June 2, 2025

APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55): A Comprehensive Guide

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The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a high-quality, sealed lead-acid battery designed to restore the performance of select APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems. Manufactured by APC by Schneider Electric, this cartridge ensures reliable power backup for critical applications in home offices, small businesses, and IT environments. With its hot-swappable design, 3–5 year lifespan, and robust compatibility, the RBC55 is a cost-effective solution for extending the life of your UPS. In this blog, we’ll explore the key features, technical specifications, compatibility, benefits, and installation process of the RBC55, providing a detailed overview for maintaining uninterrupted power protection.

Overview of the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55)

The RBC55 is a valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery cartridge engineered for compatibility with specific APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, such as the SMT2200 and SUA3000 series. It restores the UPS to its original performance specifications, delivering reliable backup power during outages and protecting sensitive electronics from surges and spikes. The cartridge’s hot-swappable design, 2-year warranty, and eco-friendly recycling program make it a practical choice for IT professionals, small business owners, and home users seeking dependable power protection.

Key Features

  1. Guaranteed UPS Compatibility
    The RBC55 is tested and certified by APC for 100% compatibility with select Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models. It maintains safety certifications (UL, VDE, CSA) and complies with APC’s lifetime equipment protection policy (where applicable), ensuring seamless integration with the UPS’s intelligent battery management system.
  2. Hot-Swappable Design
    The cartridge supports hot-swappable installation, allowing battery replacement without powering down connected equipment. This minimizes downtime and ensures continuous operation for critical systems.
  3. Maintenance-Free VRLA Battery
    The RBC55 is a spill-free, sealed lead-acid battery (12V, 17Ah, 2 cells) that requires no maintenance and is safe for transport, complying with international regulations. Its low self-discharge rate ensures reliable performance over its 3–5 year lifespan.
  4. Eco-Friendly Recycling Program
    APC provides prepaid postage to a certified recycling facility (availability varies by country), allowing users to responsibly dispose of old batteries using the reusable packaging from the new cartridge. Nearly 100% of the lead content is recycled, aligning with Schneider Electric’s Green Premium program and RoHS/REACH compliance.
  5. Fully Assembled with Connectors
    The RBC55 comes pre-assembled with high-current, gas-tight crimped connections and fuses, simplifying installation. It includes easy-to-follow instructions, making it accessible for trained users with minimal technical expertise.
  6. 2-Year Warranty
    The cartridge is backed by a 2-year repair or replace warranty, ensuring reliability and protection against defects in materials or workmanship.

Technical Specifications

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) specifications:

  • Battery Type: Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA), maintenance-free, spill-proof
  • Battery Voltage and Capacity: 12V, 17Ah (2 cells, total 816 VAh)
  • Expected Battery Life: 3–5 years
  • Battery Quantity: 2 cells per cartridge
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): Approximately 152mm x 197mm x 597mm
  • Net Weight: 24.3kg (53.4 lbs)
  • Shipping Weight: 26.68kg (58.7 lbs)
  • Shipping Dimensions (H x W x D): 276mm x 295mm x 538mm
  • Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
  • Storage Temperature: -15–45°C
  • Operating Relative Humidity: 0–95% (non-condensing)
  • Operating Elevation: 0–3000 meters
  • Storage Elevation: 0–15000 meters
  • Certifications: UL, VDE, CSA, RoHS, REACH
  • Warranty: 2 years (repair or replace)
  • Part Number: RBC55

Note: For pre-2007 APC UPS models, the connector may differ, requiring users to swap the connector from the original battery to the RBC55.

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 Line Interactive: SMT2200, SMT2200I, SMT2200US, SMT3000, SMT3000I, SMT2200C, SMT3000C
  • Smart-UPS SUA Series: SUA2200, SUA2200I, SUA2200ICH, SUA2200XL, SUA2200XLI, SUA3000, SUA3000I, SUA3000ICH, SUA3000XL, SUA3000XLI, SUA3000XLT, SUA2200UXI, SUA2200UXICH, SUA3000UXI, SUA3000UXICH, SUA48XLBP, SUA5000RMT5U, SUA5000R5TXFMR
  • Other Models: DLA2200, DLA2200I, NECA3000JW

For a complete list, visit the “View Compatible UPS Models” section on APC.com.

Benefits of the RBC55

  1. Restores UPS Performance
    The RBC55 is designed to restore the UPS to its original specifications, ensuring reliable backup power and surge protection for critical devices like servers, networking equipment, and computers.
  2. Cost-Effective Maintenance
    Replacing the battery cartridge extends the life of your UPS, saving thousands compared to purchasing a new unit. Users report significant cost savings by opting for the RBC55 over a full UPS replacement.
  3. Minimizes Downtime
    The hot-swappable design eliminates network downtime during installation, making it ideal for businesses where continuous operation is critical.
  4. Environmental Sustainability
    The recycling program and reusable packaging reduce environmental impact, with nearly all lead content reused, supporting Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability.
  5. High-Quality and Reliable
    APC’s rigorous testing and quality control ensure the RBC55 meets the highest standards, reducing risks associated with third-party batteries, such as poor performance or damage to the UPS.

Installation Process

Replacing the battery with the RBC55 is straightforward:

  1. Confirm Compatibility: Verify that the RBC55 is compatible with your UPS model using APC’s website or manual.
  2. Prepare for Installation: While hot-swappable, follow safety precautions in the UPS manual. Ensure proper handling due to the cartridge’s weight (24.3kg).
  3. Remove Old Battery: Open the UPS battery compartment, disconnect, and remove the old battery cartridge.
  4. Install RBC55: Connect the RBC55 to the UPS, ensuring secure connections. Place the cartridge in the compartment and close it.
  5. Test the UPS: Run a self-test via the UPS control panel to confirm the new battery’s functionality.
  6. Recycle Old Battery: Use the prepaid postage and reusable packaging to send the old battery to a certified recycling facility.

Note: For pre-2007 models, swap the connector from the original battery if necessary. Always follow the included installation guide.

Customer Feedback

The RBC55 has a strong reputation, with a 4.5/5 rating from 24 reviews on CDW.com. Users praise its easy installation, reliable performance, and cost savings compared to replacing an entire UPS. One customer noted, “I was prepared to spend thousands on a new UPS when I found out I could spend hundreds and just replace the batteries.” Another user highlighted the seamless fit and operation in an SUA3000, extending the UPS’s life by another 8 years. However, some customers caution about misleading product images, clarifying that a single RBC55 unit contains two battery cells, so ordering one is sufficient.

Third-Party vs. Genuine APC Batteries

While third-party alternatives (e.g., BTI, Battery Mart) are 30–45% cheaper, they may not match APC’s quality standards, potentially risking UPS damage, poor performance, or safety issues. Genuine APC RBC55 cartridges are rigorously tested, maintain safety certifications, and include a 2-year warranty, making them the safer choice for critical applications.

Conclusion

The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a reliable and cost-effective solution for maintaining the performance of select APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems. Its hot-swappable design, guaranteed compatibility, 3–5 year lifespan, and eco-friendly recycling program make it an ideal choice for home offices, small businesses, and IT departments. By choosing a genuine APC cartridge, users ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with UPS specifications, avoiding the risks associated with third-party alternatives. Whether you’re protecting servers, networking equipment, or critical electronics, the RBC55 extends your UPS’s life and delivers peace of mind.

For more information or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.