The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a vital component for maintaining the performance of select APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems. Designed by APC by Schneider Electric, this battery cartridge ensures that your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) continues to provide reliable backup power for home offices, small businesses, and IT environments. In this blog, we’ll dive into the key features, compatibility, installation process, benefits, and practical considerations of the RBC55 to help you understand why it’s a trusted choice for UPS maintenance.
Key Features of the RBC55
The RBC55 is a sealed lead-acid (VRLA) battery cartridge, specifically a 12V 17Ah configuration, designed for high-performance power backup. Here are its primary features:
- Certified Compatibility: Each RBC55 is tested and certified by APC to restore UPS performance to its original specifications, ensuring seamless integration with the UPS’s intelligent battery management system.
- Hot-Swappable Design: The cartridge allows for replacement without powering down the UPS, eliminating network downtime during maintenance.
- Long Lifespan: With an expected battery life of 3 to 5 years under normal conditions, the RBC55 offers reliable, long-term support.
- 1-Year Warranty: APC provides a 1-year repair or replace warranty, offering confidence in the product’s durability and performance.
- Environmentally Responsible: The RBC55 includes prepaid postage for recycling, ensuring nearly 100% of the old battery is recycled, reducing environmental impact.
- Physical Specifications: The cartridge measures approximately 142 x 183 x 173 mm and weighs around 24.27 kg. It operates in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C and can be stored at -15°C to 45°C.
Compatible UPS Models
The RBC55 is compatible with a wide range of APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, particularly those in the 2200VA and 3000VA range. Some compatible models include:
- SMT2200, SMT2200I, SMT2200US, SMT3000, SMT3000I
- SUA2200, SUA2200I, SUA2200XL, SUA3000, SUA3000XL
- SUA5000RMT5U, SUA48XLBP, DLA2200, DLA2200I, NECA3000JW
- Other models like SUA2200UXI, SUA3000XLT, and SMT750
For a complete list, visit the “Get Support” section on APC’s website and select “View Compatible UPS Models.”
Installation and Ease of Use
The RBC55 is designed for straightforward, user-friendly installation. It comes fully assembled with high-current, gas-tight crimped connections and fuses, minimizing the number of connections needed. Here’s a simple overview of the installation process:
- Verify Compatibility: Confirm that your UPS model is compatible with the RBC55.
- Access the Battery Compartment: Open the UPS battery compartment, following the model’s specific guidelines.
- Replace the Cartridge: Remove the old battery cartridge and install the RBC55, connecting the provided cables securely. The hot-swappable design ensures no downtime is required.
- Recycle the Old Battery: Use the included prepaid shipping label to send the old cartridge to a certified recycling facility.
Customer reviews highlight the ease of installation, with many describing it as a “plug-and-play” process that takes just minutes.
Benefits of the RBC55
1. Restores UPS Performance
The RBC55 is rigorously tested to match the original specifications of compatible UPS models, ensuring reliable power backup for critical equipment during outages.
2. Minimizes Downtime
The hot-swappable feature allows for quick replacement without shutting down connected devices, making it ideal for environments where uptime is critical.
3. Cost-Effective Solution
Replacing the battery with the RBC55 is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new UPS, extending the life of your existing system. Users have noted savings of thousands of dollars by opting for battery replacement over unit replacement.
4. Environmental Sustainability
APC’s recycling program, included with the RBC55, ensures proper disposal of old batteries, aligning with eco-friendly practices. The reusable packaging and prepaid postage simplify the recycling process.
5. High-Quality Standards
APC demands high-quality standards from its battery suppliers, regularly testing batteries to ensure performance and safety. This reduces the risks associated with third-party batteries, such as poor performance or damage to the UPS.
Practical Considerations
Before purchasing the RBC55, keep the following in mind:
- Compatibility Verification: Always check your UPS model’s compatibility to avoid purchasing the wrong cartridge. Refer to APC’s official website or contact the retailer for confirmation.
- Operating Conditions: Use and store the RBC55 within the recommended temperature ranges (0°C to 40°C for operation, -15°C to 45°C for storage) to ensure optimal performance.
- Safety Warning: The RBC55 contains lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Handle with care and follow local regulations for disposal.
- Third-Party Alternatives: While third-party options like those from SigmasTek or BTI may be cheaper (up to 45% less), they may not offer the same compatibility or warranty as genuine APC cartridges. Proceed with caution when considering non-APC brands.
- Quantity Clarification: Some reviews note confusion about the number of battery cells. The RBC55 typically includes four 12V 18Ah batteries, forming a complete replacement cartridge. Ordering one unit is sufficient for most compatible UPS models.
Conclusion
The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a reliable, user-friendly, and environmentally conscious solution for maintaining the performance of APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems. Its hot-swappable design, 3- to 5-year lifespan, and compatibility with a wide range of UPS models make it an excellent choice for ensuring uninterrupted power for critical equipment. By choosing a genuine APC cartridge, users benefit from certified quality, a 2-year warranty, and a robust recycling program. Whether you’re protecting a home office or an IT department, the RBC55 is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your UPS and safeguard your operations.
For more details or to verify compatibility, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Keep your UPS running smoothly with the RBC55 today!