Should I replace my Smart Ups 1250?

[BillP]

(I am posting on behalf of Arto Basmadjian)

I have a Smart UPS - 1250.  I use it for my 2 computers at home.  The serial # starts with S930809

The other evening, one of my computers (the only one running at the time) just powered off.  Didn't notice any lights dimming in the room, but the replace battery light on the UPS had lit up.

Any sort of test I do ends up with the replace battery light on, and the unit simply does not supply power if it is disconnected from AC, or the test button is pressed.

My last set of batteries lasted a little over 4 years.

I've had the unit for about 7 years, and I know it was used at least 7-8 years before that in a family business.  If the first few digits of the serial number mean 1993, then the unit is 20 years old.  Can anyone confirm that?

Based on this information, is it worth investing in another set of batteries for the unit, or am I better off buying a new unit (perhaps a BR1500G)?  If I buy new, it won't have a sine wave output, since they are priced out of my budget.

[BillP]

Yes indeed, this unit was manufactured 20 years ago in 1993. Just based on the fact of how old the electrical components are and their normal lifespan, I'd definitely consider trading it in towards a new UPS. Even though the UPS maybe does not function, it can still be traded in. (You'll find more information on APC "Trade UPS" here -> Recycling Options - recycle)

I am not too familiar with the design on those really old units but I know with a bad battery in today's units, they'll continue to operate if the UPS is online.

I definitely would look to a new unit with a new (factory or extended) warranty (on both UPS and battery) versus using a piece of 20 year old electronics and hoping the new batteries work and fix the issue you saw. There very well could be another issue and if there isn't, I'd be too worried it could happen at any time.

Let me know if you have further questions.

[Anonymous user]

What about the issue of the output.  I simply cannot afford another Smart UPS with a pure output sine wave.  I'd be looking at something like the BR1500G.  However, that model does not output a pure sine wave.  Will I have problems with my current or future computers.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Well, that might depend on the computer manufacturer. Do you have details on the power supply? It may be worth a check with the vendor to see what they recommend or can handle.

Also, depending on how much runtime you need (which what made you decide on BR1500G?), then BR1000G offers a quasi-wave which is not pure but closer to a pure sinewave.

Lastly, Smart UPS C offers some Smart UPS features, like pure sinewave, but not all the bells and whistles. Perhaps might still be out of budget but I figured I'd mention it -> http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMC1000