APC Back-UPS 550VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector Set Up

APC Back-UPS 550VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector Set Up

Quick checklist

  1. Connect internal battery.

  2. Plug UPS into an outlet.

  3. Let it charge (~16 hrs).

  4. Plug critical gear into battery-backed outlets; others into surge-only.

  5. Power it on, run PowerChute (Windows).

  6. (Optional) do a self-test.

  7. Monitor LEDs and beeps.

Here’s how to set up your APC Back‑UPS 550 VA (BE550G) properly:

1. Unbox and connect the battery 🔋

  • Flip the unit over, slide off the battery compartment cover, and connect the internal battery cable to the battery terminal. Small sparks are normal

  • Replace the cover securely.

2. Choose a location

  • Place the UPS on a flat, well-ventilated surface indoors.

  • Do not use extension cords or surge protectors to power the UPS—plug it directly into a wall outlet

3. Plug in the UPS and charge

  • Use the included power cord to plug the UPS into a working wall outlet.

  • It will begin charging—full charge takes about 16 hours, and the UPS remains charging even when switched off

4. Connect your devices

On the rear panel you’ll see two outlet groups:

Outlet Type
Icon Label
Use For
Battery Backup + Surge
"Battery Backup + Surge" (4 outlets)
Essential gear: computer, monitor, external drives—these stay powered during an outage and are surge‑protected.
Surge Protection Only
(4 outlets with different icon)
Non-critical devices like printers/scanners—these are surge‑protected only, no battery backup

  • Also, plug in network or phone/data lines if desired for surge protection

5. Power on the UPS

  • Press the Power On button on top. A green LED and a short beep confirm it's operational 

  • Let it charge fully before relying on battery backup.

6. Run a self-test (optional)

  • Hold down the power button for about 2–3 seconds until its LED flashes. This initiates a self-test. When the LED stops flashing, the test is done

7. Monitor LEDs and alerts

  • On Line (green) – UPS is healthy and supplying power.

  • On Battery – green LED steady, with beeps every 30 seconds—save work and shut down soon

  • Low Battery – green LED flashing + rapid beeps (½ sec)—imminent shutdown

  • Building Wiring Fault (red LED) – stop use and call an electrician

  • Replace Battery (red LED) – battery may need replacement .

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