Replacing UPS Battery

[Mermaidman]

I picked up a bargain APC 350VA UPS at Staples, mainly because it has 3 outlets. My current APC UPS (which only has one outlet) is rated at 500VA. Two questions:

1) Other than dimensional constraints, can I replace the 350VA UPS battery with the 500VA battery? I played around with the fit and it looks like only a minor tweak to get the 500VA battery into the 350VA compartment.

2) Which battery is 'better?' The new 350VA battery or the old 500VA battery (3 yrs old)?

 

[HappyPuppy]

I forsee a possible fire or explosion in your future. :Q

The charging circuit in the new UPS may not be compatible with the old battery or vice versa. I wouldn't do it, but I live in a frame house. 😀

 

[MWink]

I wouldn't recommend it anyway but especially since the battery from the 500 is 3 years old. UPS batteries don't usually last much longer than 3 years so in all probability it is nearing the end of its life anyway.

 

[Redviffer]

There is a place called BatteriesPlus in my area, and they have replacement APC UPS batteries. The last time I checked they were $20 each, and you need 2 of them so: $40 total + tax. Doesn't make sense when you can buy a brand new APC UPS for $50. 🙁

 

[0roo0roo]

think dansdata.com had a thing on it. search the site for ups or something

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: MWink
I wouldn't recommend it anyway but especially since the battery from the 500 is 3 years old. UPS batteries don't usually last much longer than 3 years so in all probability it is nearing the end of its life anyway.

I agree. I have a Tripp-Lite Internet OFfice 450/500VA model, probably around three years old as well. It still works for me, but I've heard that after three years, the batteries start to go. I've had other UPS'es that didn't last three years even.

Also, a note to the OP - the "VA rating", is not usually related to the battery, but the inverter circuit in the UPS. As far as swapping them, you should be able to look up the battery types and what types are acceptable in that unit. If they match, then they theoretically should be compatible, but ... again, why would you, if the battery is three years old. It would be better, to put the "new" battery into the higher-VA unit, but that depends on whether the battery is compatible or not. If it isn't, then yes, there could be a significant risk of overheating or fire if mis-installed or mis-used.

 

[Mermaidman]

Thanks for the input--For safety reasons, I definitely shouldn't swap the batts! And sounds like the fact that the bigger battery is 3 yrs old makes it a moot point anyway.

 

[Staver]

Hmm, the battery I had in my old APC BP-1000 lasted 6 years. You'll know when the battery is going out. It's alarm will annoy you to death.