On 2015-06-23 Hartmut W Sager wrote:
Yikes! My 3 dead APC UPS's (dead batteries, that is) have battery replacement costs of $120 each (plus exhorbitant shipping charge on heavy lead-acid).
I'll shamelessly plug myself: I can get and sell (and I do all the time) genuine APC brand batteries, as well as the tripp-lite "APC compatible" ones that are $10-$15 less.
I've been using APC UPS's nearly exclusively since 1994 and bought various batteries from various places and have come to the conclusion that genuine APC batteries will last much longer in your UPS. I don't know why, but they just sell better batteries. I'm talking 20-40% longer longevity. YMMV but that's been consistent in my experience. Plus, APC ones are "plug and go", no need to screw around with terminals and housings. AND if *anything* goes wrong APC will send you a new battery free of charge, no hassle, at least on their Smart line that gets you "business" support.
You should get 3-4 years out of a good APC battery in a SmartUPS. Cheaper UPSs go through them faster (no cooling, dumber charging smarts, etc).
I could quote you on 3 units drop-shipped to your door and shipping is included in my price. Email me separately.
Also, if anyone has dead lead-acid (nearly all UPSs are lead-acid) batteries, make sure you recycle them. If you take them to Urban Mine and they are over a low weight threshold (save up a few) they'll give you cash money for them! I take about 200 lb to them every few months (I told you I sold a lot); so if you can't be bothered, bring them to a MUUG meeting and I'll take them for you (but I keep the $$!). ;-)