In keeping with person suggestions on Reddit (opens in new tab), CyberPower’s CP1500PFCLCD and CP1350PFCLCD uninterruptible energy provides (UPSes) can probably trigger a fireplace hazard. Unverified evaluation appears to level the finger at a particular adhesive that will ultimately grow to be conductive, can quick out some elements, and will trigger a fireplace.
The present concern about CyberPower’s items first arose in January on the Canadian RedFlagDeals (opens in new tab) discussion board. The thread starter cited a YouTube video (opens in new tab) from a 12 months in the past the place pc engineer Mark Furneaux found that at the least the primary and second revisions of the CP1500PFCLCD and CP1350PFCLCD used the on a regular basis yellow glue. The adhesive, which may are available in different colours, is widespread amongst electronics as producers usually make use of it of their merchandise to attach cumbersome elements right down to the PCB to stop their motion.
The utilization of yellow glue in electronics dates again to the Seventies. The issue is that the adhesive seemingly grows corrosive and conductive over time. As well as, the lifespan of the glue varies and depends upon the surroundings’s temperature. When the colour turns from yellow to brown or black, it’s an indication that the adhesive has modified its properties.
A few RedFlagDeals discussion board customers reported that their items stopped working however didn’t present any explanations on how the UPSes died. Nonetheless, as soon as the information made it to Reddit (opens in new tab) and Hacker Information (opens in new tab), extra person studies of the failure got here to gentle. One Redditor (CP1000PFCLCD) offered a video (opens in new tab) of smoke popping out of his unit shortly after changing its battery as per CyberPower’s suggestion.
It seems the items catching fireplace is not totally unusual amongst CyberPower UPSes. A number of person feedback on Amazon (opens in new tab) (some courting from 2017) declare that the CyberPower items are a fireplace danger. One proprietor reported seeing smoke from the unit and a burning plastic scent, whereas one other spoke of listening to a bang earlier than the UPS went dangerous.
CyberPower Responds
We reached out to CyberPower and an organization consultant advised us that it can not determine the issue from the Reddit video as a result of lack of understanding. Nonetheless, CyberPower recommends that the affected person or customers ship of their items to determine the basis of the issue. Relating to the yellow glue, CyberPower ensured us that it has totally examined the adhesive, and the outcomes fall in step with trade and UL requirements, deeming it secure for utilization within the model’s UPSes.
The CP1500PFCLCD and CP1350PFCLCD have been round for some time, in order that they’re on the third revision now. Up to now, the person studies correspond to the primary and second revisions; it’s unsure if the most recent revision makes use of the identical yellow glue. At any fee, it’s unlikely a widespread challenge as there have been constructive studies from different house owners with CyberPower items, some with a number of years of operation beneath their belts. Nonetheless, CyberPower ought to examine the claims, since clearly, the potential to start out fires, is a severe matter.
You possibly can learn CyberPower’s official assertion in response to our questions under:
We’re conscious of the video.
We take all product inquiries concerning acceptable operation and security significantly. All CyberPower merchandise and elements are UL listed and examined for security. Extra broadly, it’s our intent to convey secure, high-quality energy safety merchandise to our clients all over the world.
Within the case of the video offered, it isn’t doable to precisely affirm the person’s declare because it doesn’t provide full rationalization of utilization, evaluation of failure, any testing outcomes, or situation of the unit. At present, we’re unaware if this person has contacted us immediately or opened a case with considered one of our technical brokers and welcome them to take action as a whole evaluation is the one means to validate root trigger.
Relating to feedback in regards to the adhesive, now we have totally examined the adhesives we use, and our outcomes are aligned with trade and UL requirements. We carried out a full laboratory research of the adhesive being utilized in our merchandise and deem it secure for this utility.
We encourage all CyberPower clients with product troubleshooting, questions, or issues to contact our Technical Assist crew at 1-877-297-6937. Our crew is out there 24 hours a day, seven days every week for product assist and help.
Sincerely,
Cyber Energy Programs (USA), Inc.