Advice for backup power supply battery replacement

I have an APC Back-UPS ES 500 power supply backup.

While using the computer today, the machine suddenly shut down and there was a loud squealing sound from the UPS.
After unplugging and resetting, it was OK, but checking the PowerChute software now shows 0% battery capacity.

The unit is about 5 years old and has worked very well.
The APC replacement would cost over $50, which is well more than what I paid for the new unit.

Anyone have some suggestions about getting a replacement battery?
I found a Tripp Lite online for about $30.

Thanks!!

 

I would buy a new UPS instead, the squealing came from the inverter board and if your battery is not recharging at all then that's the issue. Lead-acid batteries die a slow death, it's not a sudden event. Just be glad that it lasted for this long, usually batteries get really weak after some three years and need to be replaced. That alone says something about the quality of APC products, get another one.

 

According to the specs, the battery for your unit is RBC2. I purchased a replacement on ebay from Gruber. They gave me good service and when the battery died within the warrany period, they shipped a new one, no charge.

Edit. I could not get the shipping rates but best to call.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RBC2-Dont-die-l...-/200632338995?pt=PCA_UPS&hash=item2eb69e8a33

I would double check the battery number using the selector here.

http://www.apc.com/tools/upgrade_selector/index.cfm

 

Thanks augie and tgell.

@augiedoggie
So you're telling me that the Inverter is bad and I should replace the entire unit rather than just replace the battery?
If so, that's what I'll do.
It's making a lot of chirping sounds.

Found a replacement available locally.
It is rated at 330 watts, which is 10% greater than my current UPS.
APC Back-UPS 550

@tgell
Thanks for the links!
Yes, the battery is RBC2.
There is a new RBC2 replacement battery available as you mentioned.
RBC2 Battery
I'll bookmark that for future reference.

 

Just to let you know. When my battery in my APC backup was going bad, the unit would let out a high pitch sound. Not constant. But less than a second between sounds. Something like a chirping. Not sure if that might be what yours is doing.

Edit: From the manual.

Low Battery Warning - UPS is supplying battery power to the load connected to the Battery outlets and the battery is near exhaustion

Power On LED - Flashing Rapid beeping (1 second intervals) UPS transfers back to On Line operation, or when UPS is turned off.

 

Are the chirps/beeps evenly spaced like warning you if and when the battery is almost out of power? From the manual status indicators.

If it's not a normal beep/sound that you've probably already heard when your power does go out, then I'd say your inverter is ready to fail and the whole unit needs replacing. Pull out the plug for a few secs and see what it sounds like.

 

The power light is Green. (Not flashing)
The Building Wiring Fault light is OFF.
When I pull the plug, there is a Constant steady sound.
When plugged back IN, the sound continues Until I press the Power ON button.

That is the same sound I heard when the entire system suddenly shut down.
That has Not happened again.
PowerChute still shows the battery at 0% and charging - has not changed.
Otherwise, it says the battery backup is operating Normally.

It was making chirping sounds, about 1 to 2 seconds apart, but that has stopped.
I pressed the Reset button, but don't know if that made any difference.

 

Thanks to tgell for pointing me in the right direction.

I determined that the problem was just a dead battery after all.

I got a replacement from Blue Grass Battery at Amazon.com.

It has a two year warranty.
Powerstar Replacement Battery for APC BE500R

It was fully charged within a few hours and all is well.