Smart-UPS 2200XL Still Good?

[Kenneth_apc]

My 2200XL gave me a battery alarm. Opening it up I found 4 bulging batteries that I was barely able to wrestle out of the enclosure. Could all of them bulged because of overcharging? I'm nervous about just buying 4 new batteries, installing them and having the 2200 overcharge them. Is there a way of checking the unit to make sure it is working properly?

Thanks,

Ken

[BillP]

Hi Ken - 

Do you by any chance have the model/serial number of the UPS? Do you know when the batteries were last replaced?

Batteries typically last 3-5 years. If the batteries were very old, or if they were left in place for an extended period of time after the replace battery indicator was lit, they can possibly swell. These types of issues can also be caused by an overly warm environment or poor ventilation. It is uncommon (but not impossible) that the issue might be related to over charging. 

Liam

[Kenneth_apc]

Hi Liam,

The model number is SU2200XLNET. The serial number is WS0052005295. I put new batteries in about 40 months ago. The unit is on the floor under the desk in a home office in San Jose with no air conditioning.

I had gotten the replace battery indicator about a month ago. I removed the batteries and measured the voltage of each one expecting to find a dead one. All the batteries said 12 volts so I put them back in and the replace battery alarm disappeared. I thought this meant they were OK. I guess not.

If you feel that overcharging is not the problem then I'll go ahead and order some new batteries.

Ken

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Ken - 

Given the serial number, this unit is almost 18 years old at this point. The expected life span of a Smart-UPS is usually closer to 10 years. Personally, I would probably replace the whole UPS at this point rather than risking the cost of new batteries in such an old UPS.

Thanks,

Liam