Is there any brand or model that actually lasts more than 2-3 years?

[pete991]

My UK model of Back-UPS 850 has failed after only 2.5 years, definitely due to hardware failure and not battery as I threw a non-oem like for like battery AND a APC OEM battery (generously provided by APC support) at it.

I believe that this device is probably over-specified for my use - a 500w PSU computer (which has a very low-end graphics card) and a monitor.  The backup power was only used a small handful of times over the 2.5 years, I always shut down as quickly as possible each time it kicked in and the device was located in a normal soho office, so no temperature or dust extremes.

(FI, I was getting the normal POST but then all the leds would go out and I would just hear a constant tone.  This was with nothing whatever plugged into the device.)

I feel very wary about buying a replacement.  Was I just incredibly unlucky?  Are there brands I could look at that are more reliable or which offer a longer warranty period?  That won't break the bank?

I'd spend more, if I thought I'd get (say) 10 years life from it (excluding battery replacements).

Any recommendations / advice gratefully received!

Thanks.

Pete

[Teken]

Generally speaking if you invest more the service life is better and longer. Please review this APC FAQ as it relates to battery service life and how environmental conditions impact the same:

https://www.se.com/us/en/faqs/FA158934/

The average service life of the RBC is 2-5 years. Which is based on usage, temperature, and environmental conditions. The cells are designed to sustain 260 full cycles before degradation is seen relative to the caveats called out prior.

You may also refer to this APC FAQ as it relates to hardware service life:

https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FAQ000265093/

Enterprise class hardware typically lasts 7-10+ years due to the fact they use higher quality components and designed to operate in harsher environments.

The vast majority of these Enterprise equipment continue to be in place and operational well past ten years for those who don’t follow any sort of hardware refresh / ISO Standards.

The Back-UPS Series is a entry level consumer class hardware and designed to price. This lower price is directly reflected in operational service life which is typically 2-5 years.

Almost all makers offer an extended hardware warranty to extend the basic one which typically range from 1-3 years.

Other brands encompass Eaton, Tripp Lite, CyberPower, Vertiv. There are countless other no name brands on the Internet but it’s safe to say they are a gamble.

There are several industrial UPS makers such as Delta, Mitsubishi, Hauwei, etc. At the end of the day investing more finances is a requirement to achieve longer service life. Keeping in mind environmental factors determine the final outcome as it always does.

Questions Ask . . . 👍

[pete991]

Many thanks for your reply - appreciate your trouble.

The battery stuff does not apply to my situation as it is the hardware's (short) lifespan that is my issue.  2-5 years lifespan for the level of uninterruptible power supply I bought isn't that much! But seems to be realistic as my ones do typically seem to die within the timescale you quoted.  The most recent one is the shortest lifespan and the most expensive device I've bought!  I guess what you're saying is that it's a bit of a lottery, whichever brand, at the end of the market that is cost-justifiable to me.

Thanks again!

Pete

[Teken]

Pete,

APC has several levels of Back-UPS which increase in price based on topology, features, and operational runtime. The lowest entry Back-UPS are modified / approximate stepped sine wave topology and the cheapest to build.

The more expansive units incorporate pure sine wave topology and incorporate other features from LCD, Communications, and longer operational runtime. If you're looking for something that will offer you at least 5-10 years of service life than the Smart-UPS Series are worth reviewing.

Keep in mind the Smart-UPS Series also has an entry, mid, and top shelf hardware.

The SMC are entry, SCL mid, SMT mid high, SMX high, SRT top shelf etc.

Questions Ask . . . 👍