Time. FERRUPS uses this time to record alarms and inverter runs.
When the DC power has been off and you restart the unit, the time shown will
be the last recorded time before shutdown. Reset time when DC power has
been off.

01 V In 120.7

Service

acvoltsin
(vi)

The input voltage FERRUPS is receiving. When this value drops below the
brownout voltage, FERRUPS switches to inverter.

02 V Out 120.7

Service

acvoltsout
(vo)

The voltage FERRUPS is providing to your equipment.

03 --Reserved--

04 I Out 3.1

Service

acampsiout
(o)

The current your equipment is drawing from FERRUPS.

05 VA Out 374

Change Not
Allowed

vaout
(va)

Volt-Amps Out. The total apparent power your equipment is drawing from
FERRUPS. This value is based on parameter 2 multiplied by parameter 4, and
should be less than or equal to the VA or kVA rating of your unit. See
VALimit, parameter 19.

06 I Batt 0.0

Service

ibatt
(ib)

Battery Current. When the UPS is running on AC input, this is the charging
current in amps. When the UPS runs on battery power (inverter), this is the
amount of current (in amps) the batteries are supplying to the unit.

07 V Batt 48.51

Service

vbatt
(vb)

Battery Volts. The present battery voltage. FERRUPS will alarm if this value
is too low.

08 Freq 60.43 Hz

Change Not
Allowed

frequency
(f)

In normal operation, this is the frequency of power FERRUPS is receiving

from the AC input source. If this value falls outside preset limits, FERRUPS
goes to battery power. When FERRUPS is running on battery power, this is
the frequency FERRUPS is supplying to your equipment.

09 RunTime 12m

Change Not
Allowed

runtime
(rt)

Estimated Runtime Remaining. The amount of time FERRUPS will continue

to support your equipment when FERRUPS is running on battery power.
FERRUPS will alarm when this value falls below a preset limit.

10

10 Date 06/01/93

None1

date
(d)

System Date. FERRUPS uses this date to record alarms and inverter runs. The
date must be reset when you restart the unit after DC power is turned off.

11 Amb Temp 23c Change Not

Allowed

ambtemp
(at)

The temperature (in Celsius) inside the unit. FERRUPS will alarm and shut
down if this value is too high.

123

12 SinkTemp 26c

heatsinktemp (st) The temperature of the heatsink. FERRUPS will alarm if this value is too
high.

13

13 --Reserved--

. or 112

Reserved

Change Not
Allowed

Reserved

If you change parameter 39 to Yes, a User password is required for changes.

On a FERRUPS control panel, you can display the Ambient Temperature by pressing [DISPLAY] [ . ] or
[DISPLAY] [1] [1] [ENTER].

This is a reserved parameter in later model FE 1.8, FE 2.1, FE 3.1 units.

Page 18

Number

Sample Display

Password

Terminal
Name
(Short Form)

Explanation

14

14 XfmrTemp 28c

Change Not
Allowed

xfmrtemp
(xt)

The temperature of the transformer. FERRUPS will alarm and shut down if
this value is too high. This parameter is only active on some models; for
other models, the display always shows -63c.

15

15 Unit ID
Network #1 UPS

None
(See note 1
on page 18.)

unitident
(id)

Unit ID. An identification string that can be configured for use with your
network.

16

16 FullLoad% 075 Change Not

Allowed

fullload
(l)

Percent of Full Load. The percentage of FERRUPS total capacity that is

actually being used by your equipment.

17

17 Watts 374

Change Not
Allowed

watts
(w)

The total real power your equipment is drawing from FERRUPS.

18

18 PF 0.73 Dist

Change Not
Allowed

powerfact
(pf)

The power factor of your equipment; the difference in the way it draws
voltage and current. Power factor is equal to Watts Out (parameter 17)
divided by VA Out (parameter 5). This parameter also tells whether the power
factor is leading (Lead), lagging (Lag), or distortion (Dist).

19

19 VALimit 500

Change Not
Allowed

valimit
(val)

The maximum volt-amps FERRUPS can supply to your equipment at the

present power factor. The unit will alarm when VA Out (parameter 5) is
higher than this value.

20

20 #PwrOut 1

Change Not
Allowed

powerout
(po)

The number of times there has been a loss of input power since you started
the unit.

21

21 #OvrLds 0

Change Not
Allowed

overloads
(ol)

The number of times FERRUPS has sensed an overload; that is, the number
of times VA Out has been greater than VA Limit.

22

22 SysHrs 00000

Change Not
Allowed

syshours
(sh)

The total number of hours FERRUPS has been operating, regardless of mode.
This number does not increase while the On/Off switch is turned off.

23

23 InvMin 0000.0

Change Not
Allowed

invmin
(im)

The total number of minutes the inverter has run since startup.

24

24 Inverter Log
L 0319 2127 1215

Change Not
Allowed

inverterlog
(il)

A record of the date, time, duration and reason for the last 20 inverter (battery
power) runs. (See Section 306.)

25

25 Alarm Log
Change Not
A 0319 2127 1215 Allowed

alarmlog
(al)

A record of the date, time, duration and reason for the last 20 alarms. (See
Section 306.)

26

26 Test Results
(See explanation.)

testresults
(tr)

This parameter records the results of the last system test. The parameter
display includes the time and date of the test and the results of each part of the
system test. (See Section 303.)

Change Not
Allowed

Additional Parameters: The microprocessor in your FERRUPS keeps track of more than 100 parameters.
Parameters 27 and above are alarm and operation set points, calibration factors and other settings. You usually do not
need access to these parameters for normal operation of the FERRUPS. If you need information about the full range
of FERRUPS parameters, call Best Powers Worldwide Service to ask for TIP 407 or TIP 503. TIP 407 describes
communication from a control panel. TIP 503 describes communication through the RS232 port.

Page 19

306 How to Read the Alarm and Inverter Logs

Your FERRUPS makes an entry in its logs every time it sounds an alarm or switches to inverter (battery power).
This information can be helpful in diagnosing problems.
You can view the Alarm and Inverter Logs from either a FERRUPS control panel or a terminal or computer that
you have connected to the RS232 port. (See Section 400 to connect FERRUPS to a terminal or computer.)

Reading Logs from a Control Panel

Alarm Log: The Alarm Log is parameter 25. To display the Alarm Log from a control panel, follow these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[DISPLAY]
[2][5]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
Display:
Display:
25
25 Alarm Log

The display will then scroll through the 20 most recent entries in the Alarm Log. If you have not had 20 alarm
conditions, the display will scroll through the entries FERRUPS has recorded. You can use the number keys as
you view this scrolling display:
USE THIS KEY:
[0]
[1] through [9]

TO DO THIS:
Pause the scrolling and start it again.
Go to the next log entry.

Each log entry consists of four pieces of information: the alarm code, the date (month/day) of the alarm, the time
(in 24-hour time) and the duration (in hours and minutes).
For instance, one entry might look like this:
B 0205 1017 0005
In this example, B means the alarm was Near Low Battery (see Section 304 for more information on alarm
codes); if alarm B was active, there would be an asterisk (*) after B. 0205" means the alarm occurred on
February 5 (2/5). 1017 means the alarm occurred at 10:17 a.m. 0005 means the alarm condition lasted for 0
hours and 5 minutes.

Inverter Log: The Inverter Log is parameter 24. To display the Inverter Log, follow these steps:
PRESS THIS KEY:
[DISPLAY]
[2][4]
[ENTER]

DISPLAY SHOWS:
Display:
Display:
24
24 Inverter Log

The display will then scroll through the 20 most recent entries in the Inverter Log. If the inverter has not run 20
times, the display will scroll through the entries FERRUPS has recorded. You can use the number keys as you
view this scrolling display:
USE THIS KEY:
[0]
[1] through [9]

TO DO THIS:
Pause the scrolling and start it again.
Go to the next log entry.

Page 20

Each entry includes four pieces of information: the inverter code, the date (month/day) of the inverter run, the
time (in 24-hour time) and the duration (in hours and minutes). For instance, one entry might look like this:
L 0205 0951 0015
In this example, L means the FERRUPS went to inverter because it lost AC input power; if the inverter was
still running, there would be an asterisk (*) after the L. 0205 means the inverter ran on February 5 (2/5).
0951 means the inverter ran at 9:51 a.m. 0015 means the inverter ran for 0 hours and 15 minutes.
Heres how to interpret the inverter codes:
Inverter Code

Meaning

Explanation

System Test

FERRUPS went to inverter to test the batteries.

Brownout

AC input voltage was too low.

Line Loss

AC input power was lost.

Manual

The inverter was started manually.

Frequency

Input frequency was too high or too low.

Reset

A system reset was performed.

Reading Logs from a Terminal or Computer

You can also read the logs from a terminal or computer that is connected to FERRUPS RS232 port.
Alarm Log: To display the Alarm Log on a terminal or computer, you can use the alarmlog or logs command.
(See Section 402. The Logs command displays both the Alarm and Inverter Logs.) These commands will display
up to 20 log entries in a table. For example, the log might look like the table below:
Active
No
No
No

EventDate
08/25/1993
08/24/1993
08/24/1993

EventTime
11:25:32
12:13:18
12:05:07

Duration
00:00:45
00:01:08
00:08:11

Code/Event
J-User Test Alarm
A-Low Battery
B-Near Low Battery

The table shows whether the alarm is active now (Active), the date and time of each alarm, how long it lasted
(Duration), and what caused the alarm (Code/Event).
You can also display parameter 25 to view the Alarm Log; this display is the same as the control panel display.

Inverter Log: To display the Inverter Log on a terminal or computer, you can use the inverterlog or logs
command. (See Section 402. The logs command displays both the Alarm and Inverter Logs.) These commands
will display up to 20 log entries in a table. For example, the log might look like this:
Active EventDate EventTime Duration
No
08/25/1993 11:25:32 00:00:45
No
08/24/1993 12:13:18 00:01:08

Code/Event
M-Manual turnon
L-Line fault

The table shows whether FERRUPS is running on inverter (battery power) now (Active), the date and time that
FERRUPS ran on battery power, the length of time FERRUPS ran on battery power (Duration), and the reason
(Code/Event).
You can also display parameter 24 to view the Inverter Log; this display will be the same as the control panel
display.
Page 21

307 If You Have an Extended Power Outage

If your power is out for an extended time, your FERRUPS will continue to provide power for your equipment
until it gets near the end of its runtime. If you wish, you can check how much runtime you have left by reading
parameter 9. (See Section 305.) At a set number of minutes before the end of the runtime (factory default setting
is five minutes), FERRUPS will sound a Low Runtime alarm (

). You should do an orderly shutdown of
your equipment when you hear this alarm. Then, turn your FERRUPS off (see Section 308) to conserve the
remaining battery power. When AC input power returns, turn FERRUPS on again so the batteries will recharge.
If your FERRUPS shuts itself down because its battery voltage is too low, shut FERRUPS off (see Section 308)
until AC input power returns.

308 How (and When) to Shut Down Your FERRUPS

When to Shut Down Your FERRUPS
Your FERRUPS is designed for many years of round-the-clock operation. Usually, you do not need to shut down
FERRUPS, even if your equipment will be shut down for several days. Even when its not powering your
equipment, FERRUPS will monitor its internal condition and keep the Time and Date parameters current.
There will be some times, though, when you want to shut down FERRUPS, such as:
1.
2.
3.
4.

When you will not be using it for an extended time;

When it is being serviced;
Before you move it;
When it has gone into the Off Mode because the batteries have been discharged during an extended
outage; or
5. When a system malfunction requires that you shut FERRUPS down.

How to Shut Down Your FERRUPS

CAUTION
To avoid possible equipment damage or personal injury, assume that there may be AC voltage at
FERRUPS output terminals/receptacles any time AC input power or DC battery voltage is applied.
FERRUPS can provide output voltage from the batteries even when there is no input line voltage. When
AC input voltage is present, FERRUPS can provide output voltage even when the batteries are
disconnected. To be certain there is no UPS output voltage, always disconnect the AC input source, turn
FERRUPS On/Off switch off, AND turn off or disconnect DC.

1. Units with No Bypass Switch:

Turn off the protected equipment and connect it to standard wall outlets (receptacles). Restart the
equipment if you must use it while the FERRUPS is off. Go to step 2.

Page 22

Units with a Break-Before-Make Bypass Switch (see the label on the side of the switch):
Shut down your protected equipment; then, turn the bypass switch to LINE. Turn your equipment
on again if you must use it while the UPS is off. Your equipment will receive direct AC line instead
of conditioned power from the UPS. Go to step 2.
Units with a Make-Before-Break Bypass Switch (see the label on the side of the switch):
Make sure the AC line light is on, the Battery Power light is off, and the UPS is providing
output. If all three of these conditions are present, turn the bypass switch to LINE. If not, follow
steps 2-4 below before you switch the bypass switch to LINE; there will be a break in power to
your equipment after you have shut down your UPS and before you turn the bypass switch. Your
equipment will receive direct AC line instead of conditioned power from the UPS. Go to step 2.

CAUTION
Equipment will be damaged if you change the switch position when line is applied and the
UPS is off or on inverter! See TIP 410.
2. Turn off FERRUPS On/Off switch.
3. If your FERRUPS is plugged in, unplug it. If the UPS is not a plug-in model, turn off the AC Disconnect
switch.
4. 500 VA-3.1 kVA: If you have a battery cabinet that has a DC switch on the front, turn the switch off. If
your battery cabinet does not have a DC switch on the front, unplug the connector
between the battery cabinet(s) and the UPS; make sure you reconnect this connector
before you start the UPS again.
4.3 kVA-18 kVA: Unlock the lock in the center of the front panel and remove the panel. If there is a DC
switch behind the panel, turn it off. Reattach the panel to the UPS. If your UPS has
separate battery cabinets, turn off the DC switch at each battery cabinet.
If FERRUPS will be off for an extended time, recharge the batteries every 90-120 days. If you do not do
this, the batteries may be damaged. To restart the UPS, see Section 200. Make sure you complete all of the
steps so the UPS will operate properly.

Page 23

Section 400: Communication

FERRUPS is capable of full-duplex communication, so it can communicate with a computer, a Local Area
Network, or a multi-user computer system. If your system comes with UPS monitoring and automatic shutdown
software, FERRUPS can communicate with that software. If your system does not have software, you can use the
CheckUPS II Suite power management software included with your FERRUPS. CheckUPS II does an orderly
automatic shutdown of protected equipment and the UPS when there is a long power outage. CheckUPS II also
provides UPS monitoring and control from your computer. For more information, see the CheckUPS instructions
and the online CheckUPS manuals.
If you do not plan to use CheckUPS II or your own UPS monitoring software, you can still set up RS232
communication with your UPS and use commands and parameters to control UPS operation. Section 401
explains how to connect a terminal or computer to the FERRUPS communication port to communicate with
FERRUPS. Section 402 describes the commands that you can enter from a terminal or computer.
Section 403 describes the other functions that you can access through the RS232 port: remote monitoring and
remote shutdown.
The diagram below shows the functions of the pins at the FERRUPS communication port.
Pin

Description

Transmit Data (In).

Receive Data (Out).

Request to Send.

Clear to Send.

+12V Level (0.01 amp) when UPS is operating.

Signal Ground.

11

Contact opens when on inverter.

12

Contact closes when on inverter.

13

Common Inverter Signal Contact.

14

+12V, 0.5 amp (500 VA-3.1 kVA) or 0.3 amp (4.3-18 kVA). Do not use for setting
logic levels.

18

+12V Level (0.01 amp) when UPS is operating.

20

AS/400 Option.

21

Remote Shutdown.

23

Contact closes on alarm.

24

Common Alarm Signal Contact.

25

Contact opens on alarm.

To enable hardware handshaking on these

pins, call your local Best Power office.

These relay contacts are rated at 25V AC/DC

and 250 mA. (Later models may have
equivalently rated DC solid state switches.)
See Section 403.

These relay contacts are rated at 25 V AC/

DC, 250 mA. (Later models may have
equivalently rated DC solid state switches.)
Pins 23 and 25 change status when UPS is
turned off. See Section 403.

Note that pins 2-5 and 7 are for RS232 communication, pins 11-13 and 23-25 are for remote monitoring, and pin
21 (used with 6 or 18) is for remote shutdown. The sections below will tell you more about how to take
advantage of these features. Pin 20 is for option use only.

Page 24

401 Connecting a Terminal or Computer to the RS232 Port

CAUTION
Do not make connections to the RS232 communication port if FERRUPS is connected to a positive
ground battery system. The RS232 ground must be isolated or equipment damage will result. For
help, call Best Powers Worldwide Service at 1-800-356-5737 or 1-608-565-2100, or call the nearest
Best Power office.
If you are connecting a terminal to the RS232 port, the terminal must be capable of serial communications.
If you are connecting a computer, the computer must be running terminal emulation software. Many popular
modem software packages can emulate a terminal; if you do not have a terminal emulation program, please call
Best Powers Worldwide Service for more information.
1. To connect FERRUPS DB25S (female) RS232 port to your terminal or computer, you will need a cable
designed specifically for this purpose. (See Figures 401-402.) Best Power offers cables for computers or
terminals using 25-pin or 9-pin serial ports; call your local Best Power office to order one of these cables. If
you would like to build your own cable, follow these requirements:

Use a high-quality, shielded cable.

Do not use a standard 25-conductor straight-through cable; you should only include straightthrough connections for the pins shown in Figures 401-402. For RS232 communication, use pins 2
(transmit data), 3 (receive data), and 7 (signal ground); to use hardware handshaking (request to send
on pin 4 and clear to send on pin 5), please call Best Powers Worldwide Service or the nearest Best
Power office. No other pins should be connected from FERRUPS RS232 port to your terminal or
computer.

For more information on pin connections and the function of the non-serial pins on the RS232 port, see the
beginning of Section 400 and Section 403.
Note: To connect a modem, see TIP 503.

Computer DB9 to UPS

Figure 401

Page 25

Computer DB25 to UPS

Figure 402
2. Connect the cable from the RS232 port on the back of the FERRUPS to the serial port on your terminal or
computer.
3. Your terminal or computer should have these settings:

1200 baud.
8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
No parity.
FULL DUPLEX.

The terminal or terminal emulation software should also be set to FULL DUPLEX. If you are using a
terminal, note that FERRUPS supports the Televideo 900 series, ADM3A and WYSE 50 emulation.
The table below shows the standard settings at the FERRUPS DB25S port and what you can adjust these
settings to. Call the nearest Best Power office if you need to adjust any of the settings.
Specification
Connector

Standard Setting

Adjustable to:

25 pin D (female) wired as DCE.

Format

ASCII. 8 data bits. 1 stop bit. Most

significant bit set to 0.

Standard setting or
7/8 bits, stop

Baud Rate

1200

50-38400

Parity

None

Odd, Even or None

Duplex

Full

Full or Half

4. Turn your terminal on or run your terminal emulation software. Then press the [ENTER] key on your
keyboard. You should receive a message from FERRUPS, then a prompt. The prompt will vary depending
on your current password level:
=>
Normal prompt
User=>
User Password has been entered
Press [ENTER] on your keyboard a few times to make sure FERRUPS responds.
5. To control or monitor FERRUPS, simply type the command you need and press [ENTER]. The table on the
next page shows what keystrokes you can use as you type commands or view displays. See Section 402 for
more information on UPS commands.

Page 26

To do this

Use this key sequence

Delete last character typed.

[BACKSPACE] or [CTRL]-[H]

Delete line.

[CTRL]-[X]

Pause displays that take more than one screen.

[CTRL]-[S]

Resume scrolling. (Turn Pause off.)

[CTRL]-[Q]

402 Entering Commands from a Terminal or Computer

To monitor or control FERRUPS from a terminal or computer, simply type in one of the commands and press
[ENTER]. (See the table below.) You can type the command in uppercase or lowercase, and you can use the
whole command or the short form, or you can abbreviate the command as long as you include the letters in the
short form. You can also enter more than one command on a line if you put a semicolon between commands.
Command

Short Form

Password

alarmshelp

ah

None

Shows a list of all possible alarm messages, the audio code and letter
for each alarm and whether the alarm is active.

alarmlog

al

None

Displays Alarm Log. See Section 306.

alarmtest

at

None

Allows you to test the alarm function. Alarmtest sounds the User
Test alarm (J). See Section 304.

alarmtest cancel

at c

Function

Turns the User Test alarm off.

4

chm

None

Shows the FERRUPS battery charger mode. By entering a mode after

the chargermode command, you can change the charger mode:
chargermode off (chm f) or chargermode disable (chm d) = charger
off; chargermode on (chm o) or chargermode enable (chm e) =
charger on; chargermode auto (chm a) = charger enabled if AC input
voltage and battery voltage are acceptable.

clearalarms

ca

None

Clears all active alarms.

clearhistory

ch

None

Clears the minimum and maximum parameter values shown when you
use the extendedhistory or history commands.

clearpassword

cp

None

Clears the current password.

commands

cm

None

Displays a list of all valid commands.

contdisplay

cd

Depends on
parameter
password

contstatus

cs

None

Continuously displays the Status information. (See the status

command.)

date

da

None

Displays system time and date. To set the date, enter date
[month]/[day]/[year].

chargermode

Continuously displays the parameter that you are currently displaying.

You can specify other parameters for the continuous display by
entering the name or number of each parameter after the contdisplay
command.

If you change parameter 39 to Yes, this command requires the User password.

Page 27

Command

Short Form

Password

delay

dl

None

Delays next command when you enter a number after delay. Each unit
represents 2.5 milliseconds, so delay 1 would cause a 2.5 mS delay.
For a 1-second delay, enter delay 400.

display

Depends on
parameter
password

Displays the values of one or more parameters. (See Parameter Table,

Section 305.)
Format: display [parameter # or name] [parameter # or name]
Example: d 1 fullload ol will display the values of parameters 1, 16
and 21.

extendedhistory

xh

None

Displays the minimum and maximum values of parameters 1 (AC

Volts In), 2 (AC Volts Out), 7 (DC Volts) and 5 (VA Out); the
command then clears the minimum and maximum values. See the
Parameter Table, Section 305.

None

Displays an 80-character line containing information on the

FERRUPS status. CheckUPS and other UPS monitoring software use
this data.

? or he

None

Shows a list of terminal/computer commands.

history

None

Displays the minimum and maximum values of parameter 1 (AC

Volts In); the command then clears the minimum and maximum
values.

identify

None

Shows Best Powers address and telephone number and the software
version.

inverterlog

il

None

Displays the Inverter Log. See Section 306.

logs

None

Displays both the Alarm and Inverter Logs. See Section 306.

message
"[message]"

None

Displays a message (up to 16 characters) on the control panel. The

control panel will continue to display the message until a control
panel key is pressed.

off [time]

o [time]

None4

Shuts down FERRUPS in a given number of seconds. The READY

LED will blink until the UPS shuts down, and the UPS will beep five
seconds before shutdown. Example: OFF 60 shuts down the unit in
60 seconds.

off [time]
autostart

o [time] a

None4

Shuts down FERRUPS in a given number of seconds (see above), and

restarts the UPS shortly after power returns.

off cancel

oc

None4

Cancels timed shutdown.

parameters

Depends on
parameter
password

Shows a list of system parameters. See Section 305. You can also
display a range of parameters by entering the starting and ending
parameter number or name after the command.
Example: Parameters 1 10 will display parameters 1 through 10.

paramkeywords

pk

Depends on
parameter
password

Displays all parameters and their keywords (the names you can use
with commands). You can also display a range of parameters by
entering the numbers or names of the starting and ending parameters.

password

pw

None

format

help

Function

Allows you to enter the User Password. Typing password alone

clears the current password.
Example: password 377 enters the User Password.

If you change parameter 39 to Yes, this command requires the User password.

Page 28

Command

Short Form

Password

program

pr

Depends
on
parameter
password

remote

rm

None

Configures the RS232 port so the connected terminal will work like a
control panel.

shutdown
or
shutdown
autostart

sd

None4

Shuts down the UPS output in 60 seconds (if you enter shutdown
alone) or the number of seconds you specify after the command. The
READY LED will blink until the UPS shuts down. If you specify
autostart, the UPS will restart shortly after power returns.

sd c

None4

Cancels a shutdown started with the shutdown command.

shutup

sh

None

Turns off audible alarm.

status

None

Shows date, time, system status, present system mode, active alarms,
and the value of various system parameters.

sm

None4

Typing systemmode alone displays which system mode is now active.

You can use systemmode with a, o, i, or l to enter one of the modes
below.

systemmode
auto

sm a

None4

Enters the Auto Mode. This is the normal FERRUPS mode. In this
mode, FERRUPS is conditioning AC input power for your
equipment; if there is a power outage, FERRUPS is ready to switch to
battery power.

systemmode
off

sm f

None4

Enters the Off Mode. In this mode, FERRUPS is not providing power
to your equipment, but you can still use FERRUPS control panel.

systemmode
inverter

sm I

None4

Enters the Inverter Mode. In this mode, FERRUPS is converting DC

battery power to AC power for your equipment.

systemmode
linecondition

sm l

None4

Enters the Line Condition Mode. In this mode, FERRUPS is

conditioning AC input power for your equipment, but it will not
switch to battery power (inverter) if there is a power outage; instead,
FERRUPS will sound a Low AC Out alarm.

stst

None4

Starts a system test of the logic, inverter and battery.

time

None

Shows the current UPS time. To set the time, enter [hour]:[minutes]
after the command.

unshutup

None

Turns audible alarm back on.

shutdown cancel

systemmode

systemtest

sd a

Function
Lets you set the value of any parameter. You must enter the
appropriate password before you reset the value. See the Password
command above.
Format: PR [parameter # or name] [newvalue]
Example: PR 0 815 resets the time (parameter 0) to 8:15 a.m.

If you change parameter 39 to Yes, this command requires a User password.

Page 29

403 Remote Monitoring and Remote Shutdown

Monitoring
Alarm Signal Contacts:

These are relay contacts (rated at 25V AC/DC and 250 mA) that change
status on any alarm condition or when the UPS is turned off. (See the
beginning of Section 400.) Contacts that close on an alarm are available
between pins 23 and 24. Contacts that open on an alarm are available
between pins 24 and 25.

Inverter On Signal Contacts:

These are relay contacts (rated at 25V AC/DC and 250 mA) that change
status when the inverter turns on. (See the beginning of Section 400.)
Contacts that close on inverter operation are available between pins 12 and
13. Contacts that open on inverter operation are available between pins 11
and 13.

Remote Shutdown
FERRUPS can be connected to a remote shutdown switch to shut off output from the UPS to your protected
equipment. The shutdown switch must have a set of contacts that can apply FERRUPS +12 VDC on pin 6 to
FERRUPS pin 21. (You can use pin 18 instead of pin 6; do not use pin 14.) Use a shielded, single twisted pair
cable to connect the switch to FERRUPS pins. A connection between pins 6 and 21 (or 18 and 21) will shut down
FERRUPS output power to the protected equipment. When FERRUPS Remote Shutdown feature has been
activated, FERRUPS will be in the Off Mode, and the Emergency Power Off Alarm will sound. A control panel or
a terminal connected to the FERRUPS will display Emergency PwrOff. To restart the UPS, break the connection
between pins 6 and 21 (or between pins 18 and 21) at FERRUPS RS232 port. Then, follow the steps in the Startup
section for your model (202 or 203). Note that the 12-volt level on pin 6 or pin 18 is only available when
FERRUPS is operating.
You can change the type of signal that FERRUPS responds to and how quickly FERRUPS responds. You can also
set up FERRUPS to restart automatically when the shutdown signal stops. See TIP 503 or call Best Powers
Worldwide Service for more information.

Page 30

Section 500: Maintenance and Service

In this section, well look at the kind of maintenance your FERRUPS needs and how to contact Best Powers
Worldwide Service.

501 Regular Maintenance

Best Power designed your FERRUPS to provide years of trouble-free operation. Its microprocessor will check the
batteries and inverter regularly to assure you of proper operation. In fact, you'll probably find that your
FERRUPS requires less maintenance than any of your other computer peripherals.
Nevertheless, your FERRUPS does require some attention in order to provide you with excellent service. Best
Power recommends that you schedule a Preventative Maintenance check at least every six months. At this check,
your service technician should

 Inspect and clean the unit.

 Inspect and record the Alarm and Inverter Logs.
 Check the batteries.
 Check the AC and DC meter functions and recalibrate if necessary.
 Perform an outage test.
 Check the values of the first 19 parameters on line and inverter.
Your technician must observe important safety precautions while performing these checks. For more
information on what your technician should do in a Preventative Maintenance check, or to schedule Preventative
Maintenance with a Best Power-authorized field service representative, call Best Powers Worldwide Service.
Well be happy to help you.

502 Service and Support

Best Power has an outstanding customer service department. Please feel free to call, write, or fax the nearest Best
Power office if you have a problem or question about your FERRUPS. Please have your model number and
serial number when you call. This information appears on a label at the rear of your unit. You also can get this
information by reading parameter 40 on the control panel. If you are requesting repair under warranty, please
include proof of purchase and purchase date in correspondence. Call Best Power for instructions before returning
a unit or component. (See the beginning of this manual for other Best Power offices.)
In the U.S.A.:
Worldwide Service
Best Power
Route 1, Box 106 - P.O. Box 11
Necedah, Wisconsin 54646 U.S.A.
Phone: 1-800-356-5737 (U.S.A. and Canada)
1-608-565-2100
FAX:

1-608-565-2509

Page 31

Section 600: Specifications

601 Specification Table: Standard Product FE and QFE 500VA-3.1KVA
Model

500VA/
350W

700VA/
500W

850VA/
600W

1.15KVA/
800W

1.4KVA/
1kW

1.8KVA/
1.25kW

2.1KVA/
1.5kW

3.1KVA/
2.2kW

4.6 amps

2.4 amps

2.1 amps
4.7 amps
4.5 amps
4.4 amps
2.6 amps
2.5 amps
2.4 amps

5.6 amps

2.8 amps

2.5 amps
6.0 amps
5.9 amps
5.8 amps
3.9 amps
3.8 amps
3.5 amps

6.6 amps

3.7 amps

3.2 amps
7.5 amps
7.3 amps
7.0 amps
4.4 amps
4.2 amps
4.0 amps

8.9 amps
5.1 amps
5.0 amps
4.6 amps
4.2 amps
9.5 amps
8.9 amps
8.4 amps
4.9 amps
4.6 amps
4.4 amps

13 amps
11 amps
6.3 amps
6.0 amps
5.8 amps
5.3 amps
12 amps
12 amps
11 amps
5.7 amps
5.4 amps
5.2 amps

17 amps
16 amps
8.5 amps
9.2 amps
7.8 amps
8.2 amps
16 amps
15 amps
15 amps
7.9 amps
7.5 amps
7.2 amps

20 amps
19 amps
9.8 amps
11 amps
9.4 amps
9.2 amps
18 amps
17 amps
16 amps
8.2 amps
7.8 amps
7.4 amps

28 amps
25 amps
14 amps
14 amps
12 amps
12 amps
26 amps
25 amps
24 amps
13 amps
12 amps
12 amps

10 amp

10 amp

10 amp

15 amp

15 amp

20 amp

20 amp

30 amp

Output Voltage and

Maximum Output
Current in amps**
FE: 100 VAC
120 VAC
200 VAC
208 VAC
220 VAC
240 VAC
QFE: 110 VAC
115 VAC
120 VAC
220 VAC
230 VAC
240 VAC

4.1 amps

2.3 amps

2.1 amps
4.4 amps
4.2 amps
4.1 amps
2.2 amps
2.2 amps
2.1 amps

5.9 amps

3.3 amps

2.8 amps
6.2 amps
6.0 amps
5.7 amps
3.2 amps
3.1 amps
2.9 amps

7.0 amps

4.0 amps

3.4 amps
7.7 amps
7.2 amps
7.1 amps
3.8 amps
3.6 amps
3.5 amps

9.3 amps
5.7 amps
5.3 amps
5.0 amps
4.7 amps
10 amps
9.8 amps
9.4 amps
5.0 amps
4.8 amps
4.6 amps

14 amps
12 amps
6.8 amps
6.5 amps
6.1 amps
5.6 amps
13 amps
13 amps
12 amps
6.4 amps
6.2 amps
5.9 amps

18 amps
15 amps
8.8 amps
8.4 amps
8.0 amps
7.3 amps
16 amps
15 amps
14 amps
7.9 amps
7.6 amps
7.2 amps

21 amps
17 amps
10 amps
9.9 amps
9.0 amps
8.6 amps
19 amps
18 amps
17 amps
9.3 amps
8.9 amps
8.5 amps

30 amps
26 amps
15 amps
15 amps
14 amps
13 amps
28 amps
26 amps
25 amps
14 amps
13 amps
13 amps

Efficiency on AC Line

85%

86%

85%

88%

88%

90%

90%

91%

On Line BTU/hour:
KW/hour:

210
.062

277
.081

361
.106

372
.109

465
.136

474
.139

568
.166

742
.217

Audible Noise (dB)

41

41

47

49

49

51

51

51

Runtime
Load:

9 min.
25 min.

14 min.
35 min.

11 min.
28 min.

18 min.
48 min.

14 min.
37 min.

11 min.
30 min.

9 min.
25 min.

14 min.
35 min.

45 lbs.
22.2 kgs.

51 lbs.
25 kgs.

57 lbs.
27.7 kgs.

86 lbs.
41.7 kgs.

94 lbs.
45.4 kgs.

120 lbs.
58.1 kgs.

132 kgs.
63.5 kgs.

144 lbs.
69 kgs.

58 lbs.
28 kgs.

76 lbs.
36.3 kgs.

82 lbs.
39 kgs.

126 lbs.
59.9 kgs.

148 lbs.
69.9 kgs.

176 lbs.
83 kgs.

188 lbs.
89 kgs.

248 lbs.
116.1 kgs.

AC Input Voltage
and Current,
Standard Charger
FE: 100 VAC
120 VAC
200 VAC
208 VAC*
220 VAC
240 VAC*
QFE: 110 VAC
115 VAC
120 VAC
220 VAC
230 VAC
240 VAC
Recommended AC
Input Service: 60 Hz
with 120VAC*

Full
Half

Load:
Weight :
Without Battery:
60 Hz Units:
50 Hz Units:
With Battery:
60 Hz Units:
50 Hz Units:

Dimensions
12 x 10 x 21.25 inches
15.1 x 15.2 x 20.2 inches
21.2 x 15.25 x 22.9 inches
(H x W x D)
305 x 255 x 540 mm
385 x 390 x 515 mm
540 x 390 x 585 mm
*Size input protection according to all applicable local or national codes. Fuse and circuit breaker sizes vary. Sizes shown are for the U.S. and
Canada.
**At 0.7 leading power factor.

Page 32

602 Specification Table: Standard Product FE and QFE 4.3KVA-18KVA

Model

4.3KVA/3kW

5.3KVA/3.7kW

7KVA/5kW

10KVA/7.5kW

12.5KVA/10kW

18KVA/15kW

100 = 38 amps
120 = 32 amps*
200 = 19 amps
208 = 18 amps
220 = 17 amps
240 = 16 amps
220 = 19 amps
230 = 18 amps
240 = 17 amps
380 = 11 amps
400 = 10 amps
415 = 9 amps

100 = 46 amps
120 = 38 amps*
200 = 23 amps
208 = 22 amps
220 = 21 amps
240 = 19 amps
220 = 21 amps
230 = 20 amps
240 = 19 amps
380 = 13 amps
400 = 12 amps
415 = 11 amps

100 = 58 amps
120 = 51 amps*
200 = 29 amps
208 = 30 amps
220 = 27 amps
240 = 26 amps
220 = 27 amps
230 = 26 amps
240 = 24 amps
380 = 16 amps
400 = 15 amps
415 = 14 amps

200 = 45 amps
208 = 45 amps
220 = 41 amps
240 = 39 amps
220 = 43 amps
230 = 41 amps
240 = 39 amps
380 = 25 amps
400 = 24 amps
415 = 23 amps

200 = 59 amps
208 = 58 amps
220 = 53 amps
240 = 50 amps
220 = 55 amps
230 = 53 amps
240 = 51 amps
380 = 33 amps
400 = 31 amps
415 = 30 amps

200 = 85 amps
208 = 86 amps
220 = 81 amps
240 = 76 amps
220 = 81 amps
230 = 78 amps
240 = 75 amps
380 = 48 amps
400 = 46 amps
415 = 44 amps

120 = 40 amp*
208 = 25 amp
240 = 20 amp

120 = 50 amp*
208 = 30 amp
240 = 25 amp

120 = 65 amp*
208 = 40 amp
240 = 35 amp

208 = 60 amp
240 = 50 amp

208 = 75 amp
240 = 65 amp

208 = 115 amp

240 = 100 amp

100 = 42 amps
120 = 34 amps
200 = 21 amps
208 = 20 amps
220 = 19 amps
240 = 17 amps
220 = 19 amps
230 = 18 amps
240 = 17 amps

100 = 52 amps
120 = 44 amps
200 = 26 amps
208 = 26 amps
220 = 24 amps
240 = 22 amps
220 = 23 amps
230 = 22 amps
240 = 21 amps

100 = 68 amps
120 = 58 amps
200 = 34 amps
208 = 34 amps
220 = 31 amps
240 = 29 amps
220 = 31 amps
230 = 30 amps
240 = 28 amps

100 = 98 amps
120 = 82 amps
200 = 49 amps
208 = 48 amps
220 = 46 amps
240 = 41 amps
220 = 45 amps
230 = 43 amps
240 = 41 amps

100 = 124 amps

120 = 103 amps
200 = 62 amps
208 = 58 amps
220 = 55 amps
240 = 51 amps
220 = 56 amps
230 = 52 amps
240 = 51 amps

100 = 176 amps

120 = 149 amps
200 = 88 amps
208 = 84 amps
220 = 82 amps
240 = 73 amps
220 = 84 amps
230 = 76 amps
240 = 73 amps

Efficiency On AC
Line

90%

90%

90%

90%

91%

92%

On Line BTU/hour:
KW/hour:

1138
.333

1403
.411

1896
.556

2844
.833

3375
.989

4452
1.3

Audible Noise (dB)

50

51

52

55

56

57

Runtime (minutes)
Full Load:
Half Load:

10
24

20
50

12
33

11
26

18
48

10
26

243 lbs.
115.7 kgs.

268 lbs.
131.1 kgs.

362 lbs.
176.5 kgs.

442 lbs.
217.7 kgs.

505 lbs.
251.3 kgs.

625 lbs.
312.1 kgs.

348 lbs.
163.3 kgs.

484 lbs.
229.1 kgs.

578 lbs.
274.4 kgs.

N Cabinet with
Standard Batteries

395 lbs.
(179.2 kgs.)

535 lbs.
(242.7 kgs.)

675 lbs.
(306.2 kgs.)

Dimensions
(H x W x D)

29.5 in. x 15.5 in. x 25 in.

750 mm x 395 mm x 635 mm

AC Input Voltage
and Current,
Standard Charger
FE:

QFE:

Recommended Input
Service for 60 Hz
Models**
Output Voltage and
Maximum Output
Current in amps***
FE:

QFE:

Weights:
Without Battery
60 Hz Units
50 Hz Units
With Battery****
60 Hz Units
50 Hz Units

36.5 in. x 19 in. x 32 in.

930 mm x 485 mm x 815 mm

NOTE: If your model has an internal NOTE: If your model has an internal bypass switch, add 8 in. or 200 mm to
bypass switch, add 8 in. or
the depth.
200 mm to the depth.
* FE 4.3KVA, 5.3KVA and 7KVA models have optional 120 VAC input voltage.
** Size input protection according to all applicable local or national codes. Fuse and circuit breaker sizes vary. Sizes shown are for the U.S. and
Canada.
***At 0.7 to 0.83 leading power factor.
****FE and QFE 10KVA, 12.5KVA and 18KVA models do not have internal batteries. Batteries are in a separate battery cabinet or rack.

Page 33

603 AC Output with Nominal Input Power and Loads (Protected Equipment)
Voltage Regulation:

FERRUPS provides 3% load regulation. Total voltage regulation under any line, load,
or battery condition to within -8.3% and +5% of nominal. Exceeds CBEMA and ANSI
voltage regulation standard for computing equipment.

Overload Capability:

On line (nominal AC volts in) 150% surge and 125% for 10 minutes. On inverter
(nominal DC volts in) 150% surge and 110% for 10 minutes. Overload operation is
not thermally limited. FERRUPS microprocessor continuously monitors output VA and
sounds an alarm before loss of output voltage regulation occurs.

Sine-wave Power:

FERRUPS provides sine-wave, computer-grade power with five percent or less total
harmonic distortion at rated load. It meets or exceeds CSA C22.2 No. 107.1.

Output Frequency:

On line: 60 Hz (FE) or 50 Hz (QFE) with nominal power line grid stability of 0.005 Hz.
On inverter: 60 Hz (FE) or 50 Hz (QFE) 0.005 Hz. Output frequency tracks input line
frequency up to limit, which is adjustable from 0.01 Hz to 3.00 Hz. Inverter turns on if
line frequency exceeds the selected limit.

604 Lightning and Surge Protection

FERRUPS provides 2000-to-1 spike attenuation. Tested using lightning standard per ANSI/IEEE C62.41
Category A (6000 volt spike and 200 amp) and Category B (6000 volt spike and 3000 amp) test, and ANSI/IEEE
C62.45 test procedures.

605 Isolation and Noise Rejection

Isolation, Including Output
Neutral to Ground Bonding:

Noise Rejection:

FERRUPS provides a true separately derived power source, as defined by

National Electrical Code Article 250-5d, with output neutral bonded to ground.
There is no direct connection between input and output, and less than 2 pF of
effective input to output capacitance.
Common Mode: greater than 120 dB with output neutral bonded to ground.
Transverse (Normal) Mode: greater than 60 dB.

606 Environment
Storage Temperature:

Relative Humidity:
Operating Ambient
Temperature:

Batteries: -20 to +40 Celsius (-4 to 104 F). See Section 201.
UPS: -20 to +60 Celsius (-4 to 140 F) if batteries are removed from the
UPS.
0 to 95% without condensation.
0 to 40 Celsius (32 to 104 F) and 95% relative humidity.

Page 34

Ventilation Requirement:

Clean, dust-free air, free of corrosive chemicals or other contaminants must be

available. FERRUPS uses internal fans to circulate the air for cooling. Air must
be free to circulate around the UPS and battery cabinet(s).

High Altitude Operation:

The maximum operating ambient temperature drops 1 C per 300 meters (2 F
per 1000 feet) above sea level, with the maximum elevation being 3000 meters
(10,000 feet).

607 Protection
DC Input:

DC fuse and battery charger fuse.

Output Protection:

The ferroresonant transformer inherently limits current and provides overload protection.
FERRUPS has high AC and low AC output voltage alarms, as well as an overload alarm.
If the AC output voltage falls below the low AC output voltage alarm setpoint, the unit
will alarm after 5 seconds. If the AC output voltage falls below the low AC output
shutdown setpoint, the unit will alarm and shut down.
Some FERRUPS models have output receptacles protected by fuses or circuit breakers.

608 Batteries and Battery Charger

Standard batteries are sealed, gas recombinant, lead-acid type, especially designed for UPS use.
500 VA to 1.4 kVA: Nominal battery voltage is 12 VDC. The standard battery charger output is variable. For 500
VA-850 VA units, the charger output is rated at approximately 4 amperes at low battery and
2 amperes at 13.7 VDC. For 1.15k VA and 1.4 kVA units, the charger output is rated at
approximately 8 amperes at low battery and 2 amperes at 13.7 VDC.
1.8 kVA to 3.1 kVA:

Nominal battery voltage is 48 VDC. The standard battery charger is rated at 4 amperes at
54.8 VDC.

4.3 kVA to 18 kVA: Nominal battery voltage is 48 VDC for 4.3KVA-7KVA models and 120 VDC for 10KVA18KVA models. The standard battery charger is rated at 5 amperes.
Optional battery chargers at higher current ratings are available. Call the nearest Best Power office for more
information.

Page 35

Section 700: Warranty

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Standard Warranty For All Purchases
BEST POWER, a division of General Signal Power Systems, Inc. (hereinafter called BEST POWER) warrants
that each product sold by BEST POWER is compatible with existing commercially available computer
equipment with enclosed power supplies and is free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use
and service. This warranty is applicable only to the initial retail purchaser (PURCHASER), and is not
transferable. The duration of this warranty is two (2) years from the date of the first retail sale or the date of
delivery to the PURCHASER, whichever occurs first, subject to the following conditions.
If the PURCHASER discovers within the duration of this warranty a failure of the product to perform compatibly
with presently existing computer equipment or a defect in material or workmanship, the PURCHASER must
promptly notify BEST POWER in writing within the duration of the warranty or not later than one month after
expiration of the warranty. BEST POWERs obligation under this warranty is limited to the replacement or
repair, subject to the conditions specified below, of such product returned intact to BEST POWER which shall
appear to BEST POWER, upon inspection, to have been either incompatible or defective. Replacement or repair
will be made at BEST POWERs Worldwide Service, Highway 80, Necedah, Wisconsin 54646, U.S.A. Such
repair or replacement shall be at BEST POWERs expense. This warranty does not cover any taxes which may be
due in connection with replacement or repair, nor any installation, removal, transportation or postage costs. These
expenses will be paid by PURCHASER. If BEST POWER is unable to repair or replace the product to conform
to this warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, BEST POWER will refund the purchase price. Remedies
under this warranty are expressly limited to those specified above.
TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, BEST POWER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED
IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW,
BEST POWER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, INJURIES TO PROPERTY, LOSS
OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so that the above limitation on
duration of implied warranties may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. You are advised
to consult applicable state laws.
No warranty is made with respect to other products sold by BEST POWER which do not bear the name BEST
POWER, and no recommendation of such other product shall imply or constitute any warranty with respect to
them. This warranty does not cover repair or replacement because of damage from unreasonable use (for example
only, damage from road hazard, accident, fire or other casualty, misuse, negligence, or incorrect wiring) and any
use or installation not in conformance with instructions furnished by BEST POWER, or repairs or replacements
needed because of modifications or parts not authorized or supplied by BEST POWER.

Page 36

LIMITED WARRANTY
Transient Voltage Surge Suppression Circuitry
(For U.S. and Canadian Purchasers Only)
BEST POWER, a division of General Signal Power Systems, Inc. (BEST POWER) hereby warrants the
transient voltage surge suppression circuitry in each FERRUPS, FORTRESS, PATRIOT, UNITY/I,
CITADEL, or SPIKEFREETM product (hereinafter called "Product") sold by it for installation in the United
States of America and Canada to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
for the lifetime of the Product, beginning with the date of sale to the initial retail purchaser, subject to the
following conditions. This warranty is applicable only to the initial retail purchaser (hereinafter called
PURCHASER), is not transferable, and is limited to the following remedies:
1. The replacement or repair of the transient voltage surge suppression circuitry in each Product that is returned
intact to BEST POWER and which shall appear to BEST POWER upon inspection to have been defective in
material or workmanship or to have been damaged through normal use;
2. The reimbursement to the PURCHASER of up to $25,000 per occurrence of documented physical damage to
specified computer equipment connected to a Product where such damage could have been prevented by
transient voltage surge suppression circuitry as detailed in BEST POWERs specification for the Product sold.
This warranty is made in addition to BEST POWERs Limited Two Year Warranty.
This warranty does not include any taxes which may be due in connection with replacement or repair nor any
installation, transportation or postage costs. These expenses will be paid by PURCHASER. Replacement or
repair will be made at BEST POWERs Worldwide Service, Highway 80, Necedah, Wisconsin 54646, U.S.A.
This warranty does not cover repair or replacement because of damage from unreasonable use (damage from road
hazards, accident, fire or other casualty, misuse, negligence, incorrect wiring) and any use or installation not in
conformance with instructions furnished by BEST POWER, or repairs or replacements needed because of
modifications or parts not authorized or supplied by BEST POWER.
This warranty is operable only upon the written acceptance by BEST POWER of an application by the
PURCHASER on BEST POWERs standard form for the above warranty coverage for the Product sold. In such
application, the PURCHASER shall represent that the Product sold has been properly installed and grounded in
accordance with instructions received from BEST POWER, and the PURCHASER shall also specify the
computer equipment to which the Product sold has been connected and the location of the computer equipment.
This warranty will not apply to any equipment not specified in the application by the PURCHASER as protected
equipment.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY AND BEST POWERs LIMITED TWO
YEAR WARRANTY, BEST POWER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, AND TO THE EXTENT
ALLOWED BY LAW, BEST POWER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF PRODUCTS AND THE REIMBURSEMENT SPECIFIED ABOVE, AND TO THE
EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW ANY CLAIMS FOR LOSS ARISING OUT OF THE FAILURE OF
PRODUCTS TO PERFORM FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, OR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR OTHER ECONOMIC LOSS ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so that the above limitation on
duration of implied warranties may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. You are advised
to consult applicable state laws.
Page 37

Section 800: Options

Best Power offers many options for your FERRUPS. The list below describes these options; if you would like
more information, contact your local Best Power office or dealer.
Bypass Switches:

Control Panel:
Environmental
Monitoring:

Extended Runtimes:

Interface Kits:

Plugs:

If your UPS does not have a plug, a bypass switch lets you transfer your protected
equipment to direct AC input power conveniently when its time to service your
FERRUPS. Your Best Power office can tell you if a bypass switch is recommended for
your UPS and describe the different bypass switches.
Best Power offers Control Panels and extension cables that let you monitor and
operate FERRUPS from a remote location.
Best Powers EnviroCom monitors many office and UPS conditions and phones you
when there is a problem. EnviroCom II also lets you 1) phone your FERRUPS for an
update on its status and environment, and 2) control and communicate with your
FERRUPS through a modem.
If you want extended runtimes, call Best Power for information on adding additional
battery capacity or an optional battery charger.
For computers that include their own UPS monitoring and shutdown software, Best
Power offers interface cable kits for use between your UPS and the computer. Kits
are available for Novell NetWare, IBM AS/400, Windows NT/LAN Manager/LAN
Server, Lantastic, and Banyan VINES.
The following plugs are available when you order new 120 VAC, 208 VAC, and 240
VAC units with a standard battery charger.

FE4.3KVA

FE5.3KVA

FE7KVA

Unit

120 VAC

208 VAC

240 VAC

FE500VA

5-15P

6-15P

6-15P

FE700VA

5-15P

6-15P

6-15P

FE850VA

5-15P

6-15P

6-15P

FE1.15KVA

5-15P

6-15P

6-15P

FE1.4KVA

5-15P

6-15P

6-15P

FE1.8KVA

5-20P

6-15P

6-15P

FE2.1KVA

5-20P

6-15P

6-15P

FE3.1KVA

L5-30P

L6-20P

6-15P

without Internal Bypass Switch

5-50P

L6-30P

L6-30P

with Internal Bypass Switch

5-50P

L14-30P

L14-30P

without Internal Bypass Switch

5-50P

L6-30P

L6-30P

with Internal Bypass Switch

N.A.

14-50P

L14-30P

without Internal Bypass Switch

N.A.

6-50P

6-50P

with Internal Bypass Switch

N.A.

14-50P

14-50P

Page 38

Receptacles:

The following output receptacles are available for new units. NOTE: 5-15R receptacles are
standard for the FE500, 700, and 850VA and 1.15 and 1.4KVA. 5-20R receptacles are
standard in FE1.8, 2.1, and 3.1KVA models. IEC 320 receptacles are only available for
QFE500VA-QFE3.1KVA models.

IEC 320
10A 250V

QA
EUROPEAN
SHUKO
10A/16A 250V

QB
UNITED KINGDOM
10A 250V

QF
AUSTRALIAN
10A 250V

QG
FRENCH
SHUKO
10/16A

250V

Warranties:

Besides our standard two-year warranty, Best Power offers several Warranty Enhancement Plans
to meet your service and maintenance needs. Contact the nearest Best Power office for more
information.

For Users in the United States Only

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference

For Users in Canada

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

We hereby certify that the uninterruptible power system (QFE 500VA, 700VA, 850VA, 1.15KVA,
1.4KVA, 1.8KVA, 2.1KVA, 3.1KVA, 4.3KVA, 5.3KVA, 7KVA, 10KVA, 12.5KVA, and 18KVA)
complies with the RFI suppression requirements of Vfg. 243/1991 and Vfg. 46/1992. The German Postal
Service was notified that the equipment is being marketed. The German Postal Service has the right to
retest the equipment and verify compliance.

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, da die unterbrechungsfreie Stromversorgung (QFE 500VA, 700VA, 850VA,
1.15KVA, 1.4KVA, 1.8KVA, 2.1KVA, 3.1KVA, 4.3KVA, 5.3KVA, 7KVA, 10KVA, 12.5KVA, und
18KVA) in bereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der Vfg. 243/1991 und Vfg. 46/1992 funkentstrt
ist.
Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gertes angezeigt und die Berechtigung
zur berprfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmung eingerumt.

Best Power reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.

ALARM AUDIO CODE

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J

Low Battery
Near Low Battery
High Battery
Low Runtime
Low AC Output
High AC Output
Output Overload
High Ambient Temp
High Heatsink Temp
User Test Alarm

W

K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T

High Transformer Temp

Check Charger
Check Battery
Check Inverter
Memory Check
Emergency Power Off
High PFM Temp
Probe Missing
High AC Input
Call Service
Fan Alarm

Best Power
FSS-0342J

P.O. Box 280 - Necedah, Wisconsin 54646 U.S.A.

Telephone 1-608-565-7200
Sales Toll-Free 1-800-356-5794 (U.S.A. and Canada)
Service Toll-Free 1-800-356-5737 (U.S.A. and Canada)
World Wide Web Site: http://www.bestpower.com
Fax on Demand: 1-800-487-6813