When it comes to getting the very best value from your UPS (uninterruptible power supply), maintenance is essential. Yet all too often, efforts to care for a UPS system can be undermined by making one of several common mistakes. Read on to learn more about these easy-to-make errors, and how to avoid making them yourself.
Not Keeping the Battery at the Right Temperature
You need your UPS battery to be ready to spring into action just when it’s needed most, but for this to happen, you need to look after it when it’s not being used, too. This means being careful with its storage, and, particularly, being mindful of the temperature of the space where the battery is being kept. Most UPS batteries are designed to operate within a relatively small temperature range of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and even a slight deviation from this can result in significant damage to the battery. Make sure the battery is not being stored next to radiators or other sources of heat and away from open windows and doors to avoid exposing the unit to harmful fluctuations in temperature.
Not Maintaining a Clean Environment
It can be tempting to store your UPS battery away in a storeroom or other low-traffic area, especially if your workplace is low on available space. Yet if you keep the battery where it could be exposed to dust or damp, the damage could mean that your battery doesn’t work as it should. Similarly, if there are any caustic fumes being released on the premises, it’s essential to ensure that your battery is stored safely away from this damaging contamination.
Not Regularly Charging the Battery
When your spare UPS battery is out of sight, you need to ensure that it’s not out of mind, too. For a UPS battery to be able to perform at an optimal level, it must be charged at a regular interval in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s also critical that you avoid either over or under charging the battery. Whilst charging the battery, be sure to cast an eye over the float voltage, too- ideally, it should read between 2.25 and 2.27 volts for each of the battery’s cells.
When is the Time for UPS Battery Replacement?
Sometimes, there will be no getting away from the need to look for a UPS battery replacement. When it’s time for your old battery to be replaced, it’s just as important to approach the process with the same care and attention that you paid to its maintenance routine. Be sure to contact your UPS vendor to confirm that any new battery you choose will be compatible with your existing system and is made by a reputable manufacturer.
Once you’ve done a UPS battery replacement, don’t forget to care for it with the same effective maintenance routine. Tests such as impedance, conductance, and load bank tests will all help to ensure that your battery has a long and effective lifespan. Meanwhile, opting for a continual monitoring system can keep track of factors such as temperature, voltage, and impedance, giving you peace of mind.
