Application design example: This article uses Surlon Power's published product specifications to illustrate a possible low-voltage backup design. It does not describe a verified customer deployment or measured project results.
A small communication or remote monitoring node may need backup power for its router, gateway and monitoring electronics when mains power fails. In this design example, the equipment uses a compatible 12V power system and the engineering objective is to assess a compact lithium replacement for an existing SLA battery.
The key decision is whether the battery works with the complete power system. A matching voltage label alone does not establish compatibility. The charger, load voltage range, transfer circuitry, enclosure and protection settings all need to be reviewed together.
Surlon Power lists its 12.8V 30Ah LiFePO4 SLA replacement battery for compatible backup, security, monitoring and telecom systems. Published specifications include 384Wh nominal energy, approximately 152 × 100 × 131mm dimensions, 2.8kg weight, 20A continuous discharge and an IP65 enclosure. The listed cycle rating exceeds 2,000 cycles at 0.2C and 100% depth of discharge; this is a test rating, not a guaranteed standby service life.
This example concerns a small low-voltage communication node. It does not propose connecting this single 12.8V battery directly to a conventional -48V telecom power bus.
Before selecting capacity, record the normal power consumption and start-up demand of every device that will remain online. Include the router, modem, gateway, sensors and any DC conversion losses. Measure the combined demand where possible, rather than relying only on individual nameplate ratings.
The load must also tolerate the battery's full operating voltage range. If regulated output is needed, select a suitable DC converter and account for its efficiency and input limits.
For an initial design estimate, divide the energy budget available to the load by its power demand:
Estimated runtime = nominal battery energy × planned usable fraction × conversion efficiency ÷ load power.
For example, assume a 20W load, an 80% usable-energy planning allowance and 90% conversion efficiency. Using the listed 384Wh nominal energy gives 384 × 0.80 × 0.90 ÷ 20 = approximately 13.8 hours.
Those percentages and the 20W load are illustrative assumptions, not product test results. Actual runtime depends on battery condition, temperature, discharge rate, converter behavior and system cut-off settings. A discharge test with the intended equipment is needed before making a runtime commitment.
An SLA charger should not be assumed suitable for LiFePO4. Review its charge stages, voltage limits and standby behavior with the battery supplier. The product page lists a recommended charging current of 6A and a charging temperature range of 0°C to 45°C.
The backup design also needs to manage the transition from mains to battery power. Test power loss and restoration with the actual electronics connected. Confirm that transfer behavior does not reset the equipment and that the charger can restore the battery while supplying the normal load.
Check cabinet clearance, terminal access, cable routing and mounting security before ordering. Confirm the fuse, cable size and disconnect arrangement against the complete system's current requirements. Battery protection supports safe operation but does not replace correct installation.
The product's IP65 rating does not make the complete cabinet waterproof. The design must also address cable entries, condensation, ambient temperature and site exposure. A cabinet used in cold weather needs charging controls that respect the specified temperature limits.
The result is a defined evaluation path: a candidate battery, a transparent runtime estimate, a charger review and a set of equipment-level tests. It establishes what must be confirmed before deployment, rather than claiming field performance or cost savings without measurements.
For a pilot installation, useful acceptance records include measured backup duration, successful power-transfer events, recharge time, temperature observations and inspection results. These records can support a future customer case study with documented outcomes.
Share the equipment voltage range, measured load, target backup time, cabinet dimensions, charger details, site temperatures and expected quantity when requesting a battery recommendation. This gives the supplier a clear basis for reviewing compatibility.
Explore Surlon Power SLA replacement batteries or contact Surlon Power to discuss a configuration for your communication or monitoring equipment.
