Back-UPS 500 - Alternative Replacement Battery

[W400]

Hello,

I have a 3-year old Back-UPS 500 (Model BX500CI). The battery is getting weak, and needs replacement.

According to the APC website, this model takes a APCRBC114 battery.

There is only one supplier where I live that has this battery. It is an official APC Replacement Battery, and costs as much as a replacement UPS.

Could a CSB HR1234WF2 Battery (12v 9.0Ah) be used instead?

Would it fit within the housing of the Back-UPS 500 (Model BX500CI)?

Dimensions of APCRBC114 (12v 6.4Ah)

H : 100mm

W : 53mm

D : 153mm

Dimensions of CSB HR1234WF2 Battery (12v 9.0Ah)

H : 94mm

W : 65mm

D : 151mm

Link to BX500CI

https://www.se.com/uk/en/product/BX500CI/apc-backups-500va-tower-230v-3x-iec-c13-outlets-avr/

Link to Replacement RBC 114 Battery

https://www.se.com/uk/en/product/APCRBC114/apc-replacement-battery-cartridge-114-with-2-year-warrant...

[Teken]

Pretty much on any given day I would say yes this would be a simple drop in replacement.

But, you’ll need to measure the internal battery compartment to be sure for proper width spacing.

As the CSB cell is 65 mm vs 53 mm wide all other dimensions are fine. After reviewing the original battery specifications if true the unit was provided with a very low amp hour 12 VDC cell of 4.3 AH?!? 🤦‍♂️

If the CSB fits which you have a better than 50% chance it will after confirming internal spacing. That RBC will provide double the operational runtime vs the OEM! 🤟

Also normally I would call out the secondary installation steps but your unit appears to be a very simple basic unit with no communication port for APC Power Chute Software. ☹️

As such, once you install and connect the battery terminals to the RBC. Apply AC power to the unit without turning it on. Allow the cell to fully charge for at least 24 hours with nothing attached.

Once fully charged turn the unit on and allow the system to complete the self test and wait for the RBC to fully charge.

Next connect at least 30% or more load to the unit. Disconnect AC Mains and allow the system to run until it turns off.

Once complete restore AC Mains and allow the RBC to fully charge than turn the unit back on if it doesn’t turn on by itself automatically.

Questions Ask . . . 👍

[W400]

Teken,

Thanks very much for your detailed reply.  I will measure the UPS sometime in the next few days, when I have more time.

When I bought the BX500CI about 3 years ago, I also purchased a BX750MI for a different computer.  I think it would be wise to also replace its battery (it uses the CSB HR1234WF2). 

The BX500CI doesn't have a usb interface for PowerChute, however the BX750MI does.

Should I follow the same steps you outlined in your reply when replacing the BX750MI battery?  Is there anything additional I need to do with PowerChute to re-calibrate the runtime, or otherwise let PowerChute know that the battery is new?

[W400]

Teken,

Thanks very much for your detailed reply.  I will measure the UPS sometime in the next few days, when I have more time.

[Teken]

Please do follow up once you confirm as I’m sure the information will help the next person asking the same.

Upon confirmation please do mark the reply that answered your query as a solution to help others in the future. 👍

[Teken]

BX750MI: Upon RBC replacement update the battery installation date via APC Power Chute if available. As doing so resets internal counters and adjust charging tables if applicable.

Allow the new RBC to recharge for 24 hours or when it shows 100% SOC (State of Charge).

Manually initiate a self test and let pass and allow the RBC to recharge back to 100% SOC. Complete the process by manually initiating a battery calibration if available via Power Chute Software with a minimum of 30% attached load or greater.

Allow the process to complete and allow the RBC to recharge back to 100% SOC. This procedure will teach the system the SOC / Health to better reflect the operational runtime on the LCD, Power Chute etc.

If there is no battery calibration available in Power Chute simply remove AC Mains from the system and allow it to shutdown by itself ensuring there is at least 30% or greater load.

In this specific case disconnect the USB cable from the computer system that runs Power Chute Software. 

You can use any resistive load like a heater, fan etc to achieve 30% or greater.

Final step is to simply use a sharpie or label printer to mark the RBC installation & battery calibration date on the cartridge.

Questions Ask . . . 👍