Can I add battery backup to my AC powered G Series system?

This article details the option to retrofit or factory equip your G Series AC powered system with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) + battery backup, known as a "hybrid system".

Product applicability

The following products are discussed in this article:

G Series: SC315-G, R820-G, R829-G and R247-G

The G Series AC cabinet can be optioned, or retrofitted, with a UPS instead of the stock 60 W power supply. With the UPS you are able to add any of the following battery sizes:

7 Ah
18 Ah
35 Ah

The larger the battery the longer the run time will be when AC power is disconnected.

Having a battery backup is very useful for school zone beacons. If your R829-G AC system loses power or is turned off it can lose it's date/time reference for when the beacons should turn on and off.

What hardware is required

Systems configured from the factory will have the UPS installed and include one battery.

For retrofit opportunities you will receive the UPS, battery, and necessary wiring. The 35 Ah battery configuration will require a new AC "backplane" with the UPS installed and battery, including necessary wiring.

Theory of Operation

With the UPS installed the system will perform as such:

AC power is present
- UPS supplies DC power to beacon system
- UPS float charges battery
AC power is disconnected
- UPS switches over to battery power
AC power is recovered
- UPS disconnects battery and begins charging
- UPS supplies DC power to beacon system

For information on retrofitting an existing system in the field please contact us using the chat box in the bottom right corner of the page 🗨️ at https://carmanah.com/contact-support/.