Question on Testing Individual Batteries

[Anonymous user]

I need some help. I'm somewhat of a newbie to UPSs and batteries, and the boss has tapped me to become an expert (on the job training). We're working with mainly old/used SU2200RM3U units, and I'm finding myself having weekly battles with them to keep them all running properly. My main problem seems to be with the batteries. Is there a way to test individual batteries under load before I actually put them into a UPS? Also, what's the best way of finding out who the local UPS/battery expert in my town is, the phone book isn't really being all that helpful? Thanks for your time.

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

The UPS contains an RBC12 battery pack and the best way to determine if the battery is good, is by installing the the battery into the UPS and initiating a self test with a load attached. The UPS has hot-swappable batteries so the load does not need to be shutdown for replacement.
If you want to test the battery before installing in a UPS, you can hook a voltmeter to the contacts, make sure there is proper voltage. It should register 48V DC nominal.

Thank you.

[Anonymous user]

Sorry,

I forgot to include the following link to locate an APC Reseller in your area that can provide local information about your APC UPS and the internal batteries. Thanks again:

http://www.apc.com/tools/locator/

[Anonymous user]

I need some help. I'm somewhat of a newbie to UPSs and batteries, and the boss has tapped me to become an expert (on the job training). We're working with mainly old/used SU2200RM3U units, and I'm finding myself having weekly battles with them to keep them all running properly. My main problem seems to be with the batteries. Is there a way to test individual batteries under load before I actually put them into a UPS? Also, what's the best way of finding out who the local UPS/battery expert in my town is, the phone book isn't really being all that helpful? Thanks for your time.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

"48v nominal" is about as abstract as "2 x 4" lumber, which doesn't actually measure 2.00" by 4.00".

Take a DVM with 0.5% or better accuracy. For 48v battery, if new batteries reads less than 50.3v, return to supplier. Fully charged, the batteries should be >51.2v (after 24 hour rest). There's a relationship between resting state voltage and state-of-charge and the type of batteries used in UPS happen to be easily damaged by being left in less than fully charged conditions. If you read <50.3v, that battery pack has sat around in the warehouse too long and there's a good chance the performance is deteriorated. A new old stock battery that sat in a 80 degree warehouse for a year is not acceptable.

If you MUST stockpile extra batteries, top them off on a charger every 3-6 months or risk severely damaging them in storage. Hotter the temperature, more frequently you need to charge them.