Battery Backup appears dead

[slojmn]

I've had my battery backup for about 3 years. I've only ever needed it once and I can't even remember if it worked then. The power went out this morning and nothing. I am the first to admit that I haven't discharged it in test mode as the manual suggests so my bad for sure. I guess the whole thing is dead. Bummer since I need it working right now. Our power goes out very infrequently but the point of when it does I need the unit to work. Arrrrrggggg.

 

[Flyin High]

On my second battery since the first one died. Tested it this morning and it is dead as well! Never again!

 

[slojmn]

This is completely weird, when power was restored the battery backup showed red light, meaning its charging. Within an hour it was back to green, meaning it was completely charged or at least charged somewhat. I unplugged the vortech from the wall out let and the battery backup took over and the vortech functioned on low speed as it should, the battery was still plugged into a different outlet that was working. The light continued to be green showing the battery as having full charge or at least some amount of charge. When I unplug both the vortech and the battery backup from the wall outlet to see what the level of charge is there is nothing, no power to the vortech controller. So I went out and threw the breaker to the main tank to just see what would happen as if a power outage was going on. I get nothing. This leads me to believe that the battery is actually not charged? and it only worked when the battery was plugged into the outlet that was working. Whatever is going on it is not good as the battery is not backing up my vortech when needed, a real power outage. Frustrated!!!

 

[twilliard]

Keeping a battery at full constant state of charge for long period of time is never good.

 

[slojmn]

According to the manual the EcoTech Battery Back up should stay plugged into the wall outlet on a regular basis, I believe this is how it not only charges when necessary but senses when a power outage has occurred.

 

[twilliard]

According to the manual the EcoTech Battery Back up should stay plugged into the wall outlet on a regular basis, I believe this is how it not only charges when necessary but senses when a power outage has occurred.

You are correct as most all backups work in this fassion.
But..
The batteries need to be cycled to keep a full lifespan

 

[iReefer]

This is completely weird, when power was restored the battery backup showed red light, meaning its charging. Within an hour it was back to green, meaning it was completely charged or at least charged somewhat. I unplugged the vortech from the wall out let and the battery backup took over and the vortech functioned on low speed as it should, the battery was still plugged into a different outlet that was working. The light continued to be green showing the battery as having full charge or at least some amount of charge. When I unplug both the vortech and the battery backup from the wall outlet to see what the level of charge is there is nothing, no power to the vortech controller. So I went out and threw the breaker to the main tank to just see what would happen as if a power outage was going on. I get nothing. This leads me to believe that the battery is actually not charged? and it only worked when the battery was plugged into the outlet that was working. Whatever is going on it is not good as the battery is not backing up my vortech when needed, a real power outage. Frustrated!!!

Plus 1 on this. ..N I thought my was messed up

 

[Berlin]

Hi,
I am thinking I want to buy a backup Battery. What is a good one ?

 

[ngvu1]

Would be nice to be able to program a controller to automatically discharge/recharge the battery once in a while to enlongen the life of these battries...

 

[iReefer]

So I guess no solution?

 

[davidwinn101]

Mine crapped out as well

 

[MadCityReefer]

Same here, I feel like for $175 these should last A LOT longer!

 

[madehtsobi0109]

Just drill out the rivets and get new batteries. That's what I did

 

[Elysium]

Sounds like the battery developed a memory and no longer holds enough charge to power the Vortech. Sucks, but it happens when it doesn't go through regular discharge cycles.

 

[ngvu1]

Yes there is. Replace the battery every 2 years. I never said it was a cheap solution

So I guess no solution?

 

[davidwinn101]

What model batteries are inside so I can grab new ones?

 

[srad750c]

Replace battery with an AGM battery and get a better float charger. I’m glad you guys are confirming what it thought was going to happen with these. I already have my back up battery and charger. It’s not pretty but better long term results and safer.