Symmetra LX Swollen Batteries

[BillP]

We have a Symmetra LX unit that has 2 swollen (and dead) battery modules in it. We are unable to remove the 2 batteries from the chassis. I've turned the batteries off and let them sit for a couple of days and we are still unable to remove them.

We had an older Symmetra 16000 unit that also had swollen batteries that we couldn't remove. We ended up loosening the large bolt at the top of the unit and were able to lossen each individual shelf enough to loosen the batteries and remove them.

Since the LX unit looks like a solid steel enclosure all the way around, I don't see any way to do the same trick on the LX unit. Anyone have any other suggestions on how to get the batteries out? This unit is not covered under warranty any more.

--greg

[BillP]

Are you certain they are swollen? How long was the Symmetra LX complaining of the bad battery modules? Do you know that serial numbers of each SYBT5?

It is sometimes necessary to briskly pull up on the battery module handle to get the battery unlocked from the bay. I would imagine that if the battery was truly swollen, you would be able to begin removing the battery module but it would then get "wedged" into place.

Your best option is to call into our phone support 800-800-4272 to ensure that everything else with your Symmetra LX is in proper working order, including the environment in which it is installed and the methods it can use to notify the customer of issues.

[BillP]

Of course, if they are swollen, the plain and simple fact is that they will have to be replaced. I've even had afew where the batteries swelled enough, that getting out took over 3 hours of coaxing, and moving them half a millimeter at a time. Circle in a square hole of course.

Find out your RBC battery type for replacements. If you have no warranty on your unit, you don't necessarily need to purchase batteries from APC. You will need to know the AMP and voltage of the battery(s) in question for the correct replacement. Be sure to keep all CONNECTORS, and if any, fuses, that are on the battery(s) you have in need of replacement.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

The point JoeMomma is trying to make here, as he and I have discussed in the past, is that there have been no instances of swollen SYBT5's, so he's trying to collect more information about it.

[BillP]

The unit has SYBT5 modules in it. We were finally able to get them out of the unit. We ended up having to shove a screwdriver under each module to lift up and then pull the battery out. Just pulling up on the battery module itself wasn't enough to get it over the lip on the chassis.

And we also determined that this unit is still covered under warranty despite what APC told us at first. New modules are on the way!

--greg

[BillP · Accepted solution]

So the SYBT5 modules were not swollen, and it was just an issue of clearance to get the module unlocked from the bay. Sometimes there is just barely 1-2mm clearance between the top of the SYBT5 and the sheet metal of the chassis bay above it.