GE Consumer & Industrial

Power Protection

User manual
Digital Energy™ Universal Battery Charger
for use with GEDE UPS
NetPro 3000, LP 11/31T/31

Manufactured by:

GE Consumer & Industrial SA

General Electric Company
CH – 6595 Riazzino (Locarno
Switzerland
T +41 (0)91 / 850 51 51
F +41 (0)91 / 850 51 44
www.gedigitalenergy.com
 GB
User manual
UBC - Universal Battery Charger
130-290Vdc, 2/4/6/8A

Please read these instructions carefully before installation and start-up of the Universal Battery
Charger. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

CONTENTS

1 Important safety instructions...........................................................................................................2

1.1 Save these instructions
1.2 Safety rules

2 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Intended use
2.3 Transport / storage

3 Installation.................................................................................................................................................4
3.1 Installation rules
3.2 Installation procedures
3.2.1 Connecting the UBC to a NetPro 3000 UPS
3.2.2 Connecting the UBC to an LP 11/31T Series UPS
3.2.3 Connecting two UBC units to an LP 31 Series UPS
3.3 Settings: voltage and current
3.3.1 Setting the charge voltage
3.3.2 Setting the charge current

4 Operation ................................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Start-up and normal operation
4.2 Use: status and alarm Indications
4.2.1 Status indication during normal operation
4.2.2 Alarm indication
4.2.3 Protection

5 Maintenance..........................................................................................................................................13

6 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................13

7 Technical specifications ...................................................................................................................14

© General Electric Digital Energy. All rights reserved; reproduction without permission prohibited. This manual may be subject to
change; no liability can be accepted for any error or omission.

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 1 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
1 - Important safety instructions

1.1 Save these instructions

This manual contains important instructions that should be followed during installation and
maintenance of the UBC. It also gives all necessary information about the correct use of the UBC.
Before attempting to install and start up the UBC, carefully read this manual. Keep this manual next
to the unit for future references.
Full understanding of and compliance with the safety instructions and warnings
contained in this manual are
THE ONLY CONDITION
to avoid any dangerous situation during installation, operation and maintenance work,
and to preserve the maximum reliability of the UPS system.

GE refuses any responsibility in case of non-observance, unauthorized alterations or improper use of

the delivered UBC.
While every care has been taken to ensure the completeness and accuracy of this manual, GE
accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information
contained in this document.
This document shall not be copied nor reproduced without the permission of GE.
Due to technical improvements, some of the information contained in this manual may be changed
without notice.

1.2 Safety rules

CAUTION! RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

The UBC contains potentially hazardous voltages. Do not open the unit, there are no
user serviceable parts inside.

All maintenance and service work should be performed by qualified service personnel.

CAUTION
There may be damage to the equipment if procedures and practices are not strictly
observed and followed.

NOTE
Do not attempt to service the UBC unless you have had proper training. Refer all
maintenance and servicing to properly qualified, skilled and competent service
personnel.

Qualified, skilled personnel are persons who (because of their training, experience, and position as
well as their knowledge of appropriate standards, regulations, health and safety requirements and
working conditions) are authorised to be responsible for the safety of the equipment, at all times
whilst carrying out their normal duties and are therefore aware of, and can report, possible hazards
(observe IEC 364, DIN VDE 0105 and national wiring regulations and accident prevention rules).

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 2 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
2 - Introduction

2.1 Introduction
The GE (General Electric) Digital Energy™ Universal Battery Charger is a compact and modern
battery charging system which incorporates the most advanced power electronics technology to
provide exceptional performance.
The UBC is intended to provide additional battery charging capacity to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power
Supply) equipped with battery extension pack(s). The unit can be applied in those circumstances
where the regular built-in battery charging capacity of the UPS is considered to be insufficient,
given the frequency of power failures and the capacity of the back-up batteries. It is designed to
match the battery characteristics of the following GE Digital Energy UPS models: NetPro 3000 and
LP Series 11 / 31T / 31. Please note that two UBC units are required in a system with an LP 31
UPS. Off factory the UBC is wired for use with a NetPro 3000 UPS.

Mains

in case of UBC UPS Load

LP 31 UPS

Battery extension Battery extension

pack pack

Fig. 1 Typical installation with UBC, UPS and battery extension pack(s)

2.2 Intended use

• The UBC is intended to provide additional battery charging capacity to a UPS system equipped
with battery extension pack(s). It is designed to match the battery characteristics of the following
GE Digital Energy UPS models: NetPro 3000 and LP Series 11 / 31T / 31.
• The UBC is not intended to be used as a standalone battery charger.
• The technical data as well as information concerning connection requirements can be found on
the rating label and in this document and shall be strictly observed.

2.3 Transport / storage

• No liability can be accepted for any transport damage when the equipment is shipped in non-
original packaging.
• Store the UBC in a dry location. Storage temperature must be within -20 +45 °C (-4 +104 °F)

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 3 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
3 - Installation
The shipping box contains a UBC - Universal Battery Charger, an IEC male-female mains power cord,
a DC cable for use with a Digital Energy LP Series UPS and this manual. Inspect the UPS for damage
after unpacking. If any damage is present please immediately notify the carrier and place of
purchase.

WARNING! In case of recognizable damage:

DO NOT connect any voltage to the unit
DO NOT put the unit into operation

IMPORTANT
Before making any connection and switching on the UBC, please check that your
mains supply is 220 - 240 Volts and 50 Hz

3.1 Installation rules

• The UBC is intended to be used in normal domestic and office situations.
• Protect the UBC, according to the wiring rules, with a 16A D-type fuse.
• The UBC must be powered from a single phase grounded wall outlet. Do not use extension cords.
• Avoid locations that are excessively humid, near water, near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• The ambient temperature should not exceed 40°C (104°F).
• It is important that ventilation air can move freely around and through the unit. Do not block the
air vents.
• Do not touch electronic components. They may be electrostatic sensitive and are for that reason
easily damaged due to improper handling.
• To avoid potential health risks, electrical components should not be mechanically damaged or
destroyed.
• The sum of the leakage currents of the UBC, UPS and the connected loads should not exceed
3.5mA.

3.2 Installation Procedures

This sections describes the installation of the UBC in combiantion with the following UPS models:

3.2.1 NetPro 3000 UPS

3.2.2 LP 11/31T Series UPS

3.2.3 LP 31 Series UPS

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 4 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
3.2.1 Connecting the UBC to a NetPro 3000 UPS

Battery pack NetPro 3000 VA

7
UBC
1a
1

5
2
6

3
4
Fig. 2 Connections for NetPro 3000 UPS 3a 3

1. Make sure that the load protected by the UPS has 3c

been switched off.
Switch off the UPS, and unplug it from the wall outlet.

2. If you do not want to install a remote alarm (for details

3a
see section 4.2.2), proceed with step 3. To install a Fig. 2a
remote alarm read chapter 1 and proceed as follows:
2.1 Remove the screw from the front / bottom side of the UBC cabinet
2.2 Remove the 4 screws at the rear side of the UBC cabinet holding the I/O plate
2.3 Slide out the I/O plate till it is locked
2.4 Install the remote alarm on the alarm relay contact (15 on fig. 11). Lead the cable
through the hole in the lower middle of the back panel of the UBC.
2.5 Slide the I/O plate back into the unit and tighten the 4 screws at the backside and 1
screw at the bottom side of the UBC.

3. Connect the DC cable plug (1, fig. 2) from the battery pack to the DC socket (2, fig. 2) of the
UBC.

4. Connect the DC cable plug (3, fig. 2) from the UBC to the DC socket (4, fig. 2 and 2a) of the UPS.
You will hear a click when the cable is properly installed. Block the DC connector: install the
small locking plate (3c, fig. 2a) that came with the battery pack, and fasten it with the screw
provided.

5. BEFORE connecting the UBC to mains: Check the dip switch setting at the back side of the UBC
(7, fig. 2) for NetPro 3000 usage, please refer to section 3.3.

6. Use the mains power cord provided with the UBC (6, fig. 2) and connect it to the input socket
(5, fig. 2)

7. Connect the mains power cords of the UBC and UPS to a working, grounded AC wall socket
outlet.

8. Switch on the UPS, refer to the user manual of the UPS for further instructions.

9. The green LED ‘on’ (12, fig. 10) of the UBC illuminates. Depending on the condition of the
batteries LED “charging” (14, fig. 10) may illuminate as well.

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 5 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
3.2.2 Connecting the UBC to an LP 11 / 31T Series UPS

The UBC is standard wired for use with a NetPro 3000 UPS.
If you want to use the UBC in combination with an LP 11/31T Series UPS you first have to make
some small modifications to the UBC.

1. Make sure that the load protected by the UPS has been switched off.
Switch off the UPS

2. Switch all MCBs (2, fig. 3) to ‘off’ position (down) and open the battery fuse holder (9, fig. 3).
Please refer to the operating manual of the UPS for additional information.

3. Open the battery fuse holder of the battery extension cabinet as well (9a, fig. 3)

4. Read chapter 1.
Prepare the UBC for use with an LP 11/31T Series UPS:

4.1 Remove the screw from the front / bottom side of the UBC cabinet
4.2 Remove the 4 screws at the rear side of the UBC cabinet holding the I/O plate
4.3 Slide out the I/O plate till it is locked
4.4 Disconnect cable 3a from connector J231 and earth stud PE (fig. 5), remove the pull
relief (11, fig. 5) and remove cable 3a.
4.5 A DC cable was delivered with the UBC. Install the red DC+ and black DC- wires of this
cable (3b, fig. 3/6) to connector J231 (fig. 6)
4.6 Connect the yellow-green earth wire of cable 3b to the earth stud “PE”, according to fig.
6 and 7.
4.7 Place the metal pull relief (11, fig. 6) for cable 3b according to fig. 6 and fig. 8.
4.8 Connect the plug of the DC cable coming from the battery extension cabinet (1d, fig.
3/6) to connector 1c inside the UBC (fig. 6).
4.9 Place the metal pull relief for this cable according to fig. 6/8.
4.10 A remote alarm (for details see section 4.2.2) can be installed on the alarm relay
contact (15 on fig. 11). Lead the cable through the hole in the lower middle of the back
panel of the UBC.
4.11 Slide the I/O plate back into the unit and tighten the 4 screws at the backside and 1
screw at the bottom side of the UBC.
4.12 BEFORE connecting the UBC to mains: set the dip switches at the back side of the UBC
(7, fig. 3) for LP Series UPS usage. Please refer to section 3.3.

5. Connect the DC cable plug (3d, fig. 3) from the UBC to the DC socket of the UPS (8, fig. 3).

6. Use the mains power cord provided with the UBC and connect it to the input socket (5, fig.3).

7. Connect the mains power cord of the UBC (6, fig. 3) to a working, grounded AC wall socket
outlet.

8. Switch on the UPS and close the battery fuse holders of UPS (9, fig. 3) and battery cabinet(s)
(9a, fig. 3). Please refer to the operating manual of the UPS for additional information.

9. The green LED ‘on’ (12, fig. 10) of the UBC illuminates. Depending on the condition of the
batteries LED “charging” (14, fig. 10) may illuminate as well.

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 6 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
 LP 5-6 kVA

9
8 7 UBC

3d
6 5

LP 8-10 kVA
3b 1d

1e
LP battery cabinet

9a

9
2 14Ah

Fig. 3 Connections for LP 11/31T Series

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 7 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
3.2.3 Connecting two UBC units to an LP 31 Series UPS

The UBC is standard wired for use with a NetPro 3000 UPS.
If you want to use the UBC in combination with an LP 31 Series UPS you first have to make some
small modifications to the UBC. Please note that two UBC units are required in a system with an
LP 31 UPS.

1. Make sure that the load protected by the UPS has been switched off. Switch off the UPS.

2. On the UPS, switch all MCBs (2, fig. 4) to ‘off’ position (down).
Open the battery fuse holders (9b, fig. 4).
Please refer to the operating manual of the UPS for additional information.

3. Open the battery fuse holder of the battery extension cabinet (9c, fig. 4)

4. Read chapter 1. Prepare the UBC’s for use with an LP 31 Series UPS (for each UBC unit follow
steps 4.1 through 4.12):
4.1 Remove the screw from the front / bottom side of the UBC cabinet.
4.2 Remove the 4 screws at the rear side of the UBC cabinet holding the I/O plate.
4.3 Slide out the I/O plate till it is locked.
4.4 Disconnect cable 3a from connector J231 and earth stud PE (fig. 5), remove the pull
relief (11, fig. 5) and remove cable 3a.
4.5 Using a 10mm2 3-wire (red - black - yellow/green) DC cable: Install the red DC+ and
black DC- wires of this cable (3b, fig. 4/5/6) to connector J231 (fig. 6). Please note that
this cable 3b has no connector.
4.6 Connect the yellow/green earth wire of cable 3b to the earth stud “PE”, according to fig.
6 and 7.
4.7 Place the metal pull relief (11, fig. 6) for cable 3b according to fig. 6 and fig. 8.
4.8 A DC cable was delivered with the UBC. Connect the plug (1d, fig. 6) of this DC cable (1e,
fig. 4/6) to connector 1c inside the UBC (fig. 6).
4.9 Place the metal pull relief for this cable according to fig. 6/8.
4.10 A remote alarm (for details see section 4.2.2) can be installed on the alarm relay
contact (15, fig. 11). Lead the cable through the hole in the lower middle of the back
panel of the UBC.
4.11 Slide the I/O plate back into the unit and tighten the 4 screws at the backside and 1
screw at the bottom side of the UBC.
4.12 BEFORE connecting the UBC to mains: set the dip switches at the back side of the UBC
(7, fig. 4) for LP Series UPS usage, please refer to section 3.3.

5. Connect the DC cable (3b, fig. 4) from UBC 1&2 to the battery terminals of the UPS (10a, fig. 4).
Please refer to the operating manual of the UPS for additional information.

6. Connect the DC cable (1e, fig. 4 from UBC 1&2 to the battery terminals of the battery
extension cabinet (10b, fig. 4). Please refer to the operating manual of the UPS for additional
information.

7. Use the mains power cord provided with UBC 1&2 and connect it to the input socket (5, fig. 4).

8. Connect the mains power cord of UBC 1&2 (6, fig. 4/5) to a working, grounded AC wall socket
outlet.

9. Switch on the UPS and close the battery fuse holders of the UPS and battery cabinet(s) (9b/c,
fig. 4). Please refer to the operating manual of the UPS for additional information.

10. The green LED ‘on’ (12, fig. 10) of the UBC illuminates. Depending on the condition of the
batteries LED “charging” (14, fig. 10) may illuminate as well.

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 8 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
 UPS

2 battery cabinet

9c
10a 10b

9b

3b-1 3b-2
1e-1 1e-2

7 UBC - 1 7 UBC - 2

5 5
6 6

3b-1 1e-1 3b-2 1e-2

Fig. 4 Connections for LP 31 Series

NOTE: two UBC units are required in a system with an LP 31 UPS.

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 9 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
 battery
1b 1 pack
2

11 1a
PE 3

3a
UPS

Fig. 5 Cable connections to filter PCB (for NetPro 3000)

battery
1c 1d cabinet

1e
11
PE 3d (LP 11/31T)

3b
UPS

Fig. 6 Cable connections to filter PCB (for LP 11 / 31T / 31 Series)

11
3a/b

1e/3a/3b

Fig. 7 PE Earth stud wire sequence Fig. 8 Pull relief assembly

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 10 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
3.3 Settings: voltage and current

4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1
“ON”
position

Current selection Voltage selection

dip switch dip switch Fig. 9 Dip switch positions

3.3.1 Setting the charge voltage

Before connecting the battery pack, the # bat Vbat (V) 6 5 4 3 2 1

maximum charge voltage must be set between 9 9* 130.5 0 0 0 1 0 0
and 20 batteries, depending on the UPS system. 10 145.0 1 0 0 1 0 0
For NetPro 3000 *), this is 9 batteries, for the LP
11 159.5 0 1 0 1 0 0
series **) this is 20 batteries.
12 174.0 1 1 0 1 0 0
The charge voltage can be selected by the 13 188.5 0 0 1 1 0 0
voltage selection dip switch, see table 1 for the 14 203.0 1 0 1 1 0 0
voltage settings 15 217.5 0 1 1 1 0 0
(dip switch 2 – 6, position 1 = ”on” 0 = “off).
16 232.0 1 1 1 1 0 0
The selected voltage is always the maximum 17 246.5 0 0 0 0 1 0
charge voltage of the battery (in boost mode 18 261.0 1 0 0 0 1 0
14.5V/battery). 19 275.5 0 1 0 0 1 0
20** 290.0 1 1 0 0 1 0

Table 1 Voltage setting

3.3.2 Setting the charge current

The charge current can be selected by the Ibat (A) 4 3 2 1

current selection dip switch, see table 2-2a. 2 0 0 0 0
4 0 1 0 0
With all dip switches in the “off” position, the 6 0 1 1 0
charge current is 2 Ampere.
8 0 1 1 1

For each dip switch that will be switched on,

Table 2 Charge current setting
the charge current will increase with 2A (dip
switch 2 – 4 are selectable randomly, dip
switch 1 is not used), so current settings of 2, 4,
6 and 8 Ampere are possible.
Battery cap. (Ah) Current setting (A)
7 2
14 4
21 6
≥ 28 8

Table 2a Battery capacity and charge current

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 11 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
4 - Operation

4.1 Start-up and normal operation

There is no need to switch on the UBC: as soon as the mains cord of the UBC has been plugged
into a working, grounded AC wall socket the UBC starts up.

During installation you have properly set the nominal charge voltage and - current, according to
the UPS system. For more information please refer to section 3.3. In the charging mode the UBC
charge voltage will follow the UPS charge voltage. This way the advantages of the superior
battery management features of the UPS are fully used:

automatic boost mode - reduces the battery recharge time

temperature compensated battery charging - reduces the battery charge voltage with
increasing temperature. As a result poor charging of the batteries under low temperature
conditions and overcharging of the batteries under high temperature conditions are prevented.

4.2 Status and alarm indications

4.2.1 Status indication during normal operation

At start-up LED ‘on’ (12, fig. 10) lights up to

indicate that the unit is operating properly. 12
Depending on the condition of the batteries LED
“charging” (14, fig. 10) may illuminate as well. 13

14

Fig. 10 Front panel

4.2.2 Alarm indications

If one (or more) of the protection circuits is (are)

active LED “alarm” (13, fig. 10) lights up. See 4.2.3
for more details. The unit will not charge until
15
the alarm situation has been cleared.

On the filter PCB, a normally open (NO) or

normally closed (NC) relay contact (15, fig. 11) is
available to notify other equipment in the
system that an alarm situation occurs.

Fig. 11 Filter PCB

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 12 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
4.2.3 Protection

All electrical circuits are protected against overtemperature or overload by means of protection
circuits for transformer, heatsink, input AC voltage, output DC voltage and short circuit.

Transformer - PTC thermal over protection at 130°C.

Heatsink - Fan control and PTC thermal protection. The fan speed is dependent on the
heatsink temperature. If the temperature of the heatsink exceeds 80°C the
UBC system will shut down.
Input AC voltage - Minimum input voltage (mains) to start up the output converter is 190 Vac.
Minimum input voltage after start up is 170Vac.
Output DC voltage - Minimum battery voltage to start up the output converter is 90 Vdc.
Short circuit - The DC output of the UBC is fully protected against very low impedant
loads like a short circuit.

5 - Maintenance
The GE Digital Energy Universal Battery Charger is virtually maintenance free: take care of proper
environmental conditions and keep air inlets/outlets free of dust.

6 - Troubleshooting
The following chart is a simple troubleshooting checklist only. If the suggested solution does not
succeed, or if the information is insufficient to solve the problem, please contact your dealer or
consult www.gedigitalenergy.com.

Problem Possible cause Solution

UBC will not switch on
UBC is not charging batteries
UBC is charging while UPS
system is “On Battery”
Line cord not connected
Dead wall socket or mains
voltage out of limits
Mains voltage out of limits
Battery voltage too low
Worn out batteries
Over-temperature
Faulty wiring
Faulty wiring
Connect line cord
Contact qualified electrician
Weak mains, connect to better
mains
Wait until UPS has charged
batteries to 90 Vdc
Replace the batteries in the
battery pack
Allow UBC to cool down
Place UBC in lower ambient
temperature
See figures 3-6 for proper
installation
See figures 3-6 for proper
installation

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 13 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)
7 - Technical specifications

Ratings
Input power (W) : 2600
Input fuse (A) : 20
Output power (W) : 2320
Output Fuse (A) : 10

Input converter
AC input voltage : 220 - 240 V
AC input voltage range : 100% load: 187 - 264 V
Minimum start-up AC voltage : 190V
Input current waveform : sinusoidal
conform or better than EN 61000-3-2 (IEC 555-2)
Input current (A) at nom. inp. volt. : 16
Input power factor : 1
Input frequency range (Hz) : 45 - 66
Inrush current (A) : 23

Output converter
DC output voltage : 290V max (dip switch setting 9 – 20 batteries 130.5 – 290V)
DC output voltage tolerance : ± 2%
DC output current : 8A max (dip switch setting 2, 4, 6 or 8 Ampere)
DC output current tolerance : ± 10%

Overload capability : fully protected against overload and short circuits

General
Weight (kg) : 5
Dimensions (hxwxd, mm) : 225x185x430
Enclosure / protection : steel-plastic / IP20

Environment
Safety
Electromagnetic compatibility
Ambient temperature
Audible noise at 1 meter
Max. relative humidity
: EN 50091-1-1, EN 60950, IEC 950
: EN 50091-2
: -10 to +40ºC
: < 45 dB(A), temperature dependent
: 95% (non-condensing)

modifications reserved
OPM_UBC_130_290_XXX_1GB_V010 14 User manual UBC 130-290V 1.0 (GB)