In my 2012 post “Dead UPS Batteries? There’s a Cheaper Way!” I addressed the fact that most people overpay for replacement batteries for their UPS, especially if you purchase APC-branded RBC (Replacement Battery Cartridge) kits. The purpose of this post is to serve as a cross reference as to which generic batteries will work in place of the RBC batteries, and include some specs (such as voltage and capacity) to help you verify the cross reference whenever possible.

As discussed in my earlier post, many RBCs are actually made up of multiple generic batteries. In the following table, the number of generic batteries required for that single RBC is included in the # column. In some cases, and particularly with UPS units that require multiple batteries, you’ll need to keep the original battery array case (usually plastic), mounting sled, harness, bracket, fuse, and/or connectors. I try to include that info in the Notes column. With those types of RBC replacement batteries, it’s also best to snap a photo or two of your old battery pack before taking it apart, and take special note of how the positive and negative terminals all connect to each other, as well as the placement of any fuses (which are always important).

Also keep in mind that just because two different RBC numbers may have the same voltage and amperage ratings, that doesn’t mean they are interchangeable. In addition to voltage and capacity, different RBC numbers also indicate the proper size and dimensions of the individual batteries used in replacement battery cartridge kit, so make sure you’re cross-referencing the correct RBC number(s) for your particular unit(s) to make sure they not only power your UPS, but that they’ll fit inside properly and still let you replace the cover.

When ordering new batteries (I generally find them cheapest from high-feedback sellers on eBay), keep two things in mind:

First, it’s safe to put a higher Ah (amp hours) battery in than what was originally specified for your UPS unit. For example, the original RB63 battery contained four 1270 generic batteries (12Vand 7.0Ah). But if you replace with 1280 or even 1290 batteries instead, the voltage will be fine (12V) and the batteries will actually provide a longer runtime than the originals. The higher Ah batteries will be a bit more expensive, but I find the extra cost worth the extra runtime.

Second, note that generic batteries come with either T1 or T2 connectors (also called F1 and F2, respectively). The T2/F2 connectors are wider than the T1/F1 connectors, and the wider ones are what you want when replacing APC batteries. Verify on the battery specs when purchasing them that they come with T2 connectors. T1 connectors will still work in a pinch, but the female wire connectors have a higher potential to come off the T1 connectors.

Disclaimer: Many of the RBC numbers in this list are based are my own personal research with various battery packs I’ve successfully used in a number of APC UPS units, as well as feedback from other visitors who’ve successfully replaced their OEM UPS batteries with generic ones. However, you accept all responsibility in using this list, and it’s never a bad idea to double-check things out on your own before connecting them to your UPS. If you have an additional entries for this list, please share them in the comments and I’ll add them.