Ask our Experts
Didn't find what you are looking for? Ask our experts!
Support forum to share knowledge about installation and configuration of APC offers including Home Office UPS, Surge Protectors, UTS, software and services.
Search in
Link copied. Please paste this link to share this article on your social media post.
Posted: 2025-09-19 01:24 PM
I have just been made aware that I should have installed some software on my computer that would periodically run a test on my APC purchased about five years ago with new Dell desktop and HP laser printer. How do I know when it is time to replace the battery in the unit? If the unit hasn't really done more than a couple back up necessities since installed does that mean the battery would last longer. How do I know and where do I get the software for the testing? Does the software run on it's own or do I need to run it manually myself occasionally? Where do I get the software? The model in BX850M\BX1000M and it is APC is about five years old. Thank you for your help.
Link copied. Please paste this link to share this article on your social media post.
Link copied. Please paste this link to share this article on your social media post.
Posted: 2025-09-22 06:50 AM . Last Modified: 2025-09-22 06:51 AM
The average service life of the (RBC) Replacement Battery Cartridge is 2-5 years based on usage, temperature, and environmental conditions.
The system by default will perform a self test every 14 days based on first start up which doesn’t require any extra software.
You may refer to the full user manual here for download:
A self test can be manually initiated via the front panel, APC Power Chute. You may download and install the legacy end of life PCPE here:
https://www.apc.com/us/en/download/document/APC_PCPE_310/
The RBC is designed to sustain 260 full depletions before degrading but this is subject to charging voltage, temperature, and environmental conditions.
Best practice is to complete a battery calibration / Lights Out / Grid Down test with at least a minimum of 30% attached load.
Doing so will allow the system to provide a better estimate of the operational runtime of the RBC.
You will compare the operational runtime seen on your system with the runtime calculator for your model via the APC Runtime Calculator for your model.
So for example if the load is 150 watts and the system turns off immediately or provides 1-2 minutes - Replace RBC
If you see say 10-15 minutes vs the APC Runtime Calculator of 30. Set aside funds and time to schedule a RBC replacement.
Questions Ask - If not and this answered your query please mark this reply as a solution to help the next person asking the same. 👍
Link copied. Please paste this link to share this article on your social media post.
You’ve reached the end of your document
Create your free account or log in to subscribe to the board - and gain access to more than 10,000+ support articles along with insights from experts and peers.