Review: Cheapest SLA battery online is longest lasting ever

Two UB 1280 batteries, old one from 2016, new one from 2021

I’m no stranger to backup power.  I’ve been working with computers for thirty five years <gasp>. A good uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is critical to keep your systems protected not only from outage, but also from electric spikes and surges.

Problem with UPS battery systems: the battery.

Amazon order list January 2016 and June 2021The biggest issue UPS systems have are the batteries.  They’re usually sealed lead acid (SLA), and they require replacement every three to five years.  In my experience, two to three years is more typical.  Most SLA batteries have only a one year battery.  (I can’t wait until some type of longer lasting lithium systems become more affordable.)  Many don’t know you can replace the batteries and just throw out the whole power supply.

Today I’m writing of my APC Back-UPS XS 1300, I’ve had it for many years.  This is the second time I’m replacing the batteries.  Typically, the first place I start looking is online.  I don’t usually go back and order the same thing, because there might be something better available.

Longest lasting SLA battery: UPG UB1280

Shipping box with two SLA batteries packaged, note we can return themLast time I replaced these batteries was in January 2016.  An incredible five years and five month working life SLA battery.  I’ve never had an SLA battery work anywhere close to this long.  But I just searched again, and at time of this writing, this vendor is still the lowest cost I could find.  I don’t know how these UPS batteries worked so long, and I don’t know if the new ones will last as long, but I ordered from the same vendor.  When the package arrived, it was very small, but packaged well.  I was surprised to find a note included saying they batteries are returnable!  (Most batteries online are not returnable.)

Easy battery replacement in my APC Back-UPS XS 1300

Open battery compartment of UPSFor work, I’ve owned dozens of UPS power supplies.  Many units require partial disassembly, hidden small screws, funky plastic clips.  Not this APC UPS.  Here’s a picture of the bottom of my well-worn UPS.  The battery door is secure but easily popped open, located on the bottom of the unit.  No screws, no funny clips. I replaced the two SLA batteries in less than two minutes.

Where to find the longest lasting SLA battery and easy to service UPS

5 stars
Replacement Battery for APC Back-UPS XS 1500
Brand: UPG

5 stars
APC UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, BX1500M Backup Battery, AVR, Dataline Protection and LCD Display, Back-UPS Pro Uninterruptible Power Supply
The APC Back-UPS XS 1300 is too old, like me, and no longer available.

Phil

Grown up in Cleveland, Ohio, USA., previously lived in Phoenix, Arizona and Tampa, Florida areas, and recently co-located to Asheville, North Carolina area. Trained as an Army MP, but bit of a renegade career wise. Phil has owned successful businesses in insurance, private investigations, surety bail bond industries, and has experience in computer network engineering, hospitality advertising, asset recovery and repossession, and even a few years traveling most of the lower 48 states, Ontario and Northern Mexico as a commercial over the road truck driver. Career long entrepreneur, property investor and rental manager. Phil loves sharing his experiences of great food, travel, experiences and products.