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. The truth is that between one and two years would be a safe estimate, but when you’re relying on a battery to provide you emergency backup power in the event of a power problem, it is wiser to err on the side of safety. 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.
Replacing your emergency flashlight’s batteries is comparable to this practice. Rather than wait and find out the next time ligtening strikes a generator that the batteries inside your flashlight do not work, check them out beforehand to make sure they do work.
Before buying your new RBC11 battery, make sure to take a look at your current battery and write down the specifications. Hardware manufacturers have a tendancy to change their specifications without notice; beware of this because the manufacturers website may list one size and your RBC11 may be a different size entirely. One of the most common complaints registered with RBC11 battery retailers is that the battery does not fit. 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. You’re actually not allowed to simply drop your old battery in the trash, as they contain various leads and acids. When you are looking to replace your battery, check out the company’s website to see if they offer a safe disposal plan. Most of them will let you use the same box your new battery arrived in to send the old one back.