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Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:15:38 GMT

Just out of interest, are these battery back-up units for the SmartHub?

If so, are they available for non-BT customers to buy?

I'm with Plusnet now, but the routers are basically the same.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:23:57 GMT

@Anonymous

They are for the Smart Hub 2 to allow BT Digital Voice to work in the event of a power cut, so people still have a phone service.

As a Plusnet customer its not going to affect you, unless you use your phone line. In which case you will have to be migrated to BT Retail, as Plusnet are no longer providing a phone service.

The (12V) backup units can be be purchased, but they are expensive and in short supply.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:50:22 GMT

@Keith_Beddoe

Thanks for the reply.

Although I don't have Digital Voice, or use the Plusnet landline, I rely on WiFi Calling as the EE signal is poor inside my home.

When you say "expensive", do you have any idea of the cost - or can you tell me the correct name of the item? I have tried looking on the EE Shop, but they either don't sell them, or I'm using the wrong search terms.

I have another plan to "lash" something up with an old 12 volt battery pack I have, but the purpose designed device would probably look neater as our Plusnet Hub is in a prominent position in the lounge.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

HHGTTG — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:50:45 GMT

They only have a relatively short back up life though, don't they? Not more than an hour or so, or have I got it wrong?

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:55:09 GMT

They were about £85 and lasted about an hour.

https://store.ee.co.uk/products/cyberpower-back-up-for-bt-digital-voice-service--non-fttp--091297-FV54.html

Far better and cheaper to sort out your own 12V backup system.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:59:24 GMT

@HHGTTG @Keith_Beddoe

Thanks for the replies.

I'm on FTTC, so I think that the weak link in the chain is the batteries in the cabinet - which I believe are only spec'd to maintain service for about 30 minutes if the mains supply fails?

Assuming that is correct, being able to keep our router running for an hour would be more than adequate.

Keith - if you can find a link, or the proper name for the item, I will try to see if they are available second-hand maybe.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:04:04 GMT

I have posted a link.

For close that price you can get a mains UPS that will do the same thing.

APC by Schneider Electric BACK-UPS ES - BE850G2-UK - Uninterruptible Power Supply 850VA (8 Outlets, Surge Protected, 2 USB Charging Ports), Black, Pack of 1

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:08:08 GMT

Or even this may work, if you really get that many power cuts.

Eaton 3S Mini UPS 36W 9/12/15/19 DC to protect Internet routers, IP cameras, home assistants and smart controllers

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:17:44 GMT

@Keith_Beddoe

"I have posted a link."

Sorry - I missed that.

Unfortunately, the item is out of stock. Probably why it didn't show up on my search?

I will re-investigate my own solution.

IIRC, the DC power connector is a "non-standard" size. I do have a spare mains PSU for the SH2 that I could butcher, but I'm reluctant to do so just for the power connector.

Do you happen to know the DC plug dimensions please?

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:22:33 GMT

No idea of the plug, but someone did post it on the forum.

I use a mains UPS to power home hub 4, and associated stuff.

I am on ADSL, so I do not have to worry about a power loss at the cabinet.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:35:57 GMT

Do you have the SH2 version of the Plusnet router or the older HH5?

Bear in mind that the BT UPS is available in two versions, one for a FTTP ONT & one for the SH2. Both are identical bar the DC output cable. The SH2 for some reason uses an obscure DC power socket. So If you have the HH5, the SH2 cable won't fit. I've no idea if the ONT one would, so it's something to be aware of.

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:49:06 GMT

@Anonymous

Thanks for the reply.

I have the Plusnet Hub 2, which is effectively a BT SH2.

I also have my old BT SH2 still, (hence the "spare" power supply), as BT didn't ask for it back when I moved to Plusnet a few years ago.

Always good to have a spare! 😀

Re: Requesting Battery Backup

WSH — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:52:19 GMT

I don’t know whether it would be the same in this case but, if it helps, I do know the dc plug on the SH2 is the same as the one on the Home Hub 5a. (Note, the type A. The type B was different).