Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are critical for protecting sensitive electronics in homes, small businesses, and IT environments from power outages and surges. However, even the best UPS systems rely on their batteries to deliver backup power, and over time, these batteries need replacement to maintain optimal performance. The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55), designed by APC by Schneider Electric, is a high-quality, hot-swappable battery cartridge engineered to restore select APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems to their original specifications. In this blog, we’ll dive into the features, specifications, benefits, installation tips, and recent user feedback for the RBC55, helping you ensure uninterrupted power for your critical systems.
What is the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55)?
The APC RBC55 is a sealed lead-acid (VRLA) battery cartridge designed for compatibility with a range of APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, including popular units like the SMT2200, SMT3000, SUA2200, and SUA3000 series. This replacement cartridge restores the UPS’s ability to provide reliable backup power during outages, protecting servers, networking equipment, and other critical devices. Its hot-swappable design allows for quick and easy replacement without powering down connected equipment, making it ideal for environments where downtime is costly. With a typical lifespan of 3–5 years, the RBC55 is a trusted solution for maintaining UPS performance in home offices, small businesses, and IT setups.
- Environmental Impact: Total lifecycle carbon footprint of 87 kg CO2 equivalent; packaged in recycled cardboard (minimum 70% recycled content)
- Additional Features: Fully assembled with connectors for easy hot-swap installation; supports APC’s recycling program for eco-friendly disposal
Benefits of the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55
The RBC55 offers several key advantages for maintaining UPS performance:
- Hot-Swappable Design: Enables battery replacement without interrupting power to connected devices, critical for minimizing downtime in IT and business environments.
- Guaranteed Compatibility: Tested and approved by APC to restore UPS performance to original specifications, ensuring seamless integration and safety certifications (UL, VDE, CSA).
- Reliable Power Protection: Restores full backup capacity, safeguarding critical equipment like servers, routers, and POS systems during outages or surges.
- Maintenance-Free: The sealed VRLA design requires no upkeep, simplifying long-term maintenance.
- Eco-Friendly Disposal: APC’s recycling program, with prepaid postage to recycling partners, ensures environmentally responsible disposal of old batteries.
- Cost-Effective Longevity: With a 3–5-year lifespan, the RBC55 reduces the need for frequent replacements, offering long-term value.
How Does the RBC55 Work?
The RBC55 is a pre-assembled battery cartridge that replaces the original battery in compatible APC UPS models. It consists of two 48V, 18Ah sealed lead-acid cells, fully equipped with connectors for plug-and-play installation. Once installed, it restores the UPS’s ability to deliver pure sine wave power during outages, ensuring sensitive electronics like servers and networking gear remain operational. The hot-swappable design allows replacement without powering down the UPS, a critical feature for environments requiring continuous uptime.
The cartridge is designed to handle high-rate discharge scenarios, providing reliable backup power during outages or voltage fluctuations. Its leak-proof construction ensures safety in office or data center settings, and the sealed design eliminates the need for electrolyte maintenance.
Installation and Best Practices
Installing the RBC55 is user-friendly due to its hot-swappable, fully assembled design:
- Verify Compatibility: Confirm your UPS model (e.g., SMT2200, SUA3000) is compatible with the RBC55 using APC’s website or user manual.
- Prepare for Replacement: For hot-swappable installation, proceed without powering down. For non-hot-swappable setups, power down the UPS and connected devices.
- Access the Battery Compartment: Follow the UPS’s manual to locate and open the battery compartment (typically a front or side panel).
- Replace the Battery: Disconnect the old battery, remove it, and install the RBC55, ensuring all connectors are securely attached.
- Test the System: Power on the UPS (if powered down) and run a self-test via the UPS interface to verify functionality.
- Recycle the Old Battery: Use APC’s recycling program or a local recycling facility, as instructed in the included documentation.
Tips:
- Store the RBC55 in a cool, dry place before installation to preserve battery life.
- Pair with an APC Ethernet surge protector (e.g., PNET1GB, as discussed in a previous blog) for comprehensive power and data line protection.
- Test the UPS battery periodically post-installation to ensure optimal performance.
- Due to its weight (60 lbs), handle with care and consider assistance during installation.
Conclusion
The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a critical component for maintaining the reliability of APC Smart-UPS and Back-UPS systems. Its hot-swappable, maintenance-free design, guaranteed compatibility, and eco-friendly recycling options make it an excellent choice for small businesses, home offices, and IT setups. It’s a cost-effective investment to ensure uninterrupted power for critical equipment, backed by a 2-year warranty and APC’s trusted reputation.
For the latest pricing and availability, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. To enhance your power protection strategy, consider pairing it with an APC Ethernet surge protector, as discussed in prior blogs. Keep your systems powered and protected with the RBC55.