1. What is the APC Battery Configurator?

The APC Battery Configurator calculates the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) for an APC UPS system based on the load, desired runtime, and system voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( VA \) — Volt-amp load of the UPS system
• \( h \) — Desired runtime in hours
• \( V \) — System voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V)

Explanation: The equation converts volt-amp load to watts (assuming power factor of 1), then calculates the required ampere-hours for the desired runtime.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your UPS system can support the connected load for the required duration during power outages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the VA rating of your APC UPS, desired runtime in hours, and system voltage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between VA and watts?
A: VA (volt-amps) is apparent power, while watts is real power. For purely resistive loads, they're equal. For other loads, watts = VA × power factor.

Q2: What's a typical power factor for UPS loads?
A: Modern UPS systems often have power factors of 0.9-1.0. Check your equipment specifications for exact values.

Q3: How do I find my APC's VA rating?
A: Check the label on your UPS or the product specifications. Common values are 500VA, 1000VA, 1500VA, etc.

Q4: What battery voltage should I use?
A: Common UPS battery voltages are 12V (small units), 24V (medium), or 48V (larger units). Check your UPS manual.

Q5: Should I add margin to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% margin to account for battery aging and variations in actual load.