How to Replace the Battery in a CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (RB1290X2 / RB1280X2B)
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD is a 1500 VA / 1000 W sine-wave mini-tower, and like every line-interactive UPS it wears out one part on a schedule: its battery cartridge. This guide follows CyberPower's own spec sheet and user manual: which cartridge your serial number takes, what the manual says before you start, the twelve swap steps in the manual's order, and the recharge afterwards.
Watch: CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD battery replacement (2:42)
Chapters and transcript
- 0:00 Which battery does the CP1500PFCLCD take?
- 0:31 What do you need?
- 0:51 What does the manual say before you start?
- 1:19 How do you swap the batteries?
- 2:01 What about the recharge?
- 2:16 Where do you buy it in Canada?
A CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD is due for a battery. Most units take one replacement kit: the RB1290X2. On later serials, starting CR9, CXF, or CQC, it is the RB1280X2B. The manual says to replace with the same number, and both codes are on screen. This video shows what the kit is, what the manual says before you start, the swap in the manual's order, and how you recharge it after. The kit is a pair of 12 volt, 9 amp hour sealed lead acid batteries, wired for 24 volts. This is a 1500 volt-amp, 1000 watt sine wave tower. UPS Plus Battery carries the battery set and a pre wired pack. You need a few minutes, work gloves, and a flat surface. Nothing else. These are illustrations. Follow your UPS manual. The CyberPower manual is specific. Replace with the same number and type. Take off rings, watches, and chains first: a terminal shorted by metal can cause severe burns. Use tools with insulated handles. Never open or mutilate a battery, and never put one in a fire. A battery replaced by the wrong type can explode. Old batteries are hazardous waste: dispose of them according to local regulations. The batteries sit behind the front panel. One: turn off and unplug everything connected to the UPS. Two: turn the UPS off, and unplug it from the wall. Three: lay the UPS on its side. Four: remove the front panel retaining screws on the bottom. Five: slide the front panel off. Six: remove the fixed stand from the upper battery. Seven: lift the batteries out. Eight: disconnect the battery wires. Nine: connect the new batteries, red to red and black to black, on both packs. Use new batteries, and always replace both at the same time. Ten: seat the batteries and refit the stand. Eleven: slide the panel back and tighten the screws. Twelve: recharge the UPS for 8 to 16 hours. That recharge matters. Expect a full charge before you expect full runtime. CyberPower specs give 8 hours to recharge from total discharge, and a typical battery life of 3 to 6 years. When the UPS starts flagging its battery, order the same kit again. Both batteries are linked below, matched to your serial number. UPS Plus Battery ships UPS batteries across Canada from Montreal.
Which battery does the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD take?
One replacement battery cartridge. CyberPower's spec sheet lists two codes, and the serial number on your UPS label decides which one:
- RB1290X2 for serial numbers beginning with CXX.
- RB1280X2B for serial numbers beginning with CR9, CXF or CQC.
The spec sheet gives the battery as two 12 V / 9 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries. They are wired in series, so the cartridge runs at 24 V.
What do you need?
The replacement cartridge, work gloves, a screwdriver with an insulated handle for the front panel screws, and a clear, flat surface to lay the UPS on. Set aside a few minutes for the swap and the rest of the day for the recharge.
What does the manual say before you start?
CyberPower's user manual is specific, and these points come straight from it:
- Replace the batteries with the same number and type.
- Take off rings, watches and chains first. A terminal shorted by metal can cause severe burns.
- Use tools with insulated handles.
- Never open or mutilate a battery, and never put one in a fire.
- A battery replaced by an incorrect type can explode.
- Old batteries are hazardous waste. Dispose of them according to local regulations.
How do you replace the CP1500PFCLCD battery, step by step?
The batteries sit behind the front panel. In the order the manual gives:
- Turn off and unplug everything connected to the UPS.
- Turn the UPS off and unplug it from the wall outlet.
- Lay the UPS on its side.
- Remove the front panel retaining screws on the bottom of the unit.
- Slide the front panel off.
- Remove the fixed stand from the upper battery.
- Lift the batteries out.
- Disconnect the battery wires.
- Connect the new batteries: red to red and black to black, on both batteries. Use new batteries and always replace both at the same time.
- Seat the batteries and refit the stand.
- Slide the front panel back on and tighten the retaining screws.
- Recharge the UPS for 8 to 16 hours.
How long does the new battery take to charge?
The manual says to recharge the UPS for 8 to 16 hours after the swap, and CyberPower's spec sheet gives a typical recharge time of 8 hours. Expect a full charge before you expect full runtime: on a fresh battery the spec sheet lists about 2.5 minutes at full load and 10 minutes at half load. CyberPower gives a typical battery life of 3 to 6 years; when the UPS starts flagging its battery again, order the same cartridge.
Which replacement should you order?
Match the code to your serial number first, then pick the format. A set is the two batteries on their own and re-uses the wiring already in your UPS. An assembled pack arrives pre-wired with its harness, ready to drop in.
- Serials beginning CXX (RB1290X2): CP1500PFCLCD replacement battery set, 12 V 9 Ah x 2 or the CP1500PFCLCD assembled replacement battery pack.
- Serials beginning CR9, CXF or CQC (RB1280X2B): RB1280X2B replacement battery set or the RB1280X2B assembled replacement battery pack. Both come with 12 V 7.2 Ah or 12 V 9 Ah blocks; the CP1500PFCLCD spec sheet lists 12 V / 9 Ah.
Not sure your unit is a CP1500PFCLCD, or working from another CyberPower or APC code? The RBC and CyberPower cross-reference matches cartridge codes to replacements.
Questions and answers
Which battery does the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD use?
One replacement cartridge: RB1290X2 for serial numbers beginning CXX, or RB1280X2B for serial numbers beginning CR9, CXF or CQC. Both codes are on CyberPower's spec sheet for the CP1500PFCLCD.
What is in the RB1290X2 kit?
Two 12 V, 9 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries, wired in series for 24 V.
How long does the CP1500PFCLCD battery take to recharge?
Recharge the UPS for 8 to 16 hours after the swap, as the manual says. The spec sheet gives a typical recharge time of 8 hours.
Should I replace both batteries at the same time?
Yes. The manual says to use new batteries and always replace both at the same time, with the same number and type.
When should I replace the battery?
When the UPS flags its battery, or within the typical 3 to 6 year battery life CyberPower gives.