Replace batteries or new UPS?

[TomHD]

Hi All,

 

I have an APC DLA-1500i PSU that is now showing the replace battery warning! I am wondering if I should replace the batteries or replace the entire unit as it is quite old now? Pro and cons to both options?

 

Thanks in advance, TomHD

[HTCPCP]

How many batteries have you got through on it so far?

When you say it's quite old - how long has it been in use for?

Apart from the battery - is it working as you need it to

If it's on a server, how many servers does it power - is the runtime sufficient? Have you added extra servers in that time?

 

I tend to work on 2-3 batteries over a UPS lifespan, before replacing, unless it's just on a machine/non server part of the network - where I tend to keep changing the bateries until the unit itself dies, or a battery leaks.

 

The pro on replacement - You can plan ahead (future proof - are you going to add more server down the line etc?) you will have a warranty, you get the chance to upgrade to a rackmount solution. It can also be quicker, as the downtime in swapping over a UPS often isn't very much However, it is more expensive, and may need reconfiguring etc.

 

The pro on battery replacement - Less waste, the kit works, works out cheaper, and you don't need to worry about recabling everything (great if your UPS is in a tight spot!). If you do both, you can get a UPS on your machine, meaning in times of trouble, you can (if your switch links are also UPS covered. Downside is, it can result in longer downtime as you have to disassemble, swap battery, re-assemble and then re-install

[TomHD]

The UPS is working fine, is coming up to 5 years old and its had the batteries replaced once. The particular model does allow hot swapping of the battery pack. I think I'm going to get some replacement batteries anyone know a good source?

 

Many thanks, TomHD

[HTCPCP]

I always tend to approach existing account managers at places like Insight first.

 

Not used them in a while, but critical power supplies is another company I have used for batteries and not had any issues with. However if my memory serves me correctly, along side the original batteries they do sell their own brand equivalents.