How to Change a Computer Backup Battery
A computer backup battery, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), is a necessity for taking proper care of a computer. They prevent power surges and dips from damaging the hardware in your computer. In the case of a power outage, they allow you to save your work and give you enough time to shut down your computer properly. Power fluctuations can cause serious damage to many components, and a battery backup is key to avoiding problems. When the low battery indicator light starts flashing, it is time to switch out batteries in the UPS.
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Instructions
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Calculate the maximum sustainable power from the units you want to plug into your battery backup. The wattage or amps of each unit is listed either on the plug or on the unit itself. Use the "UPS Power Requirement Calculator" in the Resources section to give you an exact figure for your minimum requirements and your suggested capabilities. Include your new monitor, computer, modem and router in your total, as well as whatever else you might need. Limit the calculation to the necessary items you need to power down properly if the power were to go out.
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2
Find replacement backup batteries for your UPS. Many manufacturers also only supply 60 percent or so of the power listed in their VA rating, so make sure the batteries for your UPS are powerful enough to supply the needs of your power backup system. Some manufacturers make replacement battery packs that only fit their systems properly.
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Power down your computer system, and unplug all of it from the UPS. Unplug the UPS from the wall outlet. Some systems allow you to do a "hot transfer" of batteries, where all you have to do is trip the battery circuit breaker. Always follow your manufacturer's instructions.
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Remove any doors or covers over the battery packs on the UPS. You might need to unscrew them with a screwdriver, or they might be attached by a small clip that you can unhook with your hand. The batteries also might be attached to the UPS with a bracket that you can unscrew with a screwdriver or unmount with your hand.
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Unplug the batteries' cords from the connectors where they attach to the UPS. These connections might be internal, if you had to remove doors, or external, if you removed mounting brackets. Remove the old batteries.
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Insert the new batteries' cords into the connectors on the UPS, and slide the new battery packs into the UPS, if your UPS has doors or covers. Close the doors or covers and screw them down. Mount any brackets for your batteries, if your batteries are external to the UPS.
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Plug your UPS back into the wall outlet, and your computer system back into the proper outlets on the UPS. Power up the UPS and your computer. You might have to power up your system several times before the batteries in the UPS receive a full charge. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging the newly installed batteries.
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Tips & Warnings
Dispose of old UPS batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. They can leak hazardous acid in regular trash.
