UPS Battery | APC UPS Blog

What is the shelf life of a UPS battery?

The battery of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides the backup power to critical devices whenever the main source of power goes out. This makes the battery one of the most important components of a UPS.

When a UPS battery is stored, it normally discharges at a rate of between 3% and 10% per month depending on the rating of the battery and the temperature of the place where it is stored. When the surrounding temperature is 25°C, the discharge rate is at 3% per month. This increases to 10% per month when the temperature of the storage area is at or more than 30°C.

It is essential to recharge a UPS battery within six months. However, if the ambient temperature is more than 30°C, it is necessary to recharge the UPS battery every three months.

This is indispensable since large crystals or heavy lead sulfate may form on the battery plates if the UPS battery is left uncharged for a long period of time. This situation is called sulfation and may result in premature damage to the battery.

References:

http://forums.apc.com/spaces/14/general-questions-suggestions/forums/general/10439/battery-shelf-life-when-not-charged-as-scheduled

http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA156516/

http://forums.apc.com/spaces/4/back-ups-surge-protectors/forums/general/10420/new-battery-shelf-life-how-much-is-too-much-and-what-is-apc-s-policy

How to Replace an APC Back-UPS Pro Battery

When the “replace the battery” light on an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) comes on, it may be necessary to replace the battery. The following shows the procedure to follow in replacing the battery of the newer models of the APC Back-UPS Pro, including the BR 1500G:
1. Lay down the APC Back-UPS Pro with its battery compartment facing the user.
2. Press the release tabs before sliding up the battery cover.
3. Remove the expired battery from the UPS by pulling at the tabs.
4. Insert the new battery into the APC Back-UPS Pro while making sure the green sticker is facing upwards.
5. Slide down the cover until the release tab is locked.

The preceding procedure is applicable to the newer models of the APC Back-UPS Pro since the older models use a different method. This is mainly due to the location of the battery in these models. These batteries of these older models are located in the front part of the UPS.

The following is the procedure used in replacing the battery of the older models of the APC Back-UPS Pro, including the BR1500.

1. Slide down the battery cover before removing it.
2. Unhook the battery connector piece from the connector of the UPS.
3. Slide the old battery from the UPS.
4. Insert the replacement battery into the UPS before connecting it.
5. Slide the battery cover of the UPS until it locks into place.

It is not advisable to disassemble the equipment since it has potentially dangerous voltages. The only component to be removed is the battery. The battery contains lead that can be hazardous to health and the environment. Due to this, it is important to return it to an authorized service center for proper disposal or recycling. It is also important to avoid opening the battery since it contains a toxic electrolyte that is harmful to the eyes and skin.

The following video shows how to replace the battery of new and old models of the APC Back-UPS Pro.

References:

http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA158825/

http://agsci.psu.edu/it/how-to/county-servers-apc-ups-battery-replacement

http://www.schneider-electric.us/en/faqs/FA158827/

There’s no such thing as refurbished UPS batteries

People ask us all the time if it’s okay to buy refurbished UPS batteries, or they found a great deal on a UPS with refurbished batteries and they want to know if it’s a good deal. Even worse, some people have bought a used UPS under the pretense that it came with refurbished batteries, only to find out that the batteries are totally dead and need to be replaced.

A lot of of this stuff comes from online marketplaces and classifieds where people advertise their old UPSs as being sold with refurbished batteries. Everyone wants a good deal, but you have to be aware of the facts and not get scammed.

We need to dispel this myth once and for all.

THERE’S NO SUCH THING as refurbished UPS batteries! UPS batteries can not be refurbished, serviced, revitalized, rebuilt, repaired, or re certified.

Once UPS batteries have reached the end of their service life, they’re finished. Higher quality UPS batteries are designed to provide 3-5 years of life time. Some will last even longer depending on use/abuse. We’ve seen UPS batteries that have provided decent run time at 7 years! But, once this life time is over, the battery is no longer usable and needs to be recycled. It can not be repaired or serviced.

So next time someone offers you that amazingly cheap UPS with “refurbished” batteries, know that it’s a scam and turn the other way. If you want reliable power protection, always get fresh new high quality batteries for your UPS.

Don’t buy “clearance”, “overstock”, or “end of the line” UPS Batteries

It’s a bad idea to buy “clearance” or “overstock” UPS batteries. Batteries are perishable goods, you’re probably buying batteries that have been sitting on the shelf somewhere for a few years, mostly drained and won’t offer much run time. UPS batteries need to be fresh new stock in order to provide you proper protection and a solid life time!

Don't buy spoiled batteries

Batteries can only sit on a shelf for about 6-8 months before they’re permanently not recoverable. Batteries need to be properly stored and maintained in order to be used later. If someone bought some clearance batteries and is trying to sell them to you, say “No!” and save yourself a headache having to replace them a few months later.

You’d be amazed at how many calls we get about this, people bought cheap clearance batteries and now they need to replace them after discovering they’re no good.

Don’t take chances with your UPSs.