APC UPS replacement batteries

Berserker · 8 Dec 2009 at 14:53

Figured this would be a good place to ask as server users will be much more likely to use a UPS than the unruly masses of GH.

I got a battery failure warning from my APC Smart-UPS yesterday. Though a re-test sent it away I consider it fair warning that the battery will need replacing soon (it's well past due).

However, an official replacement RBC7 pack is £120 + shipping. Ugh. There seem to be a few sellers about offering 'compatible' batteries (usually claiming to use the same battery packs that APC themselves use). There's one seller on an auction site with 100% feedback offering these for £80-ish.

So, my question. Does anyone have any experience with replacing the batteries in APC UPSes (specifically the SUA1500I in my case), and did you use original or compatible batteries?

I know UPS draw a lot of amps and I've seen the odd exploding UPS battery horror story, so should I just man up and pay the premium?

PS - it's an @home server, so not mission critical in any way, but I really don't need battery acid everywhere.

PPS - any information about disposing of the old battery would also be helpful.

Berserker · 8 Dec 2009 at 15:05

Thanks, so far.

The UPS is nearly six years old (purchased 02/2004), same as the battery. In a mission critical situation UPS replacement makes sense, but this isn't, so I'm inclined to just swap the battery and hope the UPS itself gives me another five years. If that's unlikely, then obviously I'll have to reconsider. In truth I don't need a UPS at all - I just like having one for peace of mind.

Berserker · 8 Dec 2009 at 15:20

I have those as well. Most of my toys are behind surge protection, but my file/download server, main router, and a Drobo live on the UPS. There's a few SUA1500I units around my workplace too of a similar age, so I know they can last.

Anyone else got any experience with UPS longevity?

Berserker · 8 Dec 2009 at 17:13

I've already found the instructions for moving the existing harness to new batteries, but I'm not sure I want to go there. I'm fine with inserting plugs in sockets and so forth (which at least means I can build my own PCs), but tend to shy away from anything more complicated/risky.

Good point on replacing the batteries. I'll make sure I can actually remove the old ones before I order new.

Berserker · 8 Dec 2009 at 17:53

Thanks! That's the link I found already. It doesn't say what batteries are actually needed (I don't want to go the Heath Robinson route, so it would have to be the right ones), and I don't think I'd be confident doing that anyway.