Replacement SLA batteries for UPS

[dbooksta]

Where can one find reasonably priced 12V 7-8AH batteries for UPS? I haven't found any local sources, and all online sources charge a fortune to ship them.

Also why do these batteries always go bad after 3 years? I have sealed car batteries that endure much harsher conditions and loads and last 7!

 

[hairystuff]

Some UPS units use the batteries as a ballast so they're constantly charging and discharging while in use, heat is also a big killer with UPS batteries, some cheap UPS units overcharge batteries with excessive trickle charging, one of the Compaq/APC UPS units I have still retains 85% of its charge even though its 5 years old so I guess its upto quality and individual manufacturers, as for getting replacements batteries have you tried autoshops or motorcycle repair shops as they sometime stock 6v and 12v batteries, also try electronic stores like RadioShack, Maplin, RS, Farnell and some home security shops as home alarms use the standard 12v SLA batteries.