To scrap or not to scrap: a UPS

So many gentlemen and gentlewomen of SMF, I have a Facebook find that was free with a few PCs. I didn't even know I was getting it until I showed up but she said it worked. It is an Uninterrupted Power Source. I didn't know until I looked this up later. She told me it worked when I took it but I don't think it does. I plug it in and can hear a click noise or two so you know it's getting some juice but no lights come on when you hit the power button and I tried plugging something into it and got nothing. So normally this sounds like I would just go ahead and scrap it out. I looked up these things online though and they can sell for something like 200$ at the low end. Does anyone have experience with something like this? Is it worth much if I try to sell as nonworking? Is it a simple fix? Thanks for any wisdom shared. It's a Tripp-lite brand and I can give more details if it seems necessary.

Originally Posted by t00nces2

It is either working or not. Is there a battery in it? If there is a battery in it, the test is to replace it. Find a store that specializes in battery sales (I will not recommend any particular company), have them put the right battery in and see if it works. If it does, buy the battery and you are off to the races.

Now, I will tell you my personal experience with UPS's.... I have scrapped quite a few. You can give the $200 thing and try to sell. Best of luck to you. My thoughts are this, I scrap them all except for massive ones I find. The large amphours ones I get I buy a battery (usually < $40) which is way cheaper than buying new UPS. I use them to run my computer and audio video equipment. I live in Florida and we have a lot of droppage and brown outs as well as spikes due to lightning. The battery backup will smooth the current and theoretically help extend the life of the equipment. It will also allow you to finish work or not have to go through the whole reset thing as you are watching your favorite Star Trek episode. If you decide to scrap, they have a battery and a coil as well as some brass contact bands for the outlets as well as some wiring (ICW). I buy mine at garage sales for $1. I would not recommend paying much for a dead UPS.

yeah agreed since the battery is only worth a 1.00 thats what i got for one anyway 5lbs one battery .20 i got bare bright fro the coil though.

What is the "coil"? I don't remember coming across anything that was thick copper and I've seen people reference a "coil" a few times and I'm not sure what's being talked about here. Sorry for newbie stuff.

Kid. Man. Dude. Bro. Cuz. Pal. Buddy... Have you opened one up? My guess would be, "no". Once open, the coil inside is fairly obvious.

Do you just mean the transformer?

Originally Posted by Nubs1201

Do you just mean the transformer?

He's probably talking about the copper coils on the power board.

Oh I haven't touched the board. I'm thinking leaving it alone and getting a high grade price would be better