UPS Batteries

[spacelord]

My Belkin 1000va (or something like that) battery died a few months ago. I had it for several years. Is it typically cheaper to buy a whole new unit or purchase a new battery?

Also what do I do with the old battery? Recycling is nearly non-existent or a real pain in the ass to go to around me. My other batteries go to the dump, but this is one huge battery.

 

[Traire]

You shouldnt throw any of your batteries in the dump. Call your county/city or your garbage collection service and ask about Household Hazardous Waste collection programs. Almost every major municipality in the US has one, and will likely take your batteries (as well as paint, pesticides, solvent cleaners, oil, old computer monitors, TV's, electronics, etc.) for free.

 

[Agamar]

I just take my old ones down to the local battery shop, get 2 more, and replace them for less than $40.

 

[RebateMonger]

There are a couple of online vendors that sell replacement batteries a LOT cheaper than the original manufacturers do. For middle- and high-end UPS systems, it'd make sense to replace the batteries. If you have a $10 or $20 UPS, it'd be cheaper to buy another cheap UPS.

 

[MWink]

Usually it's cheaper to buy a new battery but given that it's a Belkin unit, I'd just replace the UPS (preferably with a better brand like APC or Tripp-Lite). If you do decide to get a new battery, be sure to get a good brand like Panasonic (I highly suggest avoiding Universal Battery (UB) and PowerSonic isn't that great either). Either way do dispose of the old battery properly!