Have you tested your company’s UPS’s recently? As the clocks change, now is a good time to check your UPS’s as well.
Why Do Companies have Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS)?
UPS’s perform two functions:
- UPS’s keep vital electronic infrastructure running during power outages. This includes cash registers, routers, servers, phones, and other equipment you want to continue when the power goes off.
- UPS’s help separate your vital equipment from power surges, lightning strikes, and so on. They die first, before the surge hits the attached equipment.
How Do You Test an Uninterruptable Power Supply?
Most UPS’s have a test function that can be performed from it’s front panel. A simpler way is to simply unplug the UPS (if it is small). Does the attached equipment keep working? Of course, test UPS’s only at non-critical business times. You don’t want to cause your own critical outage!
How Often Should We Test our Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS)?
How secure do you want to be that your cash registers, phones, routers, and computers keep running? If you have an IT staff, they are likely testing your UPS’s at least monthly. So if you haven’t tested your companies uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) recently, consider testing your UPS’s twice a year when the clock’s change.
How Often Should We Replace UPS Batteries?
The short answer is every 3 to 5 years. For more detailed information, read here.
How Do I Extend the Life of My UPS Batteries?
APC makes 5 recommendations here.
Summarizing the APC recommendations.
- UPS Placement – We recommend in
stalling the UPS in a temperature-controlled environment and within specified limits—and not near open windows or areas that contain high amounts of moisture, dust, or corrosive fumes. Also, keep ventilation openings free. - Ambient Temperature – The rated capacity of a UPS battery—the conditions that maximize its life and result in optimal performance—is based on an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F). Every 10°C (18°F) above the ambient temperature will reduce the life of the battery by 50 percent.
- Cycling Frequency – At installation, a battery is at 100 percent of its rated capacity. But each discharge cycle (in other words, every time it goes to battery) will slightly decrease its relative capacity. Understanding cycling frequency allows you to notice abnormal or frequent cycling so you can better predict its life. Many UPS models are also adjustable so you can reduce “nuisance trips” that can unnecessarily consume battery capacity.
- Maintenance – “Maintenance-free” UPS batteries do not require replacement fluid, but they do require periodic maintenance. Visually inspect batteries for cleanliness and remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Leaking batteries or batteries with excessive swelling should be properly disposed of and replaced.
- Battery Storage – To avoid the consequences of downtime, many UPS owners may purchase replacement batteries before they’re needed. Just make sure to charge stored batteries every six months or they will suffer a permanent loss of capacity within 18 to 30 months
Does PGH Batteries Replace Batteries in Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS)?
Yes we do. We generally don’t advertise it. But we both change batteries on site, as well as pick up UPS’s to replace batteries in off site? Generally, we charge just for the cost of the batteries for small UPSs.
PGH Batteries
833-474-4300
[email protected]
PGHBatteries.com
