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Reply With QuoteLittle-Miss (25th February 2009)
When logging onto the server the other day, i got a message warning me that i basically need to replace one of them. We've got 2 but only one is showing up in the software (hmph!)...
That one is apparently over 4 years old.
So does this mean that the battery is no longer reliable? Is it something that i've got to buy now?! How long do they last?
Last edited by Little-Miss; 25th February 2009 at 04:02 PM.
Think 3 years is the average time until replacement so you've done quite well with it. You'll probably find it is cheaper to buy a new one that get a replacement battery.
If it's for a system critical server, I'd probably get it replaced. You might still get a bit ore life out of though so I'd keep it for a test server or something less critical.
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
Thanks..
I'm guessing they were bought at the same time so it might well be worth replacing them both.
While im thinking about it, what do i look for in a battery? We currently have APC...they seem to be the standard..
Only ever used APC to be honest, though there are a lot more manufacturers out there now, that seem to offer very good deals. However, people generally by a UPS as they want reliability, so it might be best sticking to what you know, that does the job. I'm sure other edugeekers might be able to recommend some other brands though.
Just make sure you get one (or two) that can comfortably take the load required by todays' power hungry beastly servers.
If you want to replace the battery on an APC you'll need to get the right one for the model.
The battery will have a Replacement Battery Code or RBC number.
The APC website should list the correct RBC for the model.
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
Also the first two numbers of the serial number on APC UPS indicate the year of manufacture of the unit and is also usually the age of the battery. Little Miss as your in a brum school take a look at here.
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
Hiya Little Miss,Originally Posted by Little-Miss
Let me know what model APC UPS you have and I'll get you a price on a replacement battery straight away or we have some great offers on new APC UPS replacments,
Simon
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
If you are looking to buy a new UPS and you have enough money and the correct power to the server room (or ability to have it installed) a couple of APC Smart-UPS RT 10,000VA RM 230V's should do the trick - they only cost £2,900 and should keep things going as long as possible. if you can't get a couple of 3-Phase connections into your server room then you'll need to look at the 5,000VA which can work from 13amp (and preferably) a 16amp connection to each. a 5,000VA should cost in the region of £1,800
basically with a UPS the more battery life it has the longer your servers stay up
Something else to note is that APC oftern do a trade-in service so that might save a few bob?
Last edited by DAckroyd; 25th February 2009 at 05:06 PM.
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
I was going to mention the trade in but someone beat me to it.
APC Trade-UPS
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
I personally think that's a little OTT. £2,900 is a lot to spend on just a UPS. Most schools I visit use 1 or 2 APC 1000AV's or a 1500AV. This is plenty and much more cost effective.APC Smart-UPS RT 10,000VA RM 230V's should do the trick
@Little-Miss - Changing a battery is relatively simple, but it does require you to take a few panels off. It's also important to get the right model of battery too and avoid 'compatibles' - stick with official APC.
Alternatively you could replace the UPS altogether, but this is much more expensive as you'll see.
Little-Miss (25th February 2009)
Hi,
If your UPS works well, and never gave you any problems, your best best is to buy replacement batteries. On most units they're hot swappable, pull out the old ones and replace with the new ones. You don't even need to turn off your UPS.
A lot of vendors will recommend that you throw out your UPS as soon as the batteries are gone, that's a convenient up sell, however not necessary. APC UPSs are very reliable, have no moving parts and can last a very long time. To go out and buy a brand new UPS to get the newest face plate, perhaps isn't financially wise.
:-)
My opinion!
Tony
APC Battery Backup Specialists
Hi,
Good quality batteries should last between 3-5 years, getting 4 years is pretty good. It all depends on the quality of batteries and the type of abuse the batteries take.
What kind of units do you have?
Tony,
APC Battery Backup Specialists
How long would they last if theyve never been called into action. My APC 1500 has been in place about a year and never had to switch to battery yet
Hi,
The battery inside an APC Smart-UPS 1500 should last about 5 years if rarely used. It could last even longer. The battery doesn't die right away, it starts loosing charge, so it won't provide the run time it originally did.
If you don't have a critical load on the UPS, and are using it for power filtration, replacing the battery is not necessarily urgent. If your run time is 10 minutes instead of 20 minutes, it's not so bad if it's not critical.
Tony,
APC Battery Backup Specialists
The only good thing is they are easy to replace. Usually you just lift the front panel off and pull the battery out. I have just done my main one the other week.
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