FAQ: Correct APC Replacement Battery Cartridge (RBC) for my UPS?

[BillP]

To determine the correct Replacement Battery Cartridge to purchase for your APC UPS and to see other options available to you, use the UPS Batteries & Upgrades Selector tool [http://www.apc.com/tools/upgrade_selector/?CFID=20387441&CFTOKEN=80035946] on our website.

Before you use this tool, you will need to know your UPS model #.

To find your UPS model #, locate a white bar-code sticker on your UPS. This can be found behind or on the bottom of your UPS.

The top row of the bar code sticker indicates the UPS model number. The bottom row indicates the UPS serial number. The first two numbers in the serial number indicate the year that the UPS was manufactured. For example, serial #SB041650513 is a unit manufactured in 2004. The age of the UPS will also help you to determine if you need a replacement battery cartridge. A battery will typically last 3-5 years, varying based on frequency of use, duration of use and environmental conditions such as heat and humidity.

Now that you've acquired your model, go to APC's convenient, easy-to-use UPS Batteries & Upgrades Selector tool. You can simply enter your model # and the Selector will provide you with the available options for upgrading your ups, purchasing a replacement battery cartridge (RBC) or purchasing a replacement battery cartridge whith an extended APC warranty (CURK).

If you purchase a Replacement Battery cartridge (RBC) or a Charge UPS (CURK) please note that some units contain multiple batteries inside the UPS. The Selector will provide you with a single part # that will contain all the batteries you will need for your UPS model, unless otherwise indicated in the chart. For example, a model SU700NET has 2 batteries inside. If you purchase qty 1 #RBC5, you will receive a cartridge containing the 2 batteries needed for your unit, hence you only need to purchase qty1(one) part #RBC5 for your SU700NET.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

If you're seeking aftermarket replacement, this is a helpful resource.
http://nam-en.apc.com/cgi-bin/nam_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1046

APC-MGE, the list is rather outdated and does not include the newer RBC specs. Perhaps it's time for an update?

When you shop for replacement batteries, the most important things are terminal shape and physical dimensions. It's ok if you use a slightly different Ah rating.

12v 7, 7.2,8,9 Ah are usually the same dimensions. If you use 7Ah cells in models using 9Ah, expect reduced runtime. If you use 9Ah cells in 7Ah models, you may or may not get longer runtime. In newer models, you may get longer life before the unit completely shuts off, but the estimate will likely not exceed the spec rating as the firmware is not programmed to accommodate 9Ah cells.

RBC3 & RBC4 are more or less the samething. RBC4 is 1 x 12v 12A. RBC3 is 2 x 6v 10Ah glued together to be the same shape as RBC4. There exists 12v 10Ah battery as well, but keep in mind that it does not have the same foot print and does not fit.

12v 11Ah is obsolete and 12v 12Ah is the physically identical current replacement.
Be sure to negotiate warranty terms & battery waste collection with your battery dealer.

If your UPS is less than 2 years from date of purchase
Don't even bother with buying a replacement battery and Contact APC-MGE and file a warranty claim. Contact them with your serial # and they can tell you the type of warranty your unit came with. If you have the receipt, warranty begins from date of purchase.

-KVAr, not affiliated with APC-MGE and my posts do not represent APC-MGE.