# How often should you change a PLC battery?

**URL:** <https://forumautomation.com/t/how-often-should-you-change-a-plc-battery/12953>\
**Category:** PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers)\
**Tags:** plc\
**Created:** [January 14, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/how-often-should-you-change-a-plc-battery/12953 "2025-01-14T14:51:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Instrument\_Engineer](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/instrument_engineer/32/6734_2.png) [@Instrument\_Engineer](https://forumautomation.com/u/Instrument_Engineer)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/how-often-should-you-change-a-plc-battery/12953/1 "2025-01-14T14:51:43Z")

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How often should you change a PLC battery?

 ![image](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/2X/b/b904689ed0a3adafed960cbaf67f6ea65534b8e1.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![automation\_engineer6](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/automation_engineer6/32/7656_2.png) [@automation\_engineer6](https://forumautomation.com/u/automation_engineer6)\
**Post date:** [January 24, 2025, 6:54am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/how-often-should-you-change-a-plc-battery/12953/2 "2025-01-24T06:54:42Z")

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Typically, you should change a PLC battery every 3 to 5 years, though it can vary based on the model and battery type. The battery keeps the real-time clock running and holds memory when the PLC loses power.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. **Manufacturer’s Advice:** Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific PLC, as this will be the most accurate for your setup.
2. **Battery Type:** Some PLCs use long-lasting batteries like lithium, while others might need a change sooner, especially if they use rechargeable types.
3. **Usage:** If the PLC is frequently turned on and off or exposed to temperature changes, it might require more frequent battery replacements.
4. **Battery Alerts:** Many PLCs will give you a heads-up when the battery is running low, which can be really helpful in avoiding unexpected issues.

It’s a good idea to swap out the battery before it dies completely to prevent losing important settings or data!