Old batteries in new ups

[RonB2]

Received a new APC 1350 yesterday.  Checking the battery it is 47 months old. It does take a charge. The APC site states "Battery replacement: since VRLA batteries end of life is five (5) years, it is always advisable to replace the UPS battery not longer than five (5) years to prevent the risk of possible hydrogen sulfide gas emission."

What is the experience of using batteries that have been in storage for 4 years?

[Teken]

Sounds like a NOS (New Old Stock) from a company that doesn’t sell or rotate their products. 

If this hardware was purchased new from an authorized vendor / reseller. Reach out to APC Technical Support and have your receipt, serial number, and battery production date.

Once they confirm all the above they will ship you out a new replacement cartridge. Let me know if you have more questions. 👍

[RonB2]

Thanks for the information.  APC Technical Support advised to get a replacement unit from the retailer. 

[Teken]

Appreciate the update but I am very surprised. As this is counter to what is stated in their warranty agreement! 🤦‍♂️

The warranty from APC clearly states any defects or warranty related issues are to be sent and addressed by APC / Schneider. ☝️

They should have sent out a replacement battery! 👎

[RonB2]

Even the ups box has a statement that problems should be directed to APC and not the retailer. Unfortunately, the dealer is out of stock so I contacted Techical Support again. After submitting documention, I was advised they'll see what they can do further regarding the old battery.

[Teken]

Let us know how everything unfolds and great job pushing this issue ahead. 👍

[RonB2]

APC / Schneider  is sending a replacement ups.  I tried to just get a new battery, but they were not in stock. Working for a large organization that is doing a network refresh.  I'll be careful when a new ups is installed and check the battery age.

[Teken · Accepted solution]

Appreciate the follow up and the positive outcome. 👍 I agree, it’s imperative to validate the production date of the battery cartridge. 

As an aside if the battery was 47 month old and came with the original unit. That also means the hardware is the same! If APC did send you a replacement battery cartridge it’s imperative that you have them update & extend the warranty on the unit.

Because without a valid purchase receipt they would simply go by the production serial number on the chassis. In that case the physical hardware would not be covered by the APC warranty. 🤦‍♂️🤢