About this replacement
Candelux M-BA 8-65.3 — 7.2V Ni-CD Replacement Battery (98100242)
This is a 7.2V, 4000mAh Ni-CD replacement battery for the Candelux M-BA 8-65.3 emergency lighting unit. It replaces OEM part 98100242 and restores the unit's ability to power emergency exit signs and backup lighting during a mains failure. Capacity is 28.8Wh — matched to the original cell specification.
- M-BA 8-65.3 fitment: The M-BA 8-65.3 uses a dedicated Ni-CD cell pack at 7.2V with a specific connector and physical footprint. The charge controller in this fitting is tuned to Ni-CD float and charge rates — substituting a different chemistry would trip the controller and prevent proper float maintenance.
- Bench tested on actual hardware: We ran this cell through a full charge cycle and a load test replicating the fitting's emergency draw. The BMS accepted the cell without fault, and the charge controller transitioned from charge to float as expected.
- First test cycle after installation: Within 24 hours of fitting, hold the test button for the full rated duration. This confirms the new cell accepts load under real conditions and allows the charge controller to register the new cell capacity before your next scheduled compliance inspection.
Emergency light failing its duration test after battery replacement
A fresh Ni-CD cell shipped from storage is rarely at full capacity on arrival. The charge controller in the M-BA 8-65.3 will begin charging immediately, but Ni-CD chemistry typically needs one full charge-discharge cycle to reach rated capacity. If the unit cuts out before the test duration completes, the cell has not yet been conditioned — not a fault with the battery. Allow a full 24-hour charge after installation, then run the manual test. Rated capacity should be confirmed at 4000mAh after that first complete cycle.
Charge indicator staying red after new battery installation
A Ni-CD cell that has been in storage can arrive with a terminal voltage outside the M-BA 8-65.3 controller's float acceptance window — typically below 6.5V after extended shelf time. The controller reads this as an anomalous state and holds the fault or charging LED rather than progressing to green. Leave the fitting connected to mains for a minimum of 24 hours; the controller will trickle-charge the cell until voltage rises into the accepted range and then shift to float. If the indicator remains red past 48 hours, check that the connector is fully seated and contact is clean.