Alpha Technologies CFR Series Replacement Batteries

About Alpha Technologies CFR Series Replacement Batteries

Replacement batteries for the Alpha Technologies CFR Series

The Alpha Technologies CFR Series is a line of controlled-ferroresonant UPS systems (CFR stands for Controlled FerroResonant) used to protect telecom, broadband, point-of-sale, and other critical AC loads. Like every UPS in this class, the CFR relies on a string of sealed lead-acid (AGM) batteries to carry the load during an outage. Those batteries wear out long before the electronics do, and replacing them on schedule is the single most important thing you can do to keep the system reliable.

What battery the CFR Series uses and how it scales

Every CFR battery in this range is a 12-volt sealed lead-acid (AGM) block. The CFR builds its DC bus by wiring several of these 12V blocks in series and, on larger models, in parallel strings. That is why a kit is never a single battery: a CFR 10K, for example, takes twelve 12V batteries, while many mid-range models take four. The per-battery capacity also changes with the model. Across this series you will see 7.2Ah, 18Ah, 33Ah, and 35Ah blocks depending on the unit. Because the count and the amp-hour rating differ from model to model, the only safe way to order is by your exact model number. Each product page in this collection lists the voltage, amp-hour rating, and the number of batteries that model requires.

Identify your unit by exact model

Read the nameplate on your UPS and match the full model designation, including the part-number suffix in parentheses (for example, CFR 2500 (017-073-XX) versus CFR 2500 (017-173-XX)). Alpha shipped several revisions of the same nominal model with different battery layouts, so the suffix matters. Confirm the match by your exact model, and use the specification shown on the product grid to verify voltage, amp-hours, and quantity before you buy.

Genuine OEM vs. aftermarket

You have two choices when a CFR battery string fails. Genuine OEM kits come from Alpha Technologies and carry the manufacturer's branding and pricing. Aftermarket kits, like the ones in this collection, are built to meet or exceed the original cell specification using the same AGM sealed lead-acid chemistry, the same voltage and amp-hour ratings, and compatible terminals. A correctly specified aftermarket kit drops into the same tray and connects with the same hardware, typically at a lower cost. The key is matching the specification exactly, which is why we organize this collection by model.

Battery lifespan

A typical sealed lead-acid UPS battery lasts about three to five years in service. Heat is the dominant factor: as a rule of thumb, every roughly 8C (about 15F) above 25C (77F) of sustained operating temperature cuts expected battery life roughly in half. A CFR mounted in a hot cabinet or an unconditioned closet will need fresh batteries sooner than one kept near room temperature. Plan a proactive swap rather than waiting for a failed runtime test.

How to replace the batteries

The Alpha CFR is a controlled-ferroresonant UPS, and its batteries are housed in external trays or cabinets wired into series/parallel strings. Always follow the procedure in your Alpha CFR operator's manual for your specific model and revision. General steps:

1. Order the complete kit for your exact model so every block in the string is replaced together. Never mix old and new batteries.
2. Unless your model and manual specifically document a safe under-load battery-replacement procedure, place the UPS in the state the manual specifies before disconnecting the string. On most CFR installations the safe practice is to take the unit off battery (or transfer to bypass) before working on the string, because you are working on a high-energy DC bus, not a consumer plug-in battery cartridge.
3. Note the polarity and the order of the inter-battery links before disconnecting anything.
4. Remove the old blocks, install the new ones in the same series/parallel arrangement, and re-torque the terminal hardware.
5. Run a self-test or a brief on-battery test to confirm the new string carries the load, then recycle the old lead-acid batteries.

Working on a live DC battery string carries shock and short-circuit risk. If you are not comfortable doing so, have a qualified technician perform the swap.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know how many batteries my CFR needs?
The quantity is fixed by the model. Some models in this series require twelve batteries; others take four. The exact count for your unit is shown on its product page in this collection.

Are these the same as the original Alpha batteries?
They are compatible aftermarket replacements built to meet or exceed the original 12V AGM sealed lead-acid specification, with matching voltage, amp-hours, and terminals.

Can I replace just one bad battery?
No. Always replace the entire string at once. A new battery paired with aged ones will be dragged down to the weakest cell and the whole string will fail prematurely.

How long will the new batteries last?
Typically three to five years, less in hot environments. Keep the unit near 25C to get the full service life.

Where do the batteries ship from?
Orders ship from our Canadian warehouse.

CFR and Alpha Technologies are trademarks of Alpha Technologies Ltd. / EnerSys. UPSPLUSBATTERY.ca is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the manufacturer; aftermarket batteries are compatible replacements.