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UPS causing imac to beep every 30 seconds when asleep

WeatherWeasel

WeatherWeasel

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 28, 2019
355
145
Des Moines, Iowa
My ups went belly up and I replaced it with CP1500AVRLCD3 (Cyberpower) I connected it to my imac (2021) as I had with the old unit with the cable they provided. No issues . Later I put the imac to sleep, after 30 seconds I got this double beep and it was coming from the Imac. So after I woke it up , the sound stops. If I ignore it, this continues every 30 or so seconds to a minute. Further I found that if I disconnect the USB cable, I don't have that problem. I am guessing it is something with the cable connection and the imac sleeping.

I can solve the issue by putting the computer to sleep and disconnecting the cable to the uPS(keeping the ups on) but is there a better solution ? I went with cyberpower because I have had good results, is there a way to just shut off the display rather than put the imac to sleep?
 
MarkC426 said:
Have you tried connecting your iMac to a different socket on the UPS.
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There is only 1 port on the usb that is available to me.
 

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WeatherWeasel said:
My ups went belly up and I replaced it with CP1500AVRLCD3 (Cyberpower) I connected it to my imac (2021) as I had with the old unit with the cable they provided. No issues . Later I put the imac to sleep, after 30 seconds I got this double beep and it was coming from the Imac. So after I woke it up , the sound stops. If I ignore it, this continues every 30 or so seconds to a minute. Further I found that if I disconnect the USB cable, I don't have that problem. I am guessing it is something with the cable connection and the imac sleeping.
Click to expand...
I'm assuming you have installed the latest version of the Cyberpower UPS management software for macOS, yes?
 
WeatherWeasel said:
The alarms are coming from the imac,not the ups.
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Looks like you have the PowerPanel audible notifications disabled (these would come from your Mac). Starting to smell like an application pref issue. Did you uninstall previous version of management software before installing latest, or did you install over top of previous version?
 
I have done everything suggested and think the best solution is to plug the cable in when I am using the computer incase of power failure and unplug it when I am not. Thankyou ever one.
 
WeatherWeasel said:
and think the best solution is to plug the cable in when I am using the computer incase of power failure and unplug it when I am not.
Click to expand...
You don’t need the USB cable connected to your computer for the UPS unit to provide power during an outage. Just plug computer into a surge+power outlet on the unit. The USB cable is only for the management software.
 
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Bigwaff said:
You don’t need the USB cable connected to your computer for the UPS unit to provide power during an outage. Just plug computer into a surge+power outlet on the unit. The USB cable is only for the management software.
Click to expand...
I believe I will do that. If the connection is doing something with this beeping then perhaps it is some compatibility issue between Ventura and the ups.
 
I trashed the powerpanel software, rebooted it. same issue. Maybe it is something with the OS playing nicely. Those beeps are like when the computer starts up after rebooting, the two short beeps. leads me to think that if this only does this when in the sleep mode, then something isn't behaving. I looked at logs, no insight. Even without their software, the cable would allow a shutdown when I am out and about. I contacted Cyberpowersystems, and they were of no help, So right now the units are not connected other than the computer is in the backup /surge like it supposed to. Oh and the beeping was every 5 to 10 minutes.

The previous unit: cyberpower cp1500pfclcd worked with the usb connection but this new

CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 unit is the one with the problem. Has to be a flaw in the system.​

 
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MarkC426 said:
Ah…yes, my units are the cp1500epfclcd with no issues.
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Leave it to the manufacturer, contact amazon, yes, you do not have the box, ask for a replacement of the same type of unit. I responded, I would bet the replacement has the same problem, fix it. In the meantime, I will use it without the cable, and if the power goes out, then I can save my work and shut down my computer , sit in the dark until the power comes on. My lord.
 
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FYI I don’t use the CP software.
I let Mac Energy Saver settings deal with it.
 
When an iMac computer is asleep, the power consumption drops significantly, which can cause the UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to detect a power fluctuation and emit a beep. This is because the UPS is designed to monitor incoming power and provide backup power if there is a disruption.


When the iMac is awake and drawing full power, the UPS sees a steady load and does not register any fluctuations. So the beeping only occurs when the iMac goes to sleep mode and reduces its power draw.

The beeping is not harmful, but it can be annoying. There are a few things you can try to stop the UPS from beeping when the iMac sleeps:
- Check the UPS settings and see if there is an option to disable beeping for low power events. Many UPS models have this setting.

- Upgrade the UPS to a higher capacity model that can handle the power draw of the iMac even when asleep.

- Move the UPS closer to the iMac so the power cable is shorter. This reduces the likelihood of power fluctuations triggering the beep.


- Consider disabling sleep mode on the iMac if you don't need it. This keeps the full power draw active and prevents the UPS beep.

If I can disable sleeping but tone down or turn off the display, it might help.
 
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Where is that info from…..?
A UPS regulates the incoming power ‘before’ it gets to the computer, to protect it from spikes/drops in voltage. Whether your iMac is running full throttle or asleep should not make any difference.
Your iMac will only be governed by the capacity of the UPS when running on battery (when no power).

The recommendation to unplug every night is ridiculous.
 
MarkC426 said:
Where is that info from…..?
A UPS regulates the incoming power ‘before’ it gets to the computer, to protect it from spikes/drops in voltage. Whether your iMac is running full throttle or asleep should not make any difference.
Your iMac will only be governed by the capacity of the UPS when running on battery (when no power).

The recommendation to unplug every night is ridiculous.
Click to expand...
I got this off of Amazon q and a. and no, I am not unplugging or any of that, I can pull the usb when I am not using it. I wonder if APC has this problem as well
 
some of my best solutions happen when I am trying to sleep. Anyway, out of desperation, I went into the Energysaver and moved the Prevent your Mac from going to sleep automatically when its display is off. to on. so far things are quiet and working. If that is a setting I need to use, I will be happier than a pig in ****. (Iowa saying). I noticed that a lot of the suggestions found elsewhere were for macbooks etc. I have the 24 inch M1, 2021 imac, which requires more digging for those things I am not knowing. Hopefully the thing works, no events yet andthat is ok. Some thunderstorms in the forecast so maybe or maybe not they won't be necessary. We do have one of those whole house surge protectors that I have little faith in, but the electrician said we needed it. Thankyou for your suggestions and assistance. As I get older, I don't always trust myself as much as I did 20 years ago
 
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Hopefully that setting sorted it….🤞
I have one Mac on Ventura and one on Mojave, and all works well the CyberPower UPS’s.

It’s possible an iMac (having the built-in screen) may play differently….
 
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