Maximum Life of an SYBT5 Lead-Acid battery module

[michael.w.glaze]

I am tasked with planning a budget for life-cycle replacement of my facilities UPS batteries. I have several UPS that use the SYBT5 battery module. I have only been able to find the minimum life (3yr) the warrantee duration (2yr) but not reference to a maximum or recommended replacement time? In my past experience with APC battery modules there was such a date. Is it now based on the voltage/load test results?

[Teken · Accepted solution]

The average service life is stated as 2-5 years based on usage, temperature, and environmental conditions.

Generally speaking the battery replacement interval depends upon the level of conformance and standards you follow.

If this is a ISO / cUL certified site than the maintenance and change out interval is well defined for you and the site.

Especially if you conform and publish a uptime of service to your customers / public. ☝️

Regardless of all the above testing and validation of the system and batteries are the most basic requirements and tasks.

There is no other test in the industry that supersedes a (Lights Out / Grid Down) event!

This is either a pass / fail event . . . 

The only portion of the lights out test that is placed on a curve is the operational runtime when compared to the published APC Runtime Calculator for a specific load.

Meaning if the APC Runtime Calculator indicates a new cartridge can provide 60 minutes but you see 35-45 minutes.

Depending upon how stringent you follow your conformance you may let that slide vs ordering a hot spare immediately / a few months down. 

If the operational runtime was 5-10 minutes vs the 60. The battery cartridge needs to be replaced as it’s near end of life.

The internal resistance and load test are the primary factors that determine a battery pass / fail.

Measuring spot voltage offers very little information.