APC Smart-UPS 1500 - Replace Battery Indication

BillP · ‎2021-06-28

I have an APC Smart-UPS 1500 which I purchased s/h a few months ago. When I got it I tested it for a short while and it was fine and it's been powered off (with the battery plug pulled) since then.

When I decided to use it today I initially turned it on with no load connected and no live AC supply. In that state the battery LEDs showed an almost capacity.

The problem is when I connect the AC supply (still with no load) after a few seconds I get the flashing red LED and beep to indicate I need to replace the battery.

I have measured the no-load voltage of the battery and it's about 26 volts. I have also checked the 12 connector and also the external plug.

Any thoughts appreciated.

BillP · ‎2021-06-28

Hi Ian

The voltage of the RBC is correct, but with older and bad batteries it can read correctly when not connected to the ups and when connected the voltages show much lower due to internal resistance etc.

If the Battery has been replaced with the approved APC replacement it should have a serial number with 2 letters and 10 digits, the 1st two digits are the year of manufacture and the 2nd two are the week number.

The RBCs have an approximate lifecycle of 3-5 years dependant on usage (how many discharges, length of discharge, and time kept stored uncharged).

If the ups is showing the replace battery indicator then it is sensing the battery is not up to the job.

I can understand you want to be sure due to the price of a replacement battery.

One thing you may want to look into is our TradeUPS program where you could trade in the SUA1500i which is discontinued for the current SMT1500i at a discount, so you'll get a current ups with the benefits of a display and new battery with the factory warranty

Matt

See Answer In Context

BillP · ‎2021-06-28

Hi Ian

What is the model number of the ups and also what is the age of the unit, the first 4 digits of the serial number can give us that information.

If the battery is a few years old, depending on its usage, the few months of storage could be enough to make it weak and in need of replacing.

Regards

Matt

BillP · ‎2021-06-28

Thanks for taking time to reply.

It's a APC SmartUPS 1500 (SUA1500i).

Not sure of the age TBH, since it's s/h. I don't think it has the original batteries in it.

Are there any other checks I can do on the batteries to confirm if they're "dead"? i.e. checking individual battery voltage or anything else?

BillP · ‎2021-06-28

Hi Ian

The voltage of the RBC is correct, but with older and bad batteries it can read correctly when not connected to the ups and when connected the voltages show much lower due to internal resistance etc.

If the Battery has been replaced with the approved APC replacement it should have a serial number with 2 letters and 10 digits, the 1st two digits are the year of manufacture and the 2nd two are the week number.

The RBCs have an approximate lifecycle of 3-5 years dependant on usage (how many discharges, length of discharge, and time kept stored uncharged).

If the ups is showing the replace battery indicator then it is sensing the battery is not up to the job.

I can understand you want to be sure due to the price of a replacement battery.

One thing you may want to look into is our TradeUPS program where you could trade in the SUA1500i which is discontinued for the current SMT1500i at a discount, so you'll get a current ups with the benefits of a display and new battery with the factory warranty

Matt