APC Smart-UPS - which batteries are better

Americans make strange uninterruptible power supplies. APC Smart-UPS has been running like clockwork for over 15 years. And without disconnecting from the network - change the batteries and enjoy life. Only from year to year, these same batteries are constantly becoming more expensive, and their life is decreasing. Perhaps our article will help someone. APC Smart-UPS - which batteries are better to buy. For the entire period of use (and this is 15 years), we have tested 4 types of different batteries. We share experience.

 

 

APC Smart-UPS - which batteries are better

 

Our APC Smart-UPS (SUA750I) uses 2 12 Volt batteries. The original batteries are APC RBC2 (12V, 7.2Ah). It is important to note that APC Smart-UPS supports the installation of suitable 12V batteries and 7.0 or 7.5 Ah. And nowhere in the specification does it say that batteries with such parameters are prohibited to use. This is in case the buyer cannot find batteries with the required parameters for his device.

 

 

Original APC RBC2 batteries are lead-acid. Dimensions - 64x94x151 mm, weight - 2.5 kg. The price of one battery is about $70 (a pair is $140). When buying in an official store, the seller gives a guarantee for a period of 36 months from the date of purchase. In fact, batteries last longer. From the moment of installation, until the signal for urgent replacement (red LED on the case) appears, it may take 4 years. Not more. Plus, only genuine APC batteries are tested for capacity by the device itself. This is done through the console, when connected via a USB port.

 

 

Alternative budget batteries for APC Smart-UPS

 

CSB GP1272 28W lead acid batteries have always been considered the best alternative. They were made in Vietnam and showed a good service life. Approximately 3 years. For a price of $ 15 per piece ($ 30 pair), this is a great solution. The weak point of these batteries is the plastic case. Towards the end of its useful life, the CSB GP1272 battery bloats a lot. Removing them from APC Smart-UPS requires complete disassembly.

 

 

Rechargeable helium batteries LOGICPOWER LPM-GL 12 - 7.2 AH showed themselves well. At a price of $20 apiece ($40 a pair, they don't blow up, and, surprisingly, they hold a charge longer. They also perceive a cold start well under a load of 70-80%. That is, they work like the original APC RBC2. Only the expiration date they run out exactly after the end of the warranty (24 months).

 

 

In the budget segment, there is an interesting solution from our Vietnamese friends - KUNG LONG WP7.2-12V batteries. They cost only $ 13 per piece ($ 26 per pair). But they work great for 36 months, do not bloat and maintain a cold start under load. KUNG LONG batteries are available in two versions - for the European and American markets. They differ only in the font size in the brand name and in weight (Americans are 220 grams heavier than Europeans). The shiny holograms are identical. What is the trick is not clear.

 

 

What batteries are best for APC Smart-UPS

 

From what we have tested, in terms of price-performance ratio, it is better to take the KUNG LONG WP7.2-12V. The name is scary, the cost prevails. In addition, a good service life and functionality. Even the weight of 2.4 kg of one battery hints that this is a normal battery. Genuine APC RBC2 batteries give the competition a lifetime of durability. But if you calculate the monthly efficiency, then the price of the original is too high.

 

 

The rest of the options look dull. The Ukrainian LOGICPOWER with a 24-month term of operation is not particularly attractive. And CSB GP1272 no longer wants to buy due to their questionable build quality.

 

	Price for one	A type	Weight, kg	Warranty	Service life (months)	Price for each month (in cents)
Kung long	$13	Pb	2.4	2 years	36	$0.36
Logic Power	$20	GL	2	2 years	30	$0.66
CSB	$15	Pb	2.4	2 years	39	$0.38
APC RBC2	$70	Pb	2.5	3 years	52	$1.35