Replace Backup Battery
zooky
Contributor - Level 1
My installer put the backup battery in the attic.  I'm disabled so I don't stand a prayer of getting up there to replace the battery.  What do I do when it's time to replace the battery?  How do I know the battery needs changing?  What's the average before a battery needs to be change?
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Re: Replace Backup Battery
TimSykes
Specialist - Level 2
well if you know it needs to be changed, call verizon. It is covered by them and no charge.
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Re: Replace Backup Battery
zooky
Contributor - Level 1

@TimSykes wrote:
well if you know it needs to be changed, call verizon. It is covered by them and no charge.

Well, that's a good answer but it still begs the question: how do I know it needs changing?  I hope I don't have to wait until nothing works anymore to figure that out. 

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Re: Replace Backup Battery
TimSykes
Specialist - Level 2
Without seeing with UPS, I am not sure. You can always turn off the circuit that the UPS is on, and see how long your phone works with power going to it.
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Re: Replace Backup Battery
mattheww50
Contributor - Level 2

I am not sure there are really any external signs that the battery needs to be replaced. However Sealed Lead Acid cells (and that's what Verizon uses), have a finite life. Over the life they capacity decreases. So one sign is in the event of a power failure, you find that within an hour or so, the phone is dead.

In addition Sealed Lead Acid Cells tolerate full discharge very badly, so the Verizon electronics should shut down the Battery Back up Unit BEFORE that happens. These batteries often are 'dead' once they have been completely discharged once.

In any case, I'd advise replacement at either of these points:

a). After 5 years use (Just put a note on the BBU with a date 5 years from date of installation)

b). In the event that you discover your telephone services dies very quickly in a power outage.

The Batteries Verizon uses are fairly commonly used in UPS's and some alarm systems, so should not be very expensive or hard to find.

Message Edited by mattheww50 on 04-02-2009 12:05 PM
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Re: Replace Backup Battery
zooky
Contributor - Level 1

@TimSykes wrote:
Without seeing with UPS, I am not sure. You can always turn off the circuit that the UPS is on, and see how long your phone works with power going to it.

Chuckle, that sort of reminds me of the "shotgun" method we used to use when detecting problems on our large scale mainframes.  I suppose I could always kick it in the lower-left bit bucket, whereever that's located, hehe.  Thx for your help.

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Re: Replace Backup Battery
cjacobs001
Contributor - Level 3

hi there.  I am confused.  again.  it really doesn't make sense that the field tech would install the battery back up unit in an inaccessible place.  access to it is really a requirement for troubleshooting.        If in fact that is what has happened, I would contact tech support and have them create a trouble ticket to let the dispatch supervisor know about that, and that you need it moved for accessibility.  ESPECIALLY if this is a new account, do it as soon as possible.

As to your questions:   When the battery has no electrical power (circuit breaker popped, whatever) IT BEEPS.  When the battery needs replacing, IT BEEPS.    The batteries are warranteed for only one year, but they can last lots longer. (mine is at 3.5 yrs so far)  If you need a replacement (in warranty) Verizon will replace it, (if not under warranty )there is a web site the tech support can direct you to, to order one.   Or you can get one at radio shack.

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Re: Replace Backup Battery
zooky
Contributor - Level 1

cjacobs001 wrote: 

As to your questions:   When the battery has no electrical power (circuit breaker popped, whatever) IT BEEPS.  When the battery needs replacing, IT BEEPS.    The batteries are warranteed for only one year, but they can last lots longer.


Welllll, it's in the attic, over a room that we rarely enter. Sooooooooooo, fat chance that I would hear the BEEP.  (I suffer from audio loss anyway).  I think I like your suggestion: call them and give them a call and see if they'll move it; or, wait 'til 1 year + 1 day to have it replaced - just in case, their call.  Otherwise I'd have to wait until it's dead before I call them.  Improbable if the phone system is dead.

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Re: Replace Backup Battery
77Blackhawk
Newbie

Mine began beeping about a week ago.  I could find nowhere on the general website that addressed this problem--even in the automated help (i always got remote control battery replacement...not helpful).  Nor was i initially able to get real, live tech support.  This morning i got through and was advised consistent with this string: ie verizon warantees the back-up battery for one year only; after that it is your problem.  the website is: 

                                                         fios.asurion.com

please note: there is no www. before the address.

there are only three tabs on the website: home; order; log-in.

the battery at this time costs just under $50.00 (not sure what shipping is).  

I am pleased with Fios (though the Verizon customer support website could use some help), but charging you 50 bucks to replace the battery is something not even the cable company would do.

note also: the back-up battery powers only your phone service in the event of a power outage (according to tech support; no internet, no tv).  So...i thought (and was advised by tech support) i could just take out the battery to get rid of the beeping...didn't work.

hope this helps you avoid what it took me to figure out.

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Re: Replace Backup Battery
Justin46
Legend

77Blackhawk,

Before you buy a battery from Verizon for $46 plus shipping, you might want to check at some local stores, like Batteries Plus if you have one near you (and they usually have a 20% off coupon in the local paper that might do even better). I have heard that the batteries Verizon uses are pretty generic and you can frequently find them locally in lots of places, usually for $20 to $30 or so. You should take the existing battery with you to make sure you get the correct equivalent, with the correct terminals, and of course I would call first.

I may be facing this in the near future, my FiOS has been installed for just about 4 years now, and the power supply with battery is in the garage, very near the garage door which does not seal very well, so the temperature in there get down as low as maybe 25 in the winter and up to maybe 105 in the summer. I apparently have a very good battery right now Smiley Very Happy

__________________________________
Justin
Verizon FiOS TV, Internet, and phone
IMG 1.6.2, Build 08.58
Keller, TX 76248 

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