Apc Battery

[finaldiet]

I have a tripplite back-up for receiver and a few other things. Two weeks ago I noticed half of equipment off. 4 outlets for battery were dead, but direct power was ok. I know I will have to replace battery but what bothers me is on/off power button does not work at all. Was wondering if something internal might be bad. Does anyone had any experience with APC back-ups? This is the first one I've ever had on any equipment. Have had it for about 4 years. Usually only used surge protecters before. Any help appreciated!

[F1 Fan]

I have a tripplite back-up for receiver and a few other things. Two weeks ago I noticed half of equipment off. 4 outlets for battery were dead, but direct power was ok. I know I will have to replace battery but what bothers me is on/off power button does not work at all. Was wondering if something internal might be bad. Does anyone had any experience with APC back-ups? This is the first one I've ever had on any equipment. Have had it for about 4 years. Usually only used surge protecters before. Any help appreciated!

I have many APC's for our desktops. I also use them at home.

The power on the non battery side just goes through a surge protector so as long as there is power it is ok.

The battery side is different. A faulty battery will make the APC think there is no power coming in and so switches itself to battery mode. The faulty battery cannot supply the power (as it is faulty) so the outlets are off even though there is power.

I would change the battery if you have a spare - otherwise get a new one ($60 in Sams).

[awalt]

I have used APCs on computers for at least 15 years, after a few years the battery goes bad. I just get another UPS at that point.

[JeffBowser]

The lead acid batteries are only meant for a 3-4 year service life, less if they have been drained dry once or twice. Either replace the battery, or replace the whole unit

[rekoil]

The lead acid batteries are only meant for a 3-4 year service life, less if they have been drained dry once or twice. Either replace the battery, or replace the whole unit

I've bought a few APC UPS replacement batteries from batteryspec.com (http://www.batteryspec.com/html/ups_batteries.html) and would gladly do so again - you'll pay much less than what APC charges.

[Fish Man]

I've found that on consumer grade UPS's (as opposed to the expensive ones designed to protect servers), a whole new unit is typically cheaper than a replacement battery, particularly if some local retailer (Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, Best Buy, etc.) has them on sale (which someone almost always does).

When I have a battery go bad in an UPS, I just get a new UPS.

[JeffBowser]

Thanks, good link, I have just placed an order with them. $20 ea for a RBC2 equivalent (typical in the 400-600 watt APC's), but 9mAh instead of 7.5. I have yet to see a brand new 500watt UPS for $20, consumer or otherwise.


I've bought a few APC UPS replacement batteries from batteryspec.com (http://www.batteryspec.com/html/ups_batteries.html) and would gladly do so again - you'll pay much less than what APC charges.

[subeluvr]

When ordering replacement batteries long distance MAKE SURE that the battery will have the correct terminals for your UPS.

Some UPS units use the F1 (.187") flat spade and some use the F2 (.250" or 1/4") flat spade. Don't use a battery with F1 terminals on cables with F2 female connectors.

Here's a quick guide to SLA battery terminals ... http://www.batterywholesale.com/terminals.html

[finaldiet]

Thanks everyone. I'll get a new battery. I saw exact battery on buy.com for $24, free shipping. I will check batteryspec.com when I get home.