Lower Voltage – PAX A Series Printer Troubleshooting

“Lower Voltage” on PAX A Series

🔍 Understanding Low-Voltage Warnings

Low-voltage warnings on PAX A-Series devices generally indicate insufficient power reaching the terminal, unstable input voltage, or a battery that can no longer sustain proper operation.

If a merchant reports that the printer on their PAX A80 or PAX A920 is not working, the issue is often related to device power levels. Follow the steps below to diagnose and resolve the problem.

If a merchant reports that their A80 or A920 printer is not working, follow these steps to troubleshoot:

Check PAXstore for Errors:
1. Pull up the terminal in PAXstore and navigate to Settings.
2. Look for any error messages related to the printer.

Identify the "Low Voltage" Error:
1. If you see a "Low Voltage" error, this indicates that the device has a low battery.
  1. The device must have at least 30-40% charge for the printer to function properly.
  2. Printer operations may fail even if the device appears powered on.
2. Advise the Merchant:
  1. Instruct the merchant to charge the device.
  2. Once the device is sufficiently charged, the printer should work without any issues.

By checking for errors in PAXstore and ensuring the device is charged, you can help resolve printer issues effectively.

Additional Troubleshooting

Step	Actions	Notes / Why
Confirm Power Source Stability	Plug the power adapter directly into a wall outlet (avoid power strips, USB hubs, or extension cords). Test a different outlet to eliminate building-side power fluctuations. If using a base/docking station, remove the terminal and connect the charger directly.	Why: Low or inconsistent AC voltage can cause repeated low-voltage messages, especially during boot or printing.
Inspect the Charger, Cable & Connectors	Ensure you are using the original PAX-approved power supply (incorrect wattage can trigger voltage faults). Examine the cable for kinks, cuts, fraying, or loose connectors. Check that the charging port on the terminal is clean and not bent or obstructed. Try another known-good charger if available.	Tip: A failing charger may still power on the device but won't sustain charge under load.
Battery-Specific Checks (A920 / A77 / A60)	Remove and reseat the battery (if the model supports removal). Confirm the battery is not swollen, excessively warm, or physically damaged. Fully power off and charge the device for 60–90 minutes undisturbed. If battery percentage drops rapidly after unplugging, the battery is likely degraded.	Indicators of a failing battery: Device shuts off during printing or EMV transactions. Battery jumps between percentages. Frequent "Low Voltage" or "Voltage Too Low" messages even when charging.
Troubleshoot With & Without Accessories	If using additional hardware, disconnect and test the terminal alone: Printer base Charging docks/cradles 4G/Payment base units	A faulty dock or accessory can introduce unstable voltage. Testing the terminal alone isolates the issue.
Review Temperature & Environmental Factors	PAX terminals may display low-voltage warnings if exposed to: Excessive heat (direct sunlight, hot vehicles). Freezing or near-freezing environments.	Move the device to a stable room-temperature location and allow it to normalize before powering on.
Run a Device Power Test (If Supported)	Some A-Series terminals allow access to internal diagnostics: Go to Settings → Hardware → Battery or Power (options vary by model). Review battery health, capacity, and charging behavior. Note any irregularities such as rapid discharge or stuck voltage levels.	Internal diagnostics help confirm whether issues are related to battery health or charging circuitry.
Check for Firmware or OS Issues	Attempt a reboot (hold power button ~10 seconds). Ensure the device has the latest OS, kernel, and payment app updates. If enabled by your processor or ISO, run any available device self-tests.	Corrupted firmware or outdated system files can cause voltage reporting errors or unstable behavior.