Almost every lead-acid PowerShield UPS uses 12 V 9 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries; only the quantity changes by model. Replace them with the standard PSB12-9 or the longer-life PSB12-9-10YR (10-year design life). The Commander RT and Centurion RT rack/tower models take hot-swappable clamshell cartridges: PSBC2, PSBC3, PSBC4 or PSBC6. For longer runtime, add a matching battery bank: PSRTBB6, PSRTBB8, PSRTBB12, PSRTBB16 or PSCERBB20.
Quick answer: find your model in the table below, order that quantity of PSB12-9 batteries or the listed cartridge, and recycle the old batteries. LiFePO4 models (Centurion RT LiFePO4, Ninja) and the DC Mini do not use these batteries. ARC IP Networks is a trusted PowerShield supplier in Australia: genuine stock at competitive prices, with the full PowerShield Australian warranty, Australia-wide delivery and trade pricing.
Signs your UPS battery needs replacing
A UPS is only as good as its battery, and every battery wears out. PowerShield says that how long it lasts depends on where the UPS is placed, the temperature it runs in, maintenance, how often it cycles and the quality of the mains power. The usual warnings are:
- Beeping that isn't explained by a power cut, overload or fault (PowerShield's most frequently asked question).
- A BR icon on the LCD of Commander and Centurion models, which means the batteries need replacing.
- A battery warning in PowerShield's free NetGuard software, which tests the battery at regular intervals.
- Noticeably shorter runtime than when the UPS was new.
PowerShield's general advice is to replace batteries around the 3-year mark, or sooner where power conditions are poor, and to have the UPS checked every 3 years to make sure the batteries still accept a full charge. Lead-acid batteries last longest in rooms kept between 20 and 25°C.
The two PowerShield replacement batteries
| PSB12-9 | PSB12-9-10YR | |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShield description | Replacement batteries for all models | Suitable for all PowerShield lead-acid UPSs |
| Type | Sealed lead-acid (VRLA, AGM), 12 V 9 Ah | Sealed lead-acid (VRLA, AGM), 12 V 9 Ah |
| Design life (standby, 25°C) | Up to 5 years | Up to 8 years (10-year design life class) |
| Weight | About 2.5 kg | About 2.7 kg |
| Size (L x W x H) | 151 x 65 x 99 mm | 151 x 65 x 99 mm |
| Terminals | F2 (Faston 250) | F2 (Faston 250) |
From PowerShield product pages and the battery technical data sheets PowerShield publishes for each battery.
Both batteries are the same size with the same terminals, so the choice comes down to service life. The 10-year design life battery suits sites where a battery change means a site visit, such as a comms cabinet on a remote farm or a ceiling-mounted rack. PowerShield describes it as perfect for installations where maintenance is key.
Which battery fits your PowerShield model?
Battery quantities come from PowerShield's product pages; cartridges and battery banks from PowerShield's Battery Pack Selection Guide. All batteries are 12 V 9 Ah unless noted.
Rack/tower models (cartridges and battery banks)
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| UPS model | Batteries | Replacement cartridge | Matching battery bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander RT 1100VA (PSCRT1100) | 2 | PSBC2 | Not expandable |
| Centurion RT 1000VA (PSCERT1000) | 3 | PSBC3 | PSRTBB6 |
| Centurion RT 1500VA (PSCERT1500) | 3 | PSBC3 | PSRTBB6 |
| Commander RT 2000VA (PSCRT2000) | 4 | PSBC4 | PSRTBB8 |
| Centurion RT 2000VA Short Base (PSCERT2000SB) | 4 | PSBC4 | PSRTBB8 |
| Centurion RT 2000VA (PSCERT2000) | 6 | PSBC6 | PSRTBB12 |
| Centurion RT 3000VA (PSCERT3000) | 6 | PSBC6 | PSRTBB12 |
| Commander RT 3000VA (PSCRT3000) | 6 | PSBC6 | PSRTBB12 |
| Centurion RT 6000VA Long Run (PSCERT6000L) | External banks | n/a | PSRTBB16 or PSCERBB20 |
Checked against PowerShield's Battery Pack Selection Guide (external battery pack matching chart and clamshell cartridge table). The PSCERT1500 is not printed in the chart; its PSBC3 cartridge and PSRTBB6 bank come from its product page and the PSRTBB quick guide. The chart prints the 20-battery bank as PSRTBB20; PowerShield sells it as the PSCERBB20. Long Run models run from external battery banks.
Tower, rack and powerboard models (individual batteries)
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| UPS model | Batteries | Replace with |
|---|---|---|
| SafeGuard 750VA (PSG750) | 1 x 12 V 9 Ah | 1 x PSB12-9 |
| SafeGuard 1000VA (PSG1000) | 1 x 12 V 9 Ah | 1 x PSB12-9 |
| Defender 650VA (PSD650) | 1 x 12 V 9 Ah | 1 x PSB12-9 |
| Defender 1200VA (PSD1200) | 2 x 12 V 7 Ah (as listed) | Confirm with the PowerShield battery lookup or our team |
| Defender 1600VA (PSD1600) | 2 x 12 V 9 Ah | 2 x PSB12-9 |
| Defender 2000VA (PSD2000) | 2 x 12 V 9 Ah | 2 x PSB12-9 |
| Defender Rackmount 800VA (PSDR800) | 1 x 12 V 9 Ah | 1 x PSB12-9 |
| Defender Rackmount 1500VA (PSDR1500) | 2 x 12 V 9 Ah long life | 2 x PSB12-9-10YR |
| Commander Tower 1100VA (PSCM1100) | 2 x 12 V 9 Ah | 2 x PSB12-9 |
| Commander Tower 2000VA (PSCM2000) | 4 x 12 V 9 Ah | 4 x PSB12-9 |
| Centurion 1000VA tower (PSCE1000) | 3 x 12 V 9 Ah | 3 x PSB12-9 |
| Centurion 2000VA tower (PSCE2000) | 6 x 12 V 9 Ah | 6 x PSB12-9 |
| Centurion 3000VA tower (PSCE3000) | 6 x 12 V 9 Ah | 6 x PSB12-9 |
| Centurion 6000VA tower (PSCE6000) | 20 x 12 V 9 Ah | Large unit: use a PowerShield service agent |
Battery type and quantity from PowerShield product pages and the SafeGuard brochure. Either PSB12-9 or PSB12-9-10YR suits these lead-acid models.
The Centurion tower models (PSCE) extend runtime with their own tower battery banks. PowerShield's chart matches the PSCE1000 with the PSCEBB6, the PSCE2000 and PSCE3000 with the PSCEBB12 or PSCEBB18CH, and the PSCE6000 with the PSCEBB40 or PSCEBB60CH; these are available on request. Not on these lists: the Centurion RT LiFePO4 and Ninja Slimline use LiFePO4, and the DC Mini has a 3.7 V 2600 mAh lithium-ion battery that PowerShield says to replace through your dealer.
Clamshell battery cartridges (PSBC)
On the Commander RT and Centurion RT, the batteries come as a pre-wired clamshell cartridge, so you swap the whole set in one piece. The number in the part number is the number of batteries: the PSBC4 holds four 12 V 9 Ah batteries and suits the PSCRT2000 and PSCERT2000SB; a PSRTBB8 battery bank takes two of them. Both ranges are designed with hot-swappable batteries, so the cartridge can be changed while the UPS keeps running.
The Defender, Defender Rackmount and SafeGuard ranges have user-replaceable batteries, and PowerShield publishes how-to videos for certain models on its YouTube channel. For larger and hardwired UPSs, PowerShield's maintenance guidance is to refer service work to a professional service agent, because dangerous voltages exist inside even when the UPS is switched off.
Extended battery modules (EBMs)
A battery bank adds runtime rather than replacing the internal batteries. Each one is matched to specific UPS models, and the number in the part number is the battery count.
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| Battery bank | Batteries | Size (D x W x H) | Weight | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSRTBB6 | 6 (2 x PSBC3) | 480 x 438 x 88 mm, 2U | 22 kg | PSCERT1000, PSCERT1500 |
| PSRTBB8 | 8 (2 x PSBC4) | 480 x 438 x 88 mm, 2U | 25 kg | PSCRT2000, PSCERT2000SB |
| PSRTBB12 | 12 (2 x PSBC6) | 600 x 438 x 88 mm, 2U | 42.7 kg | PSCERT2000, PSCERT3000, PSCRT3000 |
| PSRTBB16 | 16 | 733 x 438 x 88 mm, 2U | 54 kg | PSCERT6000L, PSCERT10KL |
| PSCERBB20 | 20, 10-year design life | 580 x 438 x 133 mm, 3U | 64 kg | PSCERT6000L, PSCERT10KL |
From PowerShield product pages and the Battery Pack Selection Guide.
Battery banks are heavy, so mount them low in the rack on rails such as the PSRK (80 kg rated). For how much runtime a bank adds, see our battery bank runtime guide: PowerShield's Centurion Extendable sheet gives a Centurion RT 2000VA at a 1500VA server load 18 minutes alone, 67 with one PSRTBB12 and 101 with two, while its UPS run chart gives 16, 61 and 111 minutes. Our UPS sizing guide covers the load side.
Replacing the battery: the short version
- Identify the exact model. The model and serial number are on the label. PowerShield support asks for the serial number to confirm the model and date of manufacture.
- Check the warranty. PowerShield's lead-acid UPS warranties include the batteries (2 years, or 3 years on registered Commander and Centurion single-phase models). A battery failure inside that period is a warranty matter; contact us first.
- Order the right part. Use the tables above, or PowerShield's online battery lookup tool, to confirm the battery type and quantity or the cartridge.
- Swap it safely. Follow the user manual or PowerShield's videos for user-replaceable models; use a service agent for hardwired units.
- Recycle the old battery (see below), then let the UPS recharge fully before relying on it.
Recycling old UPS batteries in Australia
PowerShield UPS batteries contain lead-acid or, in the DC and LiFePO4 series, lithium, so they are classed as Dangerous Goods and become Controlled Hazardous Waste once used. Don't put them in household rubbish. Your options, per PowerShield:
- Return used lead-acid batteries to any Battery World store, which can also swap and recycle them for you.
- Use a B-cycle drop-off point; some also accept lithium batteries, depending on location. PowerShield is a member of the Battery Stewardship Council and the B-cycle program.
- Return used batteries and equipment to PowerShield's Perth head office for free recycling through Westref Enviro.
- Search Planet Ark's Recycling Near You for local options.
PowerShield batteries, cartridges and battery banks
Live Australian pricing (inc. GST) and availability are shown on each product page.
Standard replacement battery for PowerShield lead-acid UPSs.
Long-life version for sites where maintenance is costly.
Buying genuine PowerShield from ARC IP Networks
ARC IP Networks is a trusted PowerShield supplier in Australia: genuine stock at competitive prices, with the full PowerShield Australian warranty, Australia-wide delivery and trade pricing.
- Genuine PowerShield stock with the PowerShield Australian warranty, and warranty and RMA questions handled locally by our team.
- Australia-wide delivery, or free pickup from 6 George Street, Blackburn VIC 3130.
- Trade accounts for installers, integrators and MSPs, plus project and volume pricing on larger jobs.
- Pre-sales help on 1300 100 440 (Mon to Fri, 9 to 5 Melbourne time) or info@arcip.com.au.
See the full PowerShield range at ARC IP Networks.
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed October 2026.
Most PowerShield lead-acid UPSs use 12 V 9 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries; the number varies by model. The replacements are the PSB12-9 and the 10-year design life PSB12-9-10YR. Centurion RT and Commander RT models use PSBC clamshell cartridges.
PowerShield recommends replacing batteries around the 3-year mark, or sooner where power conditions are poor, and having the UPS checked every 3 years.
The standard Centurion RT 2000VA (PSCERT2000) takes a PSBC6 cartridge. The Centurion RT 2000VA Short Base (PSCERT2000SB) takes a PSBC4, as does the Commander RT 2000VA.
Yes. The Defender, Defender Rackmount and SafeGuard ranges have user-replaceable batteries, and PowerShield publishes how-to videos for certain models. Hardwired and larger UPSs should be serviced by a professional.
It is where battery changes are costly. Both are 12 V 9 Ah and the same size, but the published data gives the 10-year battery up to 8 years in standby service at 25°C against up to 5 years for the standard battery.
No. A battery bank such as the PSRTBB12 adds runtime alongside the internal batteries, and it must be matched to the UPS model.
From ARC IP Networks. ARC IP Networks is a trusted PowerShield supplier in Australia: genuine stock at competitive prices, with the full PowerShield Australian warranty, Australia-wide delivery and trade pricing. PowerShield also lists its partners and Battery World as sources of replacement batteries.
Need the right battery for your UPS?
Send us the model and serial number from the label and we will confirm the battery, cartridge or battery bank before you order.