I had to replace my UPSs a few weeks ago on short notice due to hardware failure, and I ended up getting a few LiFePO4 ones as a stopgap since they were on sale and I’d always wanted to try them. So far, so good. Curious if anyone else has switch to lithium UPSs from lead-acid and how that’s going for you.

I have a big 20Ah, 48v e-bike battery that I’ve used with a sine-wave inverter for standby power, and it’s a bit over 11 years old and going strong. So, as far as the batteries in these are concerned, I am cautiously optimistic that they’ll last close to the 10 years they’re advertised as. The electronics and inverter…we’ll see, I guess.

Bonus question: While we’re on the subject, has anybody tried those drop-in replacement 12V LiFePO4 batteries for regular UPS’s? Supposedly, it says the BMS in them can work with the lead-acid chargers in UPSs and safely charge them, but I’m not sure I trust that.

  • @Blue_Morpho
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    313 days ago

    Yes the lead acid charging will be low (unless they put a buck converter to compensate).

    But I see that as a good thing. LifePO4 lasts longest (lifetime, not single charge) on 80% max 20% low. So not charging to 100% should make them last really long.

    • Admiral PatrickOP
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      213 days ago

      Good point, and yeah, makes sense. I knew that about the 80/20 range, but didn’t consider that the lower charging voltage would work toward that benefit.