APC APCRBC159 teardown

Inside: 4 x 12 V 7 Ah
Wiring: 24 V, 2 pairs (assumed)
List price: $524
Cell size: unverified
Terminal: unverified
Evidence on cell count: inferred

What is inside the APCRBC159?

APCRBC159 holds four 12 V blocks, assumed to be two parallel pairs, rated 7 Ah, giving a 24 V bus. APC publishes the cell count. We inferred the count from its voltage and size. Both blocks carry the same current and should be replaced together. Check the label on your old blocks before ordering a replacement.

Every ledger row for APCRBC159
Field	Value	Quote	Source
oem title	APC Replacement Battery Cartridge 159 with 2	APC Replacement Battery Cartridge 159 with 2 Year Warranty	T1 se.com
msrp usd	524	APCRBC159 MSRP$524.00	T1 shi.com
bus v	24	SMT750RM2UC, SMT750RM2UCNC APCRBC123 Lead acid, 1 \| module, 24 Vdc \| SMT1500RM2UCNC, SMT1500RM2UCNCUS \| APCRBC159	T1 download.schneider-electric.com
envelope mm	83 x 216 x 343	Height 83 mm \| Width 216 mm \| Depth 343 mm	T1 se.com

Which UPS models use the APCRBC159?

Of the 35 models we track, APCRBC159 fits SMT1500RM2UC. That list comes from the manufacturer's pages, and they sometimes disagree with reseller listings. Where a model splits by serial number, its UPS page shows which prefix takes this cartridge, so check your label before you order.

Models on this site that use APCRBC159
UPS	Rating	Serial condition
SMT1500RM2UC	1440 VA / 1000 W	all serials

Which bare cells replace the APCRBC159?

We don't link a bare cell for APCRBC159, because no source confirms its cell size and terminal. APC lists a 24 V module measuring 83 x 216 x 343 mm, and publishes no cell count, size or capacity. Measure your old blocks and read their labels, or buy the OEM cartridge, rather than trusting a generic listing.

Can LiFePO4 replace the APCRBC159?

We can't recommend LiFePO4 for APCRBC159. The cell layout is unverified, and four independent BMS boards in one pack multiply the balance risk. Showing a link would mean guessing about fit. Buy the lead-acid cell or a factory LiFePO4 UPS instead, and see our method page for how we test fit.

High-voltage and thermal safety

UPS battery bays carry high-current DC, up to about 60 A at full load on these models and more at cutoff. Inverter capacitors inside the case can stay charged after unplugging, so never open a unit beyond its battery door. A shorted or mismatched pack can overheat or start a fire. The manufacturers sell only sealed lead-acid replacement packs (APCRBC, RB, RBC) for these units, and we found no OEM approval for LiFePO4. BMS trip limits, series balance drift and 0 V lockout on 24 V drop-ins are modeled from published BMS current ratings, not from UL or OEM certification, and no qualified engineer has reviewed them. Figures are estimates, so check your own unit's label and manual.

How much does the APCRBC159 cost against bare cells?

We can't state a saving for APCRBC159. We have no sourced price for a verified bare cell that fits. A figure here would be invented, so this page leaves it out and points you to the sources we did check. Ask the manufacturer for current pricing.