UPS battery hookup

D

DaveM

Guest
I was given a used Belkin F6C1100-UNV 1100VA UPS unit. I was told that it
works, but doesn't have batteries in it. I've found sources for replacement
batteries for the unit; a pack of two 12V/5AH SLA batteries. However, all of
the sites that have the replacements say that I have to use existing wiring,
meaning the jumper wire(s) that connects the batteries together.
A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel for
12V/10AH capacity?
Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than those
specified in a UPS? I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take longer
to recharge the batteries?
I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two 12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.

Thanks for your opinions.
--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

Life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer it gets to the end, the faster
it goes.
 
On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:15:49 -0500, "DaveM"
<masondg4499@comcast99.net> wrote:

I was given a used Belkin F6C1100-UNV 1100VA UPS unit. I was told that it
works, but doesn't have batteries in it. I've found sources for replacement
batteries for the unit; a pack of two 12V/5AH SLA batteries. However, all of
the sites that have the replacements say that I have to use existing wiring,
meaning the jumper wire(s) that connects the batteries together.
A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel for
12V/10AH capacity?
Click to expand...
Virtually all are wired in series. The concept of more voltage and
less current is more efficient. THat said, I use a 3500 KVA unit with
ten 12V batteries in series for a 120 volt battery pack.

Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than those
specified in a UPS?
Click to expand...
Generally yes it is OK. I've used some large batteries in UPS units to
make a long lasting system. We're talking using huge batteries!

I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take longer
to recharge the batteries?
Click to expand...
Yes, it probably would take longer to recharge them. Most UPS chargers
don't have the balls to put out more than a small charge rate. Bigger,
professional units usually run inverter 100% of the time (and so as a
result you never miss even a part of a cycle on a power failure) but
small, SOHO units such as yours don't. That's life, not worth worrying
about.

I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two 12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.

Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
DO it, and post the results.

Of course, if you can find a manual or some more information, that
would be best, as advice such as mine may not be accurate--I don't
have one like yours.
 
"PeterD" <peter2@hipson.net> wrote in message
news:le6vn4h2dgsb4b4mpd8irf6fpegukst2hl@4ax.com...
On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:15:49 -0500, "DaveM"
masondg4499@comcast99.net> wrote:

I was given a used Belkin F6C1100-UNV 1100VA UPS unit. I was told that it
works, but doesn't have batteries in it. I've found sources for replacement
batteries for the unit; a pack of two 12V/5AH SLA batteries. However, all of
the sites that have the replacements say that I have to use existing wiring,
meaning the jumper wire(s) that connects the batteries together.
A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel for
12V/10AH capacity?

Virtually all are wired in series. The concept of more voltage and
less current is more efficient. THat said, I use a 3500 KVA unit with
ten 12V batteries in series for a 120 volt battery pack.

Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than
those
specified in a UPS?

Generally yes it is OK. I've used some large batteries in UPS units to
make a long lasting system. We're talking using huge batteries!

I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take
longer
to recharge the batteries?

Yes, it probably would take longer to recharge them. Most UPS chargers
don't have the balls to put out more than a small charge rate. Bigger,
professional units usually run inverter 100% of the time (and so as a
result you never miss even a part of a cycle on a power failure) but
small, SOHO units such as yours don't. That's life, not worth worrying
about.

I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two 12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.

Thanks for your opinions.

DO it, and post the results.

Of course, if you can find a manual or some more information, that
would be best, as advice such as mine may not be accurate--I don't
have one like yours.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply Peter. I agree with all your comments, and confirm my
thinking about the batteries. I'll have to get a few heavy duty connectors and
make the connections. I suspect that all will turn out fine. A bit messy
because the bigger batteries will have to stay outside the UPS. Maybe a wooden
box to hold everything, and a small fan to keep air circulating through it.

I'll report back in a few days when I have evaluated it.

--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

Life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer it gets to the end, the faster
it goes.
 
On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:51:13 -0500, "DaveM"
<masondg4499@comcast99.net> wrote:

"PeterD" <peter2@hipson.net> wrote in message
news:le6vn4h2dgsb4b4mpd8irf6fpegukst2hl@4ax.com...
On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:15:49 -0500, "DaveM"
masondg4499@comcast99.net> wrote:

I was given a used Belkin F6C1100-UNV 1100VA UPS unit. I was told that it
works, but doesn't have batteries in it. I've found sources for replacement
batteries for the unit; a pack of two 12V/5AH SLA batteries. However, all of
the sites that have the replacements say that I have to use existing wiring,
meaning the jumper wire(s) that connects the batteries together.
A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel for
12V/10AH capacity?

Virtually all are wired in series. The concept of more voltage and
less current is more efficient. THat said, I use a 3500 KVA unit with
ten 12V batteries in series for a 120 volt battery pack.

Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than
those
specified in a UPS?

Generally yes it is OK. I've used some large batteries in UPS units to
make a long lasting system. We're talking using huge batteries!

I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take
longer
to recharge the batteries?

Yes, it probably would take longer to recharge them. Most UPS chargers
don't have the balls to put out more than a small charge rate. Bigger,
professional units usually run inverter 100% of the time (and so as a
result you never miss even a part of a cycle on a power failure) but
small, SOHO units such as yours don't. That's life, not worth worrying
about.

I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two 12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.

Thanks for your opinions.

DO it, and post the results.

Of course, if you can find a manual or some more information, that
would be best, as advice such as mine may not be accurate--I don't
have one like yours.


Thanks for your reply Peter. I agree with all your comments, and confirm my
thinking about the batteries. I'll have to get a few heavy duty connectors and
make the connections. I suspect that all will turn out fine. A bit messy
because the bigger batteries will have to stay outside the UPS. Maybe a wooden
box to hold everything, and a small fan to keep air circulating through it.

I'll report back in a few days when I have evaluated it.
Click to expand...
When I did my oversized battery setup, I used a large plastic tray.
You need something or the floor (or wherever you sit them) will be
damaged most likely. (IIRC, I used the top of a plastic storage bin,
it had a 1" lip, and was just the right size for two big (Car) sized
batteries.

Use heavy gauge wire! (maybe a #6 AWG or even a #4) I recommend
welding cable as it is flexible, and you can get color coded (red and
black) if you want. Try eBay.
 
"PeterD" <peter2@hipson.net> wrote in message
news:7bs0o45h9n90otq6grpdkbhscq3tppnu8l@4ax.com...
On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:51:13 -0500, "DaveM"
masondg4499@comcast99.net> wrote:

"PeterD" <peter2@hipson.net> wrote in message
news:le6vn4h2dgsb4b4mpd8irf6fpegukst2hl@4ax.com...
On Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:15:49 -0500, "DaveM"
masondg4499@comcast99.net> wrote:

I was given a used Belkin F6C1100-UNV 1100VA UPS unit. I was told that it
works, but doesn't have batteries in it. I've found sources for replacement
batteries for the unit; a pack of two 12V/5AH SLA batteries. However, all
of
the sites that have the replacements say that I have to use existing wiring,
meaning the jumper wire(s) that connects the batteries together.
A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel
for
12V/10AH capacity?

Virtually all are wired in series. The concept of more voltage and
less current is more efficient. THat said, I use a 3500 KVA unit with
ten 12V batteries in series for a 120 volt battery pack.

Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than
those
specified in a UPS?

Generally yes it is OK. I've used some large batteries in UPS units to
make a long lasting system. We're talking using huge batteries!

I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take
longer
to recharge the batteries?

Yes, it probably would take longer to recharge them. Most UPS chargers
don't have the balls to put out more than a small charge rate. Bigger,
professional units usually run inverter 100% of the time (and so as a
result you never miss even a part of a cycle on a power failure) but
small, SOHO units such as yours don't. That's life, not worth worrying
about.

I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two
12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.

Thanks for your opinions.

DO it, and post the results.

Of course, if you can find a manual or some more information, that
would be best, as advice such as mine may not be accurate--I don't
have one like yours.


Thanks for your reply Peter. I agree with all your comments, and confirm my
thinking about the batteries. I'll have to get a few heavy duty connectors
and
make the connections. I suspect that all will turn out fine. A bit messy
because the bigger batteries will have to stay outside the UPS. Maybe a
wooden
box to hold everything, and a small fan to keep air circulating through it.

I'll report back in a few days when I have evaluated it.

When I did my oversized battery setup, I used a large plastic tray.
You need something or the floor (or wherever you sit them) will be
damaged most likely. (IIRC, I used the top of a plastic storage bin,
it had a 1" lip, and was just the right size for two big (Car) sized
batteries.

Use heavy gauge wire! (maybe a #6 AWG or even a #4) I recommend
welding cable as it is flexible, and you can get color coded (red and
black) if you want. Try eBay.
Click to expand...
The correct wire for this UPS is AWG10. The pigtail I need to connect the
batteries will only be around 12" max, so no need to get extravagantly oversize
on the wire. And yes, I understand about putting the batteries in a plastic
container; these are SLA batteries... not wet automotive batteries.
I'll not pay the extravagant shipping charges that most Ebay sellers want,
especially for a couple feet of wire. I'll go to Home Depot and get what I
need, and for a much more reasonable price. The connectors are just 1/4" Faston
quick-disconnect terminals.

--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

Life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer it gets to the end, the faster
it goes.
 
"DaveM" <masondg4499@comcast99.net> writes:

A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel for
12V/10AH capacity?
Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than those
specified in a UPS? I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take longer
to recharge the batteries?
I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two 12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.
Click to expand...

I second the other responders; I have used 55AH batteries on my
SmartUPS 1200 that ISTM, came with 4 or 6 AH ones. They both ran a long
time and took even longer to recharge. But I hope yours are deep-cycle
batteries.

Do note that many UPS's use the battery jumper for a fuse; it's the ideal
place.
--
A host is a host from coast to coast.................wb8foz@nrk.com
& no one will talk to a host that's close........[v].(301) 56-LINUX
Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433
 
A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel
for
12V/10AH capacity?
Click to expand...
Batteries are rarely wired in parellel, for what should be an obvious
reason -- what happens if the voltage of one drops below the voltage of the
other?


I second the other responders; I have used 55AH batteries on my
SmartUPS 1200 that ISTM, came with 4 or 6 AH ones. They both ran a long
time and took even longer to recharge. But I hope yours are deep-cycle
batteries.
Click to expand...
Where did you find 55AH batteries that would fit in a space that held 6AH
units?
 
In article <gnu4pl$d52$1@news.motzarella.org>,
William Sommerwerck <grizzledgeezer@comcast.net> wrote:

Where did you find 55AH batteries that would fit in a space that held 6AH
units?
Click to expand...
At that size, you fit it externally and use it as a pedestal for the UPS!

--
--------------------------------------+------------------------------------
Mike Brown: mjb[-at-]signal11.org.uk | http://www.signal11.org.uk
 
On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:28:02 +0000 (UTC), David Lesher <wb8foz@panix.com> wrote:

"DaveM" <masondg4499@comcast99.net> writes:

A question: are the batteries wired in series for 24V/5AH, or in parallel for
12V/10AH capacity?
Another question: is it permissible to use higher capacity batteries than those
specified in a UPS? I have a couple of 12V/12AH batteries that I can wire in.
Would the only effect (aside from longer run time) be that it would take longer
to recharge the batteries?
I have several APC BackUPS Pro 1100 (also 1100VA) units that use two 12V/12AH
batteries in series, so I'm leaning toward that hookup.


I second the other responders; I have used 55AH batteries on my
SmartUPS 1200 that ISTM, came with 4 or 6 AH ones. They both ran a long
time and took even longer to recharge.
(snip)
Click to expand...

Therein lies the problem with that approach (which I also use) - the in-built
charger is generally only sized to handle the original batteries, and may never
actually be able to charge the upsized bank to a decent final terminal voltage.
A separate charger is often required, and integrating that into the UPS system
isn't always straightforward.
 
mjb@posie.local.dom (Mike) writes:

In article <gnu4pl$d52$1@news.motzarella.org>,
William Sommerwerck <grizzledgeezer@comcast.net> wrote:

Where did you find 55AH batteries that would fit in a space that held 6AH
units?

At that size, you fit it externally and use it as a pedestal for the UPS!
Click to expand...
A piece of #4 gauge cable now exits the rear. It goes into ventilated area
where an old cafeteria tray holds the batteries.

--
A host is a host from coast to coast.................wb8foz@nrk.com
& no one will talk to a host that's close........[v].(301) 56-LINUX
Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433
 
rebel <me@privacy.net> writes:

I second the other responders; I have used 55AH batteries on my
SmartUPS 1200 that ISTM, came with 4 or 6 AH ones. They both ran a long
time and took even longer to recharge.

(snip)

Therein lies the problem with that approach (which I also use) -
the in-built charger is generally only sized to handle the original
batteries, and may never actually be able to charge the upsized bank to
a decent final terminal voltage. A separate charger is often required,
and integrating that into the UPS system isn't always straightforward.
Click to expand...
Nope; it's just fine. All it needs is patience. I had a 30 hour long
power failure once. The batteries held out. I didn't care that it took
all week to recharge them.

A lead-acid battery charger is a constant-voltage, current-limited,
device. When presented with a undervoltage battery, it tries to charge
it, up to its rated current. If it takes an hour, OK; if it takes a week,
OK too.

At some point the leakage current would be higher than the max output
current of the charger, but that's a LONG way to go... Maybe some of
these <tinyurl.com/526a7m> will do the trick..



--
A host is a host from coast to coast.................wb8foz@nrk.com
& no one will talk to a host that's close........[v].(301) 56-LINUX
Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433
 
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