SURGE PROTECTION DEGRADATION

[Anonymous user]

As surge protectors are sacrificial in nature, I wonder if replacing the battery in a BE550G  after it's normal 3-5 year life, how long can I expect the surge protection to last?  Does the $75000 equipment guarantee policy last forever, or just the regular 3 year warranty?

[Anonymous user]

The first question is impossible to answer with any certainty because everyone's power quality is different. If you live in an area where the power quality seems to be poor and/or you're of a cautious mindset, you may decide to replace the unit when its warranty expires. The MOVs utilized in these units for primary surge suppression do wear out over time, as you have noted.

I've never seen one of these units issue a warning to indicate that the surge suppression has failed and I don't believe that they do so.

As I am not affiliated with APC or Schneider Electric in any way, I cannot comment on how long their equipment replacement policy lasts. If your equipment is of a particularly important or irreplaceable nature, acquiring a "real" insurance policy of your own may be prudent.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Michael,

The equipment protection policy is life time $75000 with a standard 3 year repair / replace warrant. as listed on the product specifications page http://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-Back-UPS-550/P-BE550G

Since you purchase the UPS as an insurance to keep the load protected my recommendation is, you should replace the UPS after a maximum of 5 years in service even though the EPP is life time.