Page 18 of 27 
Avoiding Potential Glitches  
1. Configuring the HP software for delay before shutdown 
One must consider the run time required to gracefully shut down a system. Every server with its 
configured operating system (OS) and subsequent attached storage has a required time for shutdown, 
which must be taken into account when configuring the UPS software so sufficient battery life is allotted 
for the graceful shutdown of the attached equipment. However, it is recommended that the software be 
configured with a small delay before shutdown (30 seconds). If an event were to occur that would cause 
the UPS to revert to battery, the delay would provide enough time to check if utility power returns and 
then abort the planned shutdown. If a delay is not set, then every time the UPS goes on battery to protect 
from a power anomaly, the UPS software will direct the attached load to shut down. For detailed 
information and a step-by-step process to configure this, please refer to your Owner’s Manual. 
2. When Performing a Hot Swap Electronics Module Replacement on the R3000 UPS 
electronics module 
When installing or replacing the electronics module on the HP R3000 UPS, the Test/Reset button must 
be held in while seating electronics module for at least 5 seconds otherwise it is possible that the load will 
shut down. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for further instructions. 
3. Installing Extended Runtime Modules (ERMs) 
Depending on the UPS model, you may need to manually inform the UPS when an ERM has been 
added. On many models this can be done via the front panel. However, with some UPSs you may need 
to run a ERM configuration utility that can be found on hp.com  If this process is not completed, the ERM 
will still provide backup time to the equipment;  however, proper runtimes and data will not be correctly 
reported. For more information, please refer to the documentation at 
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/platforms/rackandpower.html. 
 
4. Do not load a UPS past 80% 
Although it is acceptable to load a UPS to 100% capacity, it is not recommended. Load devices, like 
servers and storage, have an initial inrush current that exceeds their normal operating current. If a UPS is 
loaded to 100% capacity, the initial inrush current of powering on the load devices could cause an 
overload condition. 
 
Additionally, as batteries age, the runtime is often adversely affected. When a UPS is loaded to 100% 
with older batteries, there may not be sufficient runtime to gracefully shut down the load. 
 
5. Considerations when configuring a redundant system 
When configuring a UPS in a redundant configuration --- in which one UPS would assume the load of a 
second UPS if needed --- the UPS should not be loaded past 40%. Therefore, in the event that the 
second load was assumed, the combined total would not exceed the recommended maximum capacity of 
80% (as described in #4 above). Additionally in order to configure a UPS in a redundant configuration one 
must purchase and install an HP Management Module (www.hp.com/products/ups) in each UPS. 
 
6. Battery Testing 
The battery test function in HP Power Manager does not initiate a battery test on the rackmount UPS 
models, nor does it represent the results of the internal UPS battery tests.  
 
The rackmount UPS automatically performs a battery test each time it enters into rest mode, which is 
reached after the battery charge cycle is complete and the charger is turned off, usually within 72 hours of 
the beginning of the charge cycle. At the beginning of each rest mode, the UPS will measure the battery 
voltage degradation over a 10-day period. If after 10 days the voltage has degraded more than what the 
algorithm allows, then the battery alarm will indicate a bad battery. The purpose of this continual testing is 
to provide an advanced warning of a potentially failing battery.