In the world of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems, one thing is certain: they are the unsung heroes that silently stand guard against the chaos of power outages, ensuring your critical equipment and data remain safe and sound. But as every hero knows, even the mightiest require maintenance and care to remain at their best. However, a UPS is only as good as its battery, which is the heart of the system. If the battery fails, the UPS will not be able to perform its function. Therefore, it is important to optimize the battery life of your UPS and make them last as long as possible.
There are several factors that affect the battery life of a UPS, such as temperature, load, cycling, maintenance, and storage. In this post, we will discuss some tips and best practices on how to optimize these factors and extend the battery life of your UPS.
Temperature
The optimal operating temperature for a UPS battery is between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Higher or lower temperatures can reduce the battery capacity and lifespan significantly. For every 10°C (18°F) increase above 25°C (77°F), the battery life is halved. For example, a battery that would normally last four years at 25°C (77°F) would only last two years at 35°C (95°F). Conversely, for every 10°C (18°F) decrease below 20°C (68°F), the battery capacity is reduced by 10%. For example, a battery that would normally provide 100% capacity at 20°C (68°F) would only provide 90% capacity at 10°C (50°F).
Therefore, it is essential to keep your UPS in a cool and well-ventilated environment. Avoid placing your UPS near heat sources, such as radiators, heaters, direct sunlight, or other equipment that generate heat. Also, avoid placing your UPS in humid or dusty areas, as these can cause corrosion or short circuits in the battery terminals. If possible, install a fan or an air conditioner to maintain a stable temperature around your UPS.
Load
The load is the amount of power that your equipment draws from the UPS. The higher the load, the faster the battery will discharge and the shorter the backup time will be. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the load on your UPS as much as possible. Only connect the essential equipment that you need to keep running during a power outage, such as your computer, monitor, modem, router, etc. Do not connect non-essential equipment that consume a lot of power, such as printers, scanners, speakers, etc. These devices can drain your battery quickly and shorten its lifespan.
You can also use a power strip or a surge protector to connect multiple devices to one outlet of your UPS. This way, you can easily turn off all the non-essential devices with one switch when you are not using them or when there is a power outage. This will save your battery power and extend its life.
Cycling
Cycling is the process of discharging and recharging the battery. Every time the battery goes through a cycle, it loses some of its capacity and lifespan. The deeper the discharge, the more damage it causes to the battery. For example, a battery that is discharged to 50% of its capacity will last longer than a battery that is discharged to 80% of its capacity.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid frequent and deep cycling of your UPS battery. You can do this by minimizing the number and duration of power outages that your UPS has to endure. You can also use a voltage stabilizer or a line conditioner to regulate the incoming voltage and prevent fluctuations that can trigger your UPS unnecessarily.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the process of checking and servicing your UPS battery regularly. It can help you detect and prevent any potential problems that can affect the performance and lifespan of your battery. Some of the maintenance tasks that you should perform on your UPS battery are:
- Check the battery terminals and cables for any signs of corrosion or loose connections every six months. Corrosion can increase the resistance and reduce the current flow in the battery circuit. Loose connections can cause sparks and short circuits that can damage the battery and the UPS. If you find any corrosion, you can clean it with a solution of baking soda and water and a wire brush. If you find any loose connections, you can tighten them with a wrench or a screwdriver.
- Perform a load test on your battery every year. A load test is a way of measuring the actual capacity and performance of your battery under a simulated power outage. You can use a load tester or a power meter to measure the voltage, current, and power output of your battery while it is connected to a known load. You can compare these measurements with the specifications of your battery to determine its condition and efficiency. If the measurements are below the acceptable levels, you may need to replace your battery.
Storage
Storage is the process of keeping your UPS battery in a safe and optimal condition when it is not in use. If you are not going to use your UPS for a long period of time, such as when you are traveling or moving, you should store your battery properly to prevent it from deteriorating or losing its charge. Some of the storage tips that you should follow are:
- Fully charge your battery before storing it. A fully charged battery will retain its charge longer and will be ready to use when you need it.
- Disconnect your battery from your UPS and any other equipment that may draw power from it. This will prevent any parasitic loads that can drain your battery over time.
- Store your battery in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. These factors can accelerate the aging and degradation of your battery.
- Recharge your battery every three to six months. Even if your battery is disconnected, it will still lose some of its charge over time due to self-discharge. Self-discharge is the natural phenomenon of a battery losing its charge without being connected to any load. The rate of self-discharge depends on the type, age, and temperature of the battery. To prevent your battery from becoming deeply discharged, you should recharge it periodically to maintain its capacity and lifespan.
Conclusion
A UPS battery is a vital component of your power backup system that can protect your equipment and data from power outages. However, a UPS battery is also a consumable item that has a limited lifespan and performance. By following the tips and best practices discussed in this post, you can optimize the battery life of your UPS and make them last longer.
Ready to optimize the battery life of your UPS and ensure uninterrupted power backup for your critical equipment?
Ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your UPS battery is essential for safeguarding your critical equipment and operations. By implementing these best practices, you can significantly extend the life of your UPS batteries and reduce the risk of costly downtime.
However, if you're unsure about the condition of your UPS battery or need professional guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. We offer UPS battery maintenance and replacement services to ensure your power backup system is in top shape.
Contact us today to schedule a UPS battery assessment or to learn more about our UPS battery services. Don't wait until an outage puts your business at risk. Act now to protect your investments and maintain uninterrupted operations.