SMT1500C - Need More Duration Following Loss of Power

[MakeUPSLastLonger]

I selected and purchased a SMT1500C. Unit sat for 3 months unpacked, then let charge for several days. Appears normal operation. However, duration upon a power failure is not what it should be. I need more duration. 

Questions:

1. Is there a plug and play external battery pack available for this unit?

2. If the batteries in this brand new unit are failing, what options do I have (still within warranty). 

3. Is there a lithium battery replacement for this unit?

Thank you, Ben

[Teken]

Hi Ben,

Short Answers:

1. No

2. Contact APC Technical Support 

3. No

Long Answers:

1. The SMT is not a extended runtime system as there are no auxiliary inputs. Some examples of extended runtime systems are the SMX, SRT, etc.

2. What is the runtime you’re seeing now and the load (wattage) connected? Please compare your operational runtime vs the APC Runtime Calculator and relay the difference see here. Have you completed a battery calibration as required?!?

3. There is no such thing as a drop in lithium based cell / cartridge offered by any reputable battery maker for a APC UPS. 

There are lots of cheap so called lithium cells that people have tried to use in thinking it offers the same long term performance, reliability, and safety! 🤦‍♂️

The short version as to why is the UPS charging circuit is not designed with any lithium based charging parameters / curve.

All of the current lithium based cells do not offer a (HR) High Rate capacity BMS. They do not offer any method to integrate or communicate with the UPS during a low voltage shutdown.

As such the cells are bricked until some kind of external (manual) intervention is performed by the end user.

There are a dozen more reasons as to why if you want to learn more.

Questions Ask . . . 👍