Need a new wee UPS for router

I have had an Eaton 3S Mini UPS for about 20 months and its died.

It did work and I have tested it. But last week it failed to protect my router during a brief power cut. It seems to say the batteries are very low. Now I read the Amazon reviews it seems this is a well known problem.

While I make a fuss and try to get a replacement, what alternatives are there? This only needs to protect a router, other devices have their own full size UPS.

Or, it may be possible to replace the batteries in the Eaton?

Thanks

I would have a look at what type of batteries it uses. I would have thought it will either be some type of flat LiPo of a bunch of 18650's today as they are more efficient but could be a small 12v lead acid.

They don't last forever but most manufacturers cut corners and use non-premium cells.

I picked this up from Aliexpress and fully expect to replace the battery pack at some point but it does look to be very well made to be fair.

https://imgur.com/iSSU8zT

https://imgur.com/HSkQQ55

Edited by smouty (Mon 25-Mar-24 16:42:22)

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

I have had an Eaton 3S Mini UPS for about 20 months and its died.

snip

Or, it may be possible to replace the batteries in the Eaton?

Thanks

I've got an APC UPS. When the battery failed a few years ago the digital display said 'replace battery' so I did some Googling and ordered a new battery.
When it came I found that there appeared to be no way to open the case. I rang APC with the intention of returning the battery and being refunded but I finished up speaking to a man in Holland, who directed me to a YouTube video that showed how to get the case undone, which I did and the replacement battery has been running satisfactorily ever since. I think the Dutch guy was Googling while he was talking to me.
So my advice to you is to see if you can find any instructions for changing your battery online.

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

... it may be possible to replace the batteries in the Eaton?

Looking at the documents on the Eaton website -

This - Eaton 3S Mini 36W BS
says that "Battery replacement = User replaceable"

and on page 16 of this handbook - Eaton 3S Mini 3SM36 Advanced User Guide
says that - "Battery type = Li-Ion x2 (ICR18650)" and "Battery capacity 3,7 V/2200mAh (x2)"

A quick look on eBay shows that replacement batteries are easily available

Personally Id go for www.nubattery.co.uk or https://www.fogstar.co.uk/ for 18650's
.
Also you will need to know if they are protected/unprotected as they are different lengths

https://battery101.co.uk/ sold me a decent Samsung 18650 when I needed one to replace in my window vac.

Thanks for that.

Good news is Eaton responded quickly and suggested they'll do a warranty replacement. Bad news it their website RMA form is a PITA so I may or may not be getting somewhere.

But at least there's the replacement option if all goes up the creek.

Amazon reviewer suggest there's an inherent fault preventing the cells from deep discharging. But my unit has never been run in 'real life' for more than a few minutes during brief power cuts. So I doubt the cells ever fully discharged. And if they fail after less than two years 'normal' use, that's not really very good. But if new cells are only a few quid, notes bad.

Eaton sent me a new replacement unit, arrived already. So I highly recommend them!

In reply to a post by purleigh:

and on page 16 of this handbook - Eaton 3S Mini 3SM36 Advanced User Guide
says that - "Battery type = Li-Ion x2 (ICR18650)" and "Battery capacity 3,7 V/2200mAh (x2)"

I can't see that quote on the document you linked to nor the one I independently downloaded. What I do see is (page 7)

"Use and Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts inside the UPS."

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

Eaton sent me a new replacement unit, arrived already. So I highly recommend them!

Maybe from a CS perspective but not from an ecological one. These items should be able to simply replace the battery.