Hi, I got a APC Smart-UPS 1000. I think the model is SMT1000. I am not sure whether it got a other models or not. It was making a beeping sound occasionally and it looks like I need to change the battery. I have been quoted a battery replacement of $450+GST plus labour. I tried to look for the battery replacement on google but it varies from $70ish to $400ish. I don't have the manual anymore. Can anyone point out which battery I should get and the best place to buy it from? I am in Sydney if it matters. Thank you.
Battery Replacement - APC Smart-UPS 1000
Devilius on 08/03/2022 - 23:13
Comments
Manual here. Should explain the error messages and how to pull it apart.
You will probably find there are two sealed lead-acid batteries inside, probably PS-12120 F2. 12 volt 12 AmpHour with the larger F2 spade terminals. They look like a fatter alarm panel battery. You just pull out the old pack and reuse the interconnect wire inside, then reattach the wires to the UPS and reassemble.
I rescued a SMT1000 unit from the trash, presumably because it was beeping at the original owner. I sourced a couple of these batteries from Radio Parts in Melbourne for around $50 retail each. They shouldn't be too hard to find at places that sell SLA batteries. Those batteries lasted from 2013-2018. I did another replacement which lasted until the start of 2022. I've put a 3rd set in and it is happily chugging along. The original batteries have a stated life of 3-5 years, which is exactly what I get from generic batteries. Battery life may be affected by how many devices you are protecting and how often the power goes out.
As above this is an easy diy job using common batteries. I get infuriated at work when our it dept swap out ups units rather than spending literally 5 mins changing out the batteries. Main issue I’ve had is sometimes the old batteries swell in their metal casing making it hard to even impossible to slide out without serious muscle. If you go some where like a battery world franchise they may even change them for you for a small fee if you buy their batteries.
As stated above, just get two 12V12AH batteries from ebay for around $100 and DIY. There are videos on Youtube that show how it's done. Very easy job - only takes a few minutes.
Thank you for the responses. It looks like my unit is SMT1000I, which needs APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #6. I am not planning to change the whole unit, just the battery. But, it looks like the battery itself cost around $450 to $600. I am not sure whether 12V12AH batteries will be compatible or not (and it can replace the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #6). Anyway, thank you everyone.
The battery pack #6 is literally two of these generic sealed-lead-acid batteries joined with double-sided tape, and with their custom-branded identifying label on the front. It probably includes the fused joiner wire which goes between the batteries to make a 24V in-series battery. You can re-use the one you already have — simply pull it off the existing "pack" and slide it onto the two inner terminals on the new batteries. Double-sided tape is optional. For this "service" APC charge you an additional $500 over and above the cost of the batteries. You would be nuts to pay that much unless it is for an organisation that likes to waste money (think government, etc.).
The APC "cartridge" is shown here. The specs show:
- Dimensions: 152 X 196 X 94(mm)
- Weight: 7.68 kg (presumably with packaging and interconnect wire, ~0.5kg)
An individual generic battery is:
- Model: PS-12120,
- Weight: 3.59 kgs
- Size: 151mm x 98mm x 94mm (100mm including terminal height)
This is exactly the size of two batteries placed side to side. You are only replacing the battery part, the only consumable item inside.
For peace of mind, turn off and unplug the unit. Unscrew the front panel and remove it enough to expose the battery bay. Be careful, there is probably a short ribbon cable from the body to the display/LEDs that you don't want to damage or disconnect. Slide the batteries/cartridge out. It should bring with it a red and black wire attached to the terminals and the body. Be careful not to touch the terminals to the metal body and short it out; the battery will still have a bit of a kick despite being degraded. Now measure the dimensions to your heart's content. If you have access to a multimeter, check the voltages of each part of the battery. You'll probably find one battery is still happily outputting 12 volts or more, while the other will have a degraded capacity from a dead cell or two. You want to replace them both at the same time though, the "good one" is on the way out and it makes sense to install "matched" batteries with similar age and capacity for the longest ongoing life. If the degraded battery has swollen slightly from the failure or cracked, it might need a bit of man-handling and force to coax it out. The housing is relatively snug at the best of times. The longer you leave a degraded battery in, the more it will swell and the harder it will be to remove. There are many videos on YouTube showing the procedure and what to expect inside. This video is pretty indicative, it happens to be the similar model UPS as mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4vJeZ1uECg
As I previously said, I've replaced the batteries-only in my unit three times since rescuing it. I've saved at least $1500 from the three replacements I have done, as opposed to using an APC cartridge. The 1000-series UPS's are remarkably similar inside, mainly it is cosmetic changes and different status panels or indicators. My unit is at least 15 years old and the electronics are fine. It just doesn't sit well with me when someone insists on over-paying $500, essentially for a sticker, when the rest of the battery is identical in function. You are on the wrong site otherwise.
Thank you! Much appreciated. I will give it a try.
APC UPS Replacement Battery Selector
Looking up SMT1000 it says it takes APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #6 and has a list price of $589
Scorptec has the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #6 for $459.