How to stay connected to your Cable Home Phone service during a power outage
This article describes how to install a backup battery system to keep you connected to your Cable Home Phone service during a power outage.
If you’re on the Northwestel Cable Phone network and subscribe to Cable Home Phone service, your service is provided through an Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (eMTA) modem.
Your Cable Home Phone service won’t work during a power outage (including access to 911 and emergency services) unless backup power is correctly installed, and the battery hasn’t been depleted.
You can purchase a backup power system for your eMTA modem from us. The system, which is called a Battery Backup Unit (BBU), contains a backup battery. It provides power to the modem to keep your phone service working in the event of a power outage.
A fully charged backup battery gives you approximately four hours of phone usage during a power outage.
Important: If the battery charge runs out, you won’t have access to your Cable Home Phone service (including access to 9-1-1 or emergency services) until power is restored. Keep in mind that most cordless phones require electricity. To use your Cable Home Phone service during a power outage, in addition to the BBU, you’ll also need a phone that can operate without power.
Identify equipment
In this guide you will be instructed how to install a battery backup to your Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (eMTA) modem. Before starting, identify pictured equipment below.
Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (eMTA) modem
Telephony Battery (Back-up battery)
Unplug the eMTA from the wall. Disconnect from the back of the eMTA and put the cable aside.
Take the pictured Molex cable attached to the battery and plug it into the back of the eMTA.
Plug the loose power cable that came with the battery (figure 8 connector) into the battery. Connect the other end to a nearby outlet. The BBU should turn on once plugged in.
Once the system has turned on, ensure that the status light on the battery is solid green. The battery may require up to 24 hours to attain a full charge for maximum standby time.
More information on LED indicators consult status indicators.
eMTA LED
Power: Solid White - Power On
US/DS: Solid White – Upstream/Downstream Found
Online: Solid White - Modem provisioned
Telephone 1: Solid White – Telephone 1 Active
Telephone 2: Solid White – Telephone 2 Active
Battery: Solid White – Battery Plugged in |Off – No battery plugged in
Battery LED (on Battery)
Solid Green: Battery Operation Normal, AC Input Applied
Flashing Green: Battery Operation Normal, Ac Input Removed
Solid Red: Battery or Charging Fault, AC Input Applied
Flashing Red: Battery or Charging Fault, AC Input Removed
LED Off: Battery Backup not available (connect interface or replace)
Additional notes
- Keep the original cabling from your eMTA. Should the battery backup be removed from the eMTA, you may need the original cable to power the eMTA.
- Do not let the BBU hang from the power outlet and avoid putting stress on any cables.
- The BBU has 2 mounting holes on the back side and can be wall mounted using standard screws.
- You may also use interior mounting tape to affix to a wall nearby. If it is not possible to mount your BBU, you may also set on a table or platform.
- Before you get started, remove any conductive jewelry such as chains, wrist watches, and rings. High energy levels through conductive materials could cause severe burns.
- To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, install the UPS indoors in an area where the temperature and humidity are controlled and that’s free of conductive contaminants.
- The battery can energize hazardous live parts inside even when the AC input power is disconnected.
- To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit.
- To avoid electric shock, turn off the unit and unplug it from the AC power source before servicing the battery or installing a computer component.
- Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. The batteries may explode.
- Do not open or mutilate batteries. Released material is harmful to the skin and eyes and may be toxic.
If you need to order a replacement battery, call us at 1 888 423-2333.
Go to call2recycle.ca to find a drop-off location that will accept your battery.
