APC 1500 Smart UPS says batteries 8.02 yrs old but are new, please help

[Anonymous user]

Hi, I have just (Oct 10 2012) bought a secondhand APC 1500Va Smart UPS which had new batteries fitted in Feb 2012. The seller confirms it was done and has the battery purchase receipt.

After fitting to my computer installation and running a self test which was fine, the PowerChute software, in the Risk Assessment page, warns that there is a 'Battery Age' issue and says the batteries are 8.02 years old.

I would have thought that the APC system would recognise new batteries and auto re-set the battery age. What should have been done when the batteries were fitted, and what do I do now to reset the battery age clock ?? The APC manual is remarkably unhelpful about anything other than normal routine useage.

In a Google search I read that a manual re-calibration can be done but warns to only do this as last resort as it reduces battery life. It says to attach a min static 30% load,remove UPS power supply and let the UPS power the load until battery exhausted, then recharge.

Is this really what has to be done to reset the battery age clock ?? It seems an archaic method considering the unit has sophisticated monitoring software. In the UPS information, it says that batteries were fiited at the date the unit was manufactured - 09/01/2004

Rgds Jonathan

[Anonymous user]

you need to calibrate your ups, if I'm not mistaken for Smart-UPS unit every time you replace the battery you also do some calibration.

[BillP]

i think also this system has a field where you can tell it you replaced the batteries. the UPS does not have the ability to auto-update the battery replacement date. within powerchute, make sure it is set to show advanced options and then see if you can update the battery replacement date.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Just wanted to add that calibrations shouldn't be done more than once or twice a year unless you have a reporting problem with runtime. If the UPS/software is reporting accurate runtime based on your load, doing a runtime cal will only cause "wear and tear" on your battery. Depending on who you talk to, doing a runtime cal on a new battery may or may not be necessary but I personally don't suggest doing them period unless your runtime is way off.