Battery BackUp- Universal Service Obligations

[zunzuneg]

I would like to know several points on the subject: Is it an obligation (universal service) for Verizon to install the Battery BackUp? How long will it work? (4 hours?) How much is the cost of one unit?

                                                  Thanks

[Tripredacus]

The battery backup is installed on every install. I haven't been able to pin down the actual battery usage life. I've heard anywhere between 4 hours and 12 hours, both quoted as talktime or actual power. What I do know is this:

The battery is rechargable, so when the power comes back on, it'll recharge again.
It has a 1 year warranty from Verizon, so if it won't charge, they'll replace it.
The batteries have a 5-7 year life span, and are able to be bought personally.

[Justin]

The ONT that provides the interface between the fiber coming to your house and the copper within your house requires electrical power, and that is supplied by the Battery Backup Unit (BBU). FiOS simply will not work without it. The BBU must be plugged into an always-live electrical outlet. My installers insisted that the outlet NOT be a GFCI, because the GFCI can trip and you won't know about it, and the battery will discharge, and then you won't have phone service.

I have had FiOS TV and Internet service for over a year and have not had any power failures long enough to really see how long the battery will last, but I believe the little Verizon FiOS book they gave me at install says at least 4 hours. On another forum earlier this year there was a raging debate amoung a few members, hundreds of posts, about the BBU, how long in would last, etc. If you are really concerned about the available up-time. the simple solution is to go buy a relatively inexpensive UPS and plug the BBU into that, and that into the outlet. Then when the power fails, the UPS powers the BBU until it runs out, and then the BBU does its thing. Depending on the size of the UPS you get, your service could last for days.

By the way, when power goes off, the BBU supposedly powers the Internet portion for only about 5 minutes, then shuts that down to preserve the battery for the phone service.

The batteryis user-replaceable, so when it dies in 4 or 5 years you are responsible for buying the replacement. I hve not checked, but a number of folks have siaid it is a common battery you can typically get for $20-25.

[Tripredacus]

In the area that I am in, gas-powered generators are common. Some people have connected their generators to the circuit that the Battery Backup is connected to, and if the power goes out their battery never kicks on and they can use the phone for as long as their generator lasts. Idea is similar to using a UPS I suppose.

[CAFiosTech]

By the way, when power goes off, the BBU supposedly powers the Internet portion for only about 5 minutes, then shuts that down to preserve the battery for the phone service.

The batteryis user-replaceable, so when it dies in 4 or 5 years you are responsible for buying the replacement. I hve not checked, but a number of folks have siaid it is a common battery you can typically get for $20-25.

Actually when the BBU reports to the ONT that its running on battery it will shutdown your internet portion almost immediately.
The battery in most cases (I am not aware of the styles in other states) are sometimes commonly used motorcycle batterys assuming you get a battery with the same volt and amp ratings.