Schneider 58983 Emergency Lighting Replacement Battery 3.6V 2000mAh

Schneider 58983 Series — 3.6V Ni-CD Replacement Battery (OVA58983)

This is a 3.6V, 2000mAh Ni-CD cell for Schneider emergency lighting units fitted to models including 58983, TD310333, OVA58983, and 786966. It slots directly into the existing battery housing and connects to the onboard charge controller. Capacity is 2000mAh (7.2Wh), matching the original cell specification.

• Shared cell across the 58983 family: These units run the same 3.6V charge rail and use the same bayonet-style cell connector across the model range, so one cell covers multiple fitting variants without modification.
• Bench tested on actual hardware: We ran this cell through the charge controller on a 58983 fitting. The controller accepted the cell voltage within the float window, moved from bulk charge to trickle, and the status LED shifted to green after a full charge cycle.
• 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 and lets the charge controller register actual cell capacity before your next scheduled compliance check.

Emergency light failing its duration test after battery replacement

A brand-new Ni-CD cell does not leave storage at full capacity. The electrochemical plates need at least one complete charge-discharge cycle before they reach rated capacity. Running a duration test immediately after installation will almost always result in the light cutting out early, triggering a compliance failure. Allow 24 hours on charge before the first test, then run the full duration cycle to condition the cell to its 2000mAh rating.

Charge indicator staying red after new cell installation

If the charge LED stays red after fitting the new cell, the charge controller has likely seen a cell voltage outside its float acceptance window — common when the replacement has self-discharged in storage below 3.2V. The controller can stall in fault mode rather than start a bulk charge. Disconnect the cell, wait 30 seconds, reconnect, and confirm the terminal voltage reads at least 3.2V before reconnection. If the LED shifts to amber or begins pulsing, the bulk charge cycle has started correctly.