About this replacement
awex AXNC Series — 4.8V Ni-MH Replacement Battery (NC18670-S8)
This is a 4.8V, 9000mAh Ni-MH replacement battery for awex AXNC series and ANX series emergency lighting units. It replaces the OEM cell pack that powers the fitting during mains failure, carrying the same voltage and chemistry the charge controller expects. Use the OEM part number NC18670-S8 to confirm this is the correct cell for your fitting before installation.
- AXNC and ANX series compatibility: Both series run the same 4.8V Ni-MH charge circuit and use the same NC18670-S8 cell configuration. The connector pinout and cell count match across these units, so the charge controller recognises the new pack without modification.
- Bench tested on actual hardware: We ran this pack through a full charge cycle and a load test simulating emergency discharge. The BMS accepted charge without flagging a fault, and cell voltage held within the expected window under continuous draw.
- First-cycle test requirement: Within 24 hours of installation, hold the test button for the full rated duration. This lets the charge controller register the new cell capacity and confirms the pack accepts load before your next scheduled compliance test.
Charge indicator staying red after new battery installation
A new Ni-MH cell pack arrives partially discharged after time in storage. If the resting voltage sits outside the float acceptance window the charge controller uses to begin charging, the fitting will hold a fault or red charge state. This is not a faulty battery or a faulty fitting — it is a voltage mismatch at the start of the charge cycle. Leave the fitting connected to mains for a full 24-hour charge before drawing any conclusion. If the indicator is still red after 24 hours, measure the pack voltage at the connector — it should read at or above 4.8V to confirm charging has progressed.
Emergency light failing its duration test after battery replacement
A freshly installed Ni-MH pack has not yet reached full rated capacity — Ni-MH cells require at least one complete charge and discharge cycle to condition the cells to their rated 9000mAh. If a duration test is run immediately after installation, the pack will cut off early and the fitting will fail the test. Allow a minimum 24-hour charge on mains before running any compliance test. After the first full test cycle, the pack will deliver its rated capacity on subsequent tests.