Back up Power

A backup power supply (battery) is required for your digital voice service to be in service in the event of a power outage. A backup battery, such as what Algona Municipal Utilities has provided and installed, will allow regular corded landline phones to work during a power outage and to maintain the ability to connect to 911 emergency services. When a power outage occurs, you should ensure that you have one corded single-line touchtone phone connected directly to the Wi-Fi gateway or your in-home wiring (wall jack) and the gateway connected directly to the Battery Backup Unit. If you connect a cordless phone, it will not function without a separate battery backup, and not all cordless phones are so equipped.

Our backup battery allows you to continue to use your home voice service during a power outage. Without a backup battery, you will not be able to make any calls, including emergency calls to 911. Our backup battery does not provide power to any service other than voice. Home security systems, medical monitoring devices and other equipment will not run on a home phone backup battery.

The battery backup is expected to last up to 8 hours in the event of a power outage depending upon battery age, usage, and environment. Additional batteries can be purchased from AMU if you want 24-hour battery backup capability. The estimated life expectancy for the battery is 5-8 years depending on power outage frequency and environment.

Backup battery replacements are available directly from Algona Municipal Utilities. If you have any questions on how to request and obtain a replacement unit, please call (515) 295-3584.

Battery backup units will display a battery light when the battery needs replaced. A battery in working condition displays a green light. If you see no light, an orange or red-light contact AMU to replace the battery.

Algona Municipal Utilities does not supply any warranty on the battery backup unit.