If you use a backup power supply that utilizes RBC11 batteries, it's a good idea to replace them once a year.
Knowing the exact lifespan of your battery is difficult, but an RBC battery will usually last about a year. If you are looking for an answer on how long should you leave it before you change your battery, then you should err on the side of safety and do not leave it any longer than two years. Most battery retailers and manufacturers offer a one year warranty simply because one year is the maximum amount of time that you can safely rely on an RBC11 battery.
This is comparable to the practice of replacing your emergency flashlight's batteries on a regular basis. Ensuring the batteries inside your flashlight are in good coniditon is crucial, so don't wait until the next time ligthening strikes a generator to find out this information; it's better to know now that they work, rather than wait for a mishap.
Before buying your new RBC11 battery, make sure to take a look at your current battery and write down the specifications. Purchasing the right size RBC11 can be more complicated than you think as hardware manufacturers often change the specifications without notice; their websites list one size and shape when in reality they're actually a different size entirely. The battery not fitting is one of the most common complaints registered with RBC11 battery retailers. When this occurs, avoiding paying extra postage and handling charges can be difficult as it's usally down to the buyer to ship the mismatched battery back to the retailer.
Retailers who offer safe battery disposal should definitely be on your list. Dropping your old battery in the bin isn't actually allowed due to the various leads and acids they contain. Some manufacturers offer a disposal plan when you buy your new ones, this not only saves you looking through the phonebook for a battery disposal facility but means you can use the same box your new batteries arrived in to ship your old one back.
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