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phoinix | Staff 37.4K Views
Dec 8, 2022 3:20 PM

APC UPS Sealed Lead Acid Battery Replacement (RBC17)

$31

$57

45% off
+ Free Shippingat Amazon
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Deal Details
Amazon has APC UPS Sealed Lead Acid Battery Replacement (RBC17) on sale for $30.97. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member phoinix for sharing this deal.

About this Item:
  • Each APC Replacement Battery Cartridges (RBC) is tested and certified for compatibility to restore the performance of your APC UPS to original specifications
  • When you buy a new genuine APC RBC, you can recycle your old UPS battery via the "RBC Recycling Program" on the APC website. This program includes free return shipping to a recycling center (use the packaging from your new battery to return the old)
  • RBC17 is compatible with many APC UPS models including BE650G1, BE750G, BR700G, BE850M2, BX850M, BE650G, BN600, BN700MC, BN900M, and select others
  • 2 year manufacturer warranty

Editor's Notes

Written by SaltyOne | Staff
  • About this Deal:
    • Rated ~4.6 out of 5 stars from over 8,400 reviews.
    • At the time of this posting, Our research indicates that this is $9.02 lower (22.6% savings) than the next best available prices starting from $39.99. -SaltyOne
  • About this Store:

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon has APC UPS Sealed Lead Acid Battery Replacement (RBC17) on sale for $30.97. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member phoinix for sharing this deal.

About this Item:
  • Each APC Replacement Battery Cartridges (RBC) is tested and certified for compatibility to restore the performance of your APC UPS to original specifications
  • When you buy a new genuine APC RBC, you can recycle your old UPS battery via the "RBC Recycling Program" on the APC website. This program includes free return shipping to a recycling center (use the packaging from your new battery to return the old)
  • RBC17 is compatible with many APC UPS models including BE650G1, BE750G, BR700G, BE850M2, BX850M, BE650G, BN600, BN700MC, BN900M, and select others
  • 2 year manufacturer warranty

Editor's Notes

Written by SaltyOne | Staff
  • About this Deal:
    • Rated ~4.6 out of 5 stars from over 8,400 reviews.
    • At the time of this posting, Our research indicates that this is $9.02 lower (22.6% savings) than the next best available prices starting from $39.99. -SaltyOne
  • About this Store:

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff

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121 Comments

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Dec 9, 2022 8:20 AM
2.1K Comments
Joined Jul 2009
megazone23Dec 9, 2022 8:20 AM
2.1K Comments
Quote from drinkingbird View quoted comment :
Comparing Powersonic to CSB is like comparing Yugo to Mercedes.....
At least CSB has detail specification sheet of each battery model they sell.
Dec 9, 2022 8:26 AM
3.3K Comments
Joined Mar 2005
drinkingbirdDec 9, 2022 8:26 AM
3.3K Comments
Quote from cockadoodle View quoted comment :
Properly balanceed LiFePO4 do not need BMS. Low voltage disconnect is good idea though as UPS shutoff voltage is on low side of LiFePO4 range but no issue charging.
The charging profile of SLA and lithium is totally different. All Lithium should be charged with a constant voltage, SLA uses a 3 stage "ramp up", and many may even go as high as 15 or 16 volts during part of the stage, which would damage any lithium battery that does not have a voltage limiter on it. The cheaper APC UPSes that these 1234 batteries are typically used in also have pretty wide range of float voltages, I've seen as low as 12.5 and as high as 14.5. Over time, the components wear and the float voltage changes too.

My 20 year old SMART UPS I installed a potentiometer so I can adjust the float voltage to exactly what the battery specifies, however it will still peak as high as 15V during charging, as most SLA chargers do to overcome internal resistance and sulfation. When fully charged it floats at exactly the midpoint of the CSB batteries I have in it.

If you want to risk it, go for it, but just saying it is a drop in replacement is not accurate, there are definite risks involved and the UPS may not be reliable or operate as expected.
Dec 9, 2022 8:31 AM
3.3K Comments
Joined Mar 2005
drinkingbirdDec 9, 2022 8:31 AM
3.3K Comments
Quote from IDontNeedItX3 View quoted comment :
Is this the type of battery that could go inside one of those kids plastic atvs?
Not this particular model probably, but yes most of those are SLA batteries. Many I've seen are 6 volt though, these are 12. However you can get CSB or other batteries in 6 volt. Just match the spec on the one that is in there (and confirm it is SLA not Lithium).

Some are harder than others to swap the connectors over though. Some are soldered on, others can just swap easily.
Dec 9, 2022 9:15 AM
4.1K Comments
Joined Jul 2019
Gb1908Dec 9, 2022 9:15 AM
4.1K Comments
At least sla batteries not going to the moon on price... just look at the price of car batteries lately... also a shit warranty 3y
Dec 9, 2022 9:18 AM
4.1K Comments
Joined Jul 2019
Gb1908Dec 9, 2022 9:18 AM
4.1K Comments
Btw ive had good reliability with chrome battery brand for sla... dies about 6.5-8y in depending on use case in ups
Dec 9, 2022 9:44 AM
2.4K Comments
Joined Oct 2011
MWinkDec 9, 2022 9:44 AM
2.4K Comments
Quote from drinkingbird View quoted comment :
The charging profile of SLA and lithium is totally different. All Lithium should be charged with a constant voltage, SLA uses a 3 stage "ramp up", and many may even go as high as 15 or 16 volts during part of the stage, which would damage any lithium battery that does not have a voltage limiter on it. The cheaper APC UPSes that these 1234 batteries are typically used in also have pretty wide range of float voltages, I've seen as low as 12.5 and as high as 14.5. Over time, the components wear and the float voltage changes too.

My 20 year old SMART UPS I installed a potentiometer so I can adjust the float voltage to exactly what the battery specifies, however it will still peak as high as 15V during charging, as most SLA chargers do to overcome internal resistance and sulfation. When fully charged it floats at exactly the midpoint of the CSB batteries I have in it.
Want your mind potentially blown? Some of those models had a hidden programming mode. If you had an APC serial cable (which is wired differently from standard serial cables), you could use a serial console to put the UPS in programming mode and adjust certain firmware values, including the float voltage. Not all of them support it but I've successfully done it on several 1000VA+ Smart-UPS and Smart-UPS XLs. It did not work on an older Smart-UPS 700 from the 90's or any of the Back-UPS Pros I tried. I always decreased the value because these old models seemed to have high float voltages, sometimes in excess of 14V (per 12V battery). On the ones I could adjust, I'd dial it back until it hit 27.27V. Anecdotally, it seems like batteries hold up better when the float voltage is on the lower end (closer to 13.6V).

Quote from drinkingbird View quoted comment :
I've heard the Duracells are decent, however from what I recall they don't actually make their own SLA batteries, and the manufacturer can change anytime. I did compare some specs a few years back and they also had lower capacity in the same size as others. I think their 7.2AH was the same size as CSB's 9.

$17 is a good price though, may be worth it especially for the little cheap UPSes that are just there to allow a PC to shut down or run your router/modem.
I'm not aware of Duracell manufacturing SLA batteries. I don't recall even coming across any bearing their name. As for the capacity, this form factor is used for batteries ranging from 7-9Ah. That Duracell would be the equivalent of the CSB GP1272 (general purpose 7.2Ah).

Quote from drinkingbird View quoted comment :
Heh all the same points I was making didn't realize you were making them first.

I only use CSB - as you say most APC batteries are CSB under the sticker (occasionally have seen panasonic in older ones). CSB actually has a Long Life version now (HRL) for some batteries (from what I recall the 1234 is one of them), and I've been using those. Rated for 7 years or more in UPS applications that aren't discharged frequently. The standard CSBs I can get 5-8 years out of easily (still at 80% or more of capacity), so far I'm 3 years into the long life version, we'll see how long they go.

The other nice thing about buying CSB is they are usually fresher than the APC ones. SLA batteries can only sit off charger for about 6 months before they start to deteriorate.

The whole LiOn, LiPo, LiFe, etc thing is just scary. Totally different charging voltages, charging profiles, current ratings, etc.

The other nice thing about using CSB batteries is you can usually find larger capacity ones that will fit, nearly every UPS I've replaced batteries in I've been able to fit a larger capacity CSB in.
In my experience, most APC branded batteries are CSB brand but they use others as well. I've seen Panasonic, Yuasa, Long Battery, BB Battery, Vision, and probably a few others that I'm forgetting. What I've never seen are those cheap brands (including PowerSonic and Universal Battery/Universal Power Group). I generally stick to CSB, Panasonic (in the rare event I can find them at a reasonable price), or Enersys.

I am aware of the CSB HRL series but have not tried them yet. I have used Enersys DataSafe HX series, which is rated for 10 years but I didn't find them to hold up all that much better than the regular models. Funny thing is, I've had a few random CSB batteries from the General Purpose and High Rate series last a VERY long time (over 10 years). Right now, I still have one HR1234W hanging on that was manufactured in 2007! I'm not sure why this happens. Maybe they just sprinkle some pixie dust in the electrolyte occasionally.

A note on capacities, I find there's a lot of variance from one brand to another. In one of my experiments (many years ago), I bought new 12V 12Ah batteries from three different brands and compared the runtime under a 200W load. Here's the results:

Powersonic: 17:00
Panasonic: 21:30
Enersys Genesis: 23:30

I think that's a pretty stark difference. I can't seem to find the numbers but I'm fairly certain that the PowerSonic died first. I believe the Panasonic lived the longest. It's too bad I didn't also buy a CSB.
Dec 9, 2022 10:50 AM
494 Comments
Joined May 2017
MaxK9964Dec 9, 2022 10:50 AM
494 Comments
I bought this battery last year from amazon to replace one in a upc that had been working 17 plus years and still providing power on turnoff.

It was only 4 dollars more so savings just isn't 56.91. That's a gross exaggeration. You can also buy these direct from manufacturer.
Last edited by MaxK9964 December 9, 2022 at 02:53 AM.

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Dec 9, 2022 11:08 AM
494 Comments
Joined May 2017
MaxK9964Dec 9, 2022 11:08 AM
494 Comments
Quote from oghowie View quoted comment :
Just got some Amazon Basic UPS and was going to toss a couple APC UPS since I didn't want to deal with their special size batteries. Guess I'll get these and keep them as backups now.
I did this and have been completely happy. It's hard to replace something that has worked so well, and is so obviously sturdy. My APC. American Power Conversion, was built when it was still american - it got bought out.

I bought an additional, smaller apc last year for different needs. It works fine, but doesn't feel as sturdy. I wouldn't want to drop it with some of its plastic too many times. ie.

Dec 9, 2022 11:44 AM
1.1K Comments
Joined Nov 2008
hydrocynusDec 9, 2022 11:44 AM
1.1K Comments
Quote from rcboosted View quoted comment :
no you cannot. Li-Ion chemistry aren't close enough to SLA, you'll either be too low or too high voltage. Charging profile are also very different. LiFePo on the other hand, can.
Charging profile of a lithium battery (including lifepo4) is very different than lewd battery. So, you are stuck with lead batteries. You might feel that you found a solutions with lithium batteries but the life of the battery will be lessened. Also, if the lithium battery does catch fire, be ready for a hell of a drive.
Dec 9, 2022 12:03 PM
640 Comments
Joined Sep 2014
acbharath14Dec 9, 2022 12:03 PM
640 Comments
off topic. But i am looking
Quote from Gb1908 View quoted comment :
At least sla batteries not going to the moon on price... just look at the price of car batteries lately... also a shit warranty 3y
Since you brought this up. I am up for a new car battery for my 2015 nissan sentra. I am hunting for deals but cant find any. Any suggestions?
1
Dec 9, 2022 12:05 PM
763 Comments
Joined Jan 2009
beezer86Dec 9, 2022 12:05 PM
763 Comments
delete
Dec 9, 2022 12:08 PM
763 Comments
Joined Jan 2009
beezer86Dec 9, 2022 12:08 PM
763 Comments
Quote from FatFaluz View quoted comment :
Good price for an APC branded, 9Ah battery. They usually go as low as $35-40, but you may not be able to catch a sale when your old battery dies and you need a new one NOW.

That battery has a lower 7.2Ah capacity and smaller F1 terminals so technically not RBC17-compatible despite saying so (one reviewer used pliers to compensate for the loose connection). Mighty Max does have a 9Ah battery with F2 terminals for $23.55, curiously shipped and SOLD by Amazon [amazon.com] which may or may not be a good thing: for SLA battery with a limited storage/shelf life, some may prefer the seller ship fresh stock directly from their own warehouse (as with your 7.2Ah listing).

OP's listing is good when your friend needs a battery, since you don't want to be blamed for getting an off-brand if it doesn't work. For myself, I usually buy at least 2, and I can get (2) 9Ah for around $40 shipped from battery specialists like BatterySharks.com. Those popular CyberPower 1350VA/1500VA UPS towers each take two 7Ah/8Ah/9Ah F2 batteries (model RB1270/RB1280/RB1290) if you reuse the old wiring harness.

Also, I ensure that the UPSes that I buy can take the larger 7-9Ah battery size (as smaller sized batteries aren't much cheaper). Those used to be commonly $40 and under back in the Staples coupon days but for the last few years the cheaper models come with physically smaller 5.5-6Ah batteries.
good info thanks... I bought this one earlier this year for my APC unit and it has kicked on twice in power outages with good power for my computer and 2 monitor setup. I didn't track any stats but it did what it was supposed to do. I also used this brand for a dirt bike battery and that worked very well - strong cranking in cold weather - that's why I chose it besides the price. The terminals fit fine contrary to some reviews. Many years ago battery brands meant more, a cheap battery just didn't work, now I think the field is more level.
Dec 9, 2022 12:15 PM
184 Comments
Joined Oct 2017
OpenheimerDec 9, 2022 12:15 PM
184 Comments
I wonder if there are any American SLA manufacturers that still exist. Auto battery manufacturing has moved to Mexico, dealing with lead is a nasty business. It would not surprise me if all of the SLA's are manufactured in China and simply rebranded. Some may be better than others due to the reseller having stringent quality controls and oversight of Chinese malfeasance.
Dec 9, 2022 12:50 PM
205 Comments
Joined Aug 2008
hmtDec 9, 2022 12:50 PM
205 Comments
My UPS model is BN600G. This one says it's compatible with BN600 (but I dont see BN600G in the list). Does anyone know if they're the same? Cant find specs of either one so I dont know what is the diff between the 2. Cant return either so I want to make sure. TIA
Last edited by hmt December 9, 2022 at 04:54 AM.

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Dec 9, 2022 12:53 PM
26 Comments
Joined Mar 2018
FancyPear585Dec 9, 2022 12:53 PM
26 Comments
Quote from drinkingbird View quoted comment :
Not this particular model probably, but yes most of those are SLA batteries. Many I've seen are 6 volt though, these are 12. However you can get CSB or other batteries in 6 volt. Just match the spec on the one that is in there (and confirm it is SLA not Lithium).

Some are harder than others to swap the connectors over though. Some are soldered on, others can just swap easily.
I'm planning on adding a secondary battery to my SUV to power a 1500 watt inverter. Would this battery work for that purpose?
1

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