UPS - Replace batteries or buy new UPS?

[enjay]

Our current UPS is elderly and can no longer handle the load on it, or rather the batteries appear to be shot (runtime remaining of 10 minutes on a 17% load). What are the relative merits of getting a whole new unit versus just replacing the batteries? I've priced it up, and an equivalent unit is roughly twice the price of new batteries.

[Amber_AEGUPS]

How old's the UPS? What type of UPS ( Offline, Line-Interactive Online ) If it's not ancient ( 10 years + ) and has been reasonably cared for ( I get quite attached to mine - sad I know ) then replacing the batteries is quite straight forward and most battery replacement packs will come with clear instructions.

If you have frequent power problems and use either offline or line-interactive UPS then you might want to consider a new unit as relay switches have a finite life ( depends on switch )

 

Advantage: Cheaper. You are also probably familiar with that particular model.

Disadvantage: Newer models have warranty. New components. Latest UPS technology i.e 0.9pf etc

 

Once you've changed a UPS battery once you will see it's quite easy ( like re-wiring a plug ).

 

Ultimately the choice is yours

 

Hope this helps

[enjay]

UPS is a bit over 5 years old. I've changed batteries before, so I know what is involved. Not sure what the offline, line-interactive stuff means - if it helps, it is an APC Smart UPS 2200 XLINET. As for how well cared for it is, I wasn't aware that any maintenance of them was required - it has just sat there doing its stuff up until now - was that wrong of me?!

[AngryTechnician]

According to the APC website, this takes RBC11 replacement batteries. It just so happens that I have a set of these for sale that I bought by mistake, and you're very near by! Drop me a PM if you're interested.

[SYNACK]

UPS is a bit over 5 years old. I've changed batteries before, so I know what is involved. Not sure what the offline, line-interactive stuff means - if it helps, it is an APC Smart UPS 2200 XLINET. As for how well cared for it is, I wasn't aware that any maintenance of them was required - it has just sat there doing its stuff up until now - was that wrong of me?!

 

Should do full battery tests every so often to discharge the batteries and make them last a little longer along with keeping them cool, otherwise no.

 

If the current UPS can support the load fine then you should be alright but just check the prices of a new unit vs the prices of battery replacement, sometimes there are really good specials that can make a new UPS compareable or cheaper than a batter replacement. If that is the case it is silly not to get a new one with shiny new warrenty etc.

[ICT_GUY]

Change batteries ups go on for forever, its solid state stuff, very little to go wrong.

[enjay]

@AngryTechnician - how convenient, PM sent!

[enjay]

A new unit would be roughly twice the price of new batteries (and that is including APC's trade-in offer). APC's web site recommends that I buy a new unit rather than batteries, but that could be nothing more than money-making, hence my question.