In environments where uninterrupted power is critical—whether for home offices, small businesses, or IT departments—the reliability of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) depends on its battery. The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a high-quality, sealed lead-acid battery pack designed to restore and maintain the performance of select APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models. Manufactured by APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in power protection, the RBC55 ensures your UPS delivers dependable backup power during outages or surges. This blog explores the features, specifications, compatibility, benefits, and practical applications of the RBC55 to help you keep your critical systems running smoothly.
Overview of the APC RBC55
The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a maintenance-free, leak-proof, sealed lead-acid battery cartridge engineered for compatibility with a wide range of APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, such as the SMT2200, SMT3000, SUA2200, and SUA3000 series. With a 12V, 17Ah capacity, it restores UPS performance to its original specifications, providing reliable power backup for servers, networking equipment, and other sensitive devices. The RBC55 is hot-swappable, fully assembled, and backed by a 2-year warranty, making it a convenient and trusted solution for extending the life of your UPS.
Key Specifications
- Model: RBC55
- Battery Type: Sealed lead-acid (VRLA), maintenance-free, leak-proof
- Voltage and Capacity: 12V, 17Ah (typically four 12V batteries wired together)
- Battery Life: 3–5 years (depending on usage and environment)
- Warranty: 2-year repair or replace
- Dimensions: 173 mm (H) x 142 mm (W) x 183 mm (D)
- Weight: Approximately 24.27 kg
- Operating Conditions: 0–40°C, 0–95% relative humidity (non-condensing)
- Storage Conditions: -15–45°C, 0–95% relative humidity
- Certifications: UL, VDE, CSA, RoHS-compliant
- Battery Quantity: 1 cartridge (containing four battery cells)
Core Features and Benefits
1. Guaranteed Compatibility
The RBC55 is rigorously tested by APC to ensure seamless integration with compatible Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models. It maintains UPS safety certifications (UL, VDE, CSA) and adheres to the original equipment protection policies, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
2. Hot-Swappable Design
The hot-swappable feature allows trained users to replace the battery without powering down the UPS or connected devices, minimizing downtime. This is critical for mission-critical applications like server rooms or network closets, where uninterrupted operation is essential.
3. Long Battery Life
With an expected lifespan of 3–5 years, the RBC55 provides dependable performance under normal operating conditions. Its low self-discharge rate and spill-proof design make it suitable for diverse environments, from offices to industrial settings.
4. Easy Installation
The RBC55 comes fully assembled with high-current, gas-tight crimped connections and fuses, simplifying installation. It includes all necessary connectors, a battery recycling guide, and clear instructions, enabling quick replacements even for non-technical users. The process typically takes just a few minutes.
5. Eco-Friendly Recycling
APC’s recycling program provides prepaid postage and reusable packaging for returning old batteries to certified recycling facilities, with nearly 100% of the lead content reused. This environmentally responsible approach complies with international regulations and simplifies disposal.
6. Reliable Performance
Each RBC55 is tested to restore UPS performance to its original specifications, ensuring clean, uninterrupted power during outages or surges. User reviews highlight its reliability, with one customer noting that the RBC55 extended their SUA3000’s life by another 8 years, avoiding the cost of a new UPS.
Compatible UPS Models
The RBC55 is compatible with a wide range of APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, including but not limited to:
- Smart-UPS SMT Series: SMT2200, SMT2200I, SMT2200US, SMT3000, SMT3000I
- Smart-UPS SUA Series: SUA2200, SUA2200I, SUA2200XL, SUA3000, SUA3000I, SUA3000XL, SUA3000XLT
- Other Models: SUA48XLBP, SUA5000RMT5U, SUA5000R5TXFMR, DLA2200, DLA2200I, NECA3000JW
- Additional Models: SUA2200UXI, SUA2200UXICH, SUA3000UXI, SUA3000UXICH
For a complete list, check the “View Compatible UPS Models” section on APC’s official website (www.apc.com) or consult your UPS manual.
Applications and Use Cases
The RBC55 is designed for environments requiring reliable power backup, including:
- Small to Medium Businesses: Restores UPS performance for servers, point-of-sale systems, and networking equipment in offices or retail settings.
- IT Departments: Ensures uninterrupted power for critical infrastructure in small data centers or edge computing setups.
- Home Offices: Maintains backup power for high-end workstations, NAS devices, or home servers.
- Healthcare and Education: Supports sensitive equipment in labs, clinics, or classrooms where power stability is critical.
Its 816 VAh capacity provides scalable runtime, typically offering 10–30 minutes of backup power depending on the load, allowing for graceful shutdowns or bridging short outages.
Why Choose the APC RBC55?
Proven Reliability
APC by Schneider Electric is renowned for its rigorous quality control, demanding the highest standards from battery suppliers and monitoring battery health during storage. The RBC55 is manufactured under ISO 9001 standards, ensuring consistent performance and safety.
Cost-Effective Solution
Replacing the RBC55 is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new UPS, extending the life of your existing system. Users report savings of thousands of dollars by opting for a battery replacement over a full UPS upgrade.
User-Friendly Experience
The RBC55 has a 4.5-star rating based on 24 reviews on CDW.com, with users praising its ease of installation and performance. One reviewer noted, “The replacement batteries were shipped on time and arrived sooner than expected. They are easy to install and extend the life of my UPS.”
Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Confirm Compatibility: Verify your UPS model is compatible using APC’s website or product documentation.
- Safety Precautions: Handle the cartridge carefully due to its 24.27 kg weight. Ensure the UPS is in a stable, well-ventilated area (0–40°C).
- Installation Process:
- Open the UPS battery compartment (consult the manual for specifics).
- Disconnect and remove the old cartridge.
- Connect the RBC55 using the provided connectors, ensuring a secure fit.
- Close the compartment and verify the UPS recognizes the new battery.
- Recycling: Use APC’s recycling program to dispose of the old battery responsibly.
- Maintenance: Monitor battery status via the UPS’s management interface and plan replacements every 3–5 years.
Considerations
- Specific Compatibility: The RBC55 is designed for specific Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, so confirm compatibility before purchasing.
- Cost vs. Third-Party Options: While genuine APC cartridges may cost more than third-party alternatives, they offer guaranteed compatibility, safety, and warranty support. Third-party batteries risk poor performance or UPS damage.
- Weight: The 24.27 kg cartridge may require two people for safe handling during installation.
Conclusion
The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a reliable, user-friendly, and eco-conscious solution for maintaining the performance of select APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems. Its hot-swappable design, guaranteed compatibility, and robust 3–5-year lifespan make it an ideal choice for businesses, IT professionals, and home office users seeking to protect critical devices from power disruptions. By choosing the RBC55, you extend the life of your UPS, reduce waste, and ensure uninterrupted power with the trusted backing of APC by Schneider Electric.
For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Keep your UPS powered and your systems protected with the RBC55—your lifeline for reliable power backup.