In an era where power reliability is crucial for homes, small businesses, and IT environments, the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) stands out as a dependable solution for maintaining the performance of APC Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. Designed by APC by Schneider Electric, the RBC55 is a high-quality, sealed lead-acid battery cartridge that restores select Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models to their original specifications. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the RBC55, covering its features, compatibility, benefits, and technical details to help you make an informed decision.
What is the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55?
The APC RBC55 is a Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery cartridge engineered to replace aging or depleted batteries in compatible APC UPS systems. It ensures continuous protection against power outages, surges, and voltage fluctuations, extending the operational life of your UPS. With a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, the RBC55 is a cost-effective, hot-swappable solution that minimizes downtime and maintains critical power backup for devices like computers, servers, and network systems.
Key Features of the RBC55
- Certified Compatibility: The RBC55 is rigorously tested and approved by APC to ensure full compatibility with specific Smart-UPS and Back-UPS models, maintaining safety certifications (UL, VDE, CSA) and the UPS’s original equipment protection policies.
- Hot-Swappable Design: Fully assembled with high-current, gas-tight crimped connections and fuses, the RBC55 allows for quick, no-downtime installation, enabling users to replace the battery without powering down connected devices.
- Sealed and Maintenance-Free: The spill-proof, sealed lead-acid battery is compliant with international transport regulations, requires minimal maintenance, and can be installed in any orientation, offering flexibility for various setups.
- Long Lifespan: With an expected battery life of 3 to 5 years, the RBC55 provides reliable, long-term support for your UPS, reducing the frequency of replacements.
- Eco-Friendly Recycling Program: APC includes reusable packaging and prepaid postage for returning old batteries to a certified recycling facility, ensuring nearly 100% of the lead content is reused, minimizing environmental impact.
- 2-Year Warranty: The RBC55 is backed by a 2-year repair or replace warranty, offering assurance of quality and reliability.
Technical Specifications
- Battery Type: Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)
- Voltage and Capacity: 12V, 17Ah (consists of four 12V 9Ah batteries in two modules)
- Dimensions: Approximately 18.1 cm (W) x 55.9 cm (D) x 15.2 cm (H)
- Weight: Approximately 24.3 kg (53.4 lbs)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
- Storage Temperature: -15°C to 45°C (5°F to 113°F)
- Battery Life: 3 to 5 years
- Warranty: 2 years (repair or replace)
- Certifications: UL, VDE, CSA, RoHS
Compatible UPS Models
The RBC55 is compatible with a wide range of APC Smart-UPS models, including but not limited to:
- SMT2200, SMT2200I, SMT2200US, SMT3000, SMT3000I
- SUA2200, SUA2200I, SUA2200ICH, SUA2200UXI, SUA2200XL, SUA2200XLI
- SUA3000, SUA3000I, SUA3000ICH, SUA3000UXI, SUA3000XL, SUA3000XLI, SUA3000XLT
- SUA48XLBP, SUA5000RMT5U, SUA5000R5TXFMR
- DLA2200, DLA2200I, NECA3000JW
For a complete list of compatible models, visit the “View Compatible UPS Models” section on APC’s official website (APC.com).
Benefits of Choosing the RBC55
- Restores UPS Performance: The RBC55 is designed to restore your UPS to its original operating specifications, ensuring reliable power backup and protection for connected devices.
- Minimizes Downtime: The hot-swappable design and included installation guide make battery replacement quick and straightforward, reducing the Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).
- High-Quality Standards: APC sources batteries from top-tier suppliers, monitors battery health during storage, and matches battery specifications to the UPS, ensuring superior performance compared to third-party alternatives.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Replacing the battery cartridge is significantly less expensive than purchasing a new UPS, saving hundreds of dollars while extending the life of your existing system.
- Environmental Responsibility: The included recycling program promotes sustainable disposal, aligning with eco-conscious practices and reducing hazardous waste.
Why Choose Genuine APC Batteries?
While third-party replacements, such as those from American Battery Company or BatteryPlex, may offer lower costs (e.g., up to 45% cheaper), genuine APC batteries like the RBC55 provide distinct advantages:
- Guaranteed Performance: APC batteries are specifically designed and tested for APC UPS systems, ensuring consistent runtime, safety, and compatibility. Third-party batteries may result in poor performance, reduced lifespan, or damage to the UPS.
- Safety and Compliance: The RBC55 maintains UPS safety certifications and equipment protection policies, reducing risks of personal injury or device failure.
- Warranty Protection: Using non-APC batteries may void your UPS warranty, whereas the RBC55 ensures full warranty coverage and support from APC.
If considering third-party options, verify that they meet the RBC55’s specifications (12V, 17Ah, VRLA) and include proper connectors (e.g., SBS®50 plug for newer models). Note that older APC models (pre-2007) may require swapping connectors from the original battery.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Confirm Compatibility: Use APC’s compatibility tool on APC.com to ensure the RBC55 matches your UPS model.
- Handle with Care: The RBC55 contains lead-acid components. Wear protective gear and follow APC’s safety and installation instructions.
- Hot-Swap Installation: Replace the battery without powering down connected devices (if supported by your UPS model). Follow the included installation guide for a seamless process.
- Recycle Old Batteries: Use the prepaid postage and reusable packaging to return old batteries to an APC recycling partner, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal.
- Monitor UPS Health: Regularly check your UPS for battery fault indicators and replace the RBC55 every 3 to 5 years to maintain optimal performance.
Customer Feedback
The RBC55 has garnered positive reviews for its ease of installation and performance. On CDW, it holds a 4.5/5 rating based on 24 reviews, with customers praising its cost-effectiveness compared to replacing an entire UPS unit and its straightforward installation process. Some users noted that the product image may show two modules, but a single RBC55 (two battery packs, four cells) is sufficient for a complete replacement. Amazon reviews highlight the importance of purchasing from verified sellers to ensure receiving genuine APC batteries.
Conclusion
The APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #55 (RBC55) is a reliable, high-quality solution for maintaining the performance of your APC Smart-UPS or Back-UPS system. Its certified compatibility, hot-swappable design, long lifespan, and eco-friendly recycling program make it an ideal choice for home offices, small businesses, and IT departments. By choosing genuine APC batteries, you ensure safety, performance, and warranty protection, avoiding the risks associated with third-party alternatives.
Whether you’re protecting critical network systems or ensuring uptime for your home office, the RBC55 delivers peace of mind and cost-effective power backup. For more information or to verify compatibility, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.