ACR EPIRB Battery and Service #1096NH (LiMnO2) Sat2 406 Class 2 (RLB-32) Non Hazmat (Not Backward Compatible)
Description
Authorized Battery Replacement
The 1096NH is a battery replacement and beacon servicing program rather than a battery sold for customer installation. The complete EPIRB must be sent to an authorized battery replacement center, where trained technicians open, service, reseal, and test the unit.
ACR states that there are no user-serviceable components inside the beacon. Authorized servicing helps ensure that the EPIRB remains properly sealed and functional after the battery housing has been opened.
Inspection, Sealing, and Functional Testing
Battery replacement includes more than installing new cells. ACR’s service requirements call for replacement of the beacon’s O-rings, testing of the water seal and electrical properties, and a complete functional test.
The beacon is checked before being returned to service so that its emergency transmitters and physical sealing can be evaluated after the battery replacement.
Five-Year Service Interval
The RLB-32 NH battery should be serviced five years after the beacon is placed into service, but no later than the expiration date printed on the battery housing. Battery replacement is also required after the beacon has been activated for any purpose other than its approved self-test.
The serviced battery system is designed to support a minimum of 48 hours of emergency operation under the beacon’s specified Class 2 operating conditions.
Model-Specific Compatibility
Part number 1096NH is intended specifically for Satellite2 406 Class 2 RLB-32 beacons that display “NH” as part of the model number. The NH designation identifies the applicable lithium battery configuration.
This service is not interchangeable with earlier RLB-32 battery versions. The complete model number and battery marking should be confirmed before the beacon is submitted for service.
Shipping the Beacon for Service
Although the NH model is identified by ACR as using a non-hazardous battery configuration, lithium-battery shipping rules may still apply based on the beacon’s condition, carrier, destination, and current regulations. Shipping instructions should be confirmed before sending the EPIRB to the service center.
Technical Specifications
Durability
- Beacon operating temperature after service, Class 2: -4°F to 131°F (-20°C to 55°C)
- Beacon storage temperature, Class 2: -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C)
- Water seal inspected and tested during authorized battery service
- O-rings replaced during service
Included
- Replacement 1096NH LiMnO₂ battery system
- Replacement beacon O-rings and applicable seals
- Water-seal testing
- Electrical testing
- Complete beacon functional test
- Updated battery expiration marking or label
- Return of the serviced EPIRB
Battery
- Battery chemistry: Lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO₂)
- Battery configuration: Three battery packs
- Cells per pack: Three 2/3A cells
- Minimum beacon operating life: 48 hours
- Replacement interval: Five years after being placed into service or by the marked battery expiration date, whichever occurs first
- Replacement also required after emergency activation or any activation other than an approved self-test
Additional
- Service part number: 1096NH
- Compatible beacon: ACR Satellite2 406
- Beacon model: RLB-32 with “NH” in the model designation
- Beacon classification: Class 2
- Not backward compatible with earlier RLB-32 battery configurations
- Authorized service-center installation required
- Battery is not intended for customer installation
- Lithium-battery shipping requirements may still apply
