UPS Lead Acid Battery Replacement
Whether looking to replace like-for-like or exploring a new chemistry all together, Mitsubishi Electric can help you choose the best lead acid battery replacement for your critical operations.
UPS Lead Acid Battery Replacement
Whether looking to replace like-for-like or exploring a new chemistry all together, Mitsubishi Electric can help you choose the best lead acid battery replacement for your critical operations.
Considerations for Lead Acid Battery Replacements
Historically, in mission critical applications, lead acid batteries have provided backup power for uninterruptible power supplies. The three main types are VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid), VLA (Vented Lead Acid), and Pure Lead.
Timely lead acid battery replacements are vital to ensure optimum system performance. And when that time comes, you may want to consider different lead acid battery types or more advanced battery technologies like lithium-ion.
Whether replacing like-for-like or replacing your lead acid battery with lithium-ion, consider our five main questions for an accurate and timely lead acid battery replacement.
Note: Lead Acid refers to VRLA Sealed Lead Acid, VRLA AGM and Pure Lead batteries
Q1: What type of lead acid battery is currently installed?
If you are looking for a lead acid battery replacement, Mitsubishi Electric provides great options for your UPS systems:
- VRLA battery
- VLA battery (also referred to as a wet cell battery or a flooded cell battery)
- Pure Lead battery
But whether you want to replace existing UPS battery models with more of the same or make a change, you’ll first need to know what batteries are currently installed in your cabinet.
If you purchased your battery cabinet from Mitsubishi Electric, the label on the interior of the cabinet door provides the necessary information for a compatible UPS battery replacement. As depicted in the image, the model number of the label identifies the pertinent specs for your current batteries.
If you did not purchase your original cabinet from us, it may still bear a similar type label containing the necessary information. When the battery cabinet can be safely accessed, take a photograph of the label or make a note of the information. If the label is missing or illegible, take a photo of a battery and its label, and note the number of batteries in the cabinet.
Q2: What is the age of your current batteries?
It is important to know the respective lifespans for each type of battery to make informed decisions about timely lead acid battery replacements.
- VRLA battery = 3-5 years
- VLA battery = up to 15 years
- Pure Lead battery = up to 7 years
As your batteries approach these ages, you should start to consider whether to replace them like-for-like, or perhaps replace your lead acid battery with lithium-ion. Establishing regularly scheduled maintenance on your lead acid batteries ensures avoidance of thermal runaway and promotes peak performance.
Q3: Who is the manufacturer of your batteries?
Knowing the manufacturer of your battery is important when looking to replace a UPS battery (or batteries) in an existing string. It is not recommended to mix and match batteries from different manufacturers as the performance characteristics of the batteries could be different.
Mitsubishi Electric is vendor agnostic, and we work with the most common battery suppliers for uninterruptible power supply applications so you can get the right brand for your lead acid battery replacement.
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Q4: What is the type/model of your batteries?
Many battery vendors offer multiple models of batteries for use in UPS applications. So, to avoid any confusion when exploring lead acid battery replacement options, you will want to verify the exact model/series of battery that you currently have.
You can usually find this information on the label of the battery, or it can sometimes be determined from the part number of the battery cabinet. Gathering this information will also allow you to determine the size of the battery, which is critical when looking for a replacement. As with the manufacturer, you do not want to mix different models or sizes of batteries.
We also offer services to support lead acid battery replacements including site inspections, review of the battery installation, and full commissioning support. Support and collaboration are critical, especially if you’re considering replacing your lead acid battery with lithium-ion.
Q5: Do you want Lead Acid or Lithium-Ion for your replacement needs?
Now that you know what type of batteries and battery cabinet you have, it’s time to consider the right lead acid battery replacement. If you want to move away from lead, a popular alternative is to replace your lead acid battery with lithium-ion.
Lithium-ion brings many advantages, including footprint, efficiency, sustainability and total cost of ownership. Lithium-ion is quickly becoming the alternative DC power source in the mission critical market with its longer life, smaller footprint, and reduced maintenance.
When it comes time to replace your UPS battery, Mitsubishi Electric can help you make the right choice. Our knowledgeable Project Application Engineering team is available to help replace your lead acid battery system with lithium-ion.
Battery Cabinet Replacements & Retrofits
Whether leveraging an existing battery cabinet through a retrofit, or opting for a new cabinet altogether, you’ll also need to consider connector compatibility, cable size and the possibility of re-wiring when replacing UPS batteries.
Important Material Handling Compliance
Batteries being replaced need to be properly disposed of in accordance with EPA guidelines. Since they contain hazardous materials, it is unlawful to toss them into refuse that will end up in a landfill. We also recommend reviewing the disposal/recycling directions in your manufacturer’s safety data sheet. You can also contact us for more information on how Mitsubishi Electric can assist with proper disposal when replacing a UPS battery.
Prioritize Lead Acid Battery Replacements for Your UPS
Whether you're looking to replace a UPS battery like-for-like or upgrade to lithium-ion, we can help timely identify and install the battery and battery cabinet updates you need to maximize uptime.