UPS systems are essential to protecting sensitive equipment from power disruptions, voltage surges, and unplanned outages. Whether you run a small business out of an office, a data center, or industrial equipment, the proper maintenance of your power protection system could save you from costly downtime along with damage to your equipment.
For businesses looking for solutions they can rely upon, the initial investment in a superior Uninterruptible Power Supply in Australia is just the beginning. It's equally as vital to the value of your systems that they run efficiently for as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to prolong the life of your system.
1. Keep the UPS in the Best Operating Conditions
A surge protector generate heat when they operate, and excessive heat is one of the main causes of decreased battery life. When selecting an operating location for your surge protector, choose an area that is well ventilated, not subject to direct sunlight, dust or moisture.
The most common operating temperatures for battery backup come between 20 °C to 25°C. You also want to ensure that the surge protector isn't in proximity to any other devices that put off heat or block air flow, as overheating equipment often causes the internal components of the system to erode more quickly.
2. Supervise and Manage Battery Health
The batteries of a UPS systems are their most critical components and they require regular attention. The most common reason for these systems failing is neglecting the batteries.
Many power protector systems incorporate battery monitoring software that will provide you with early notice of battery issues, leaving you time to have the batteries replaced before they cause problems.
3. Regular Preventive Maintenance
Regularly scheduled maintenance is important in order to keep UPS systems running properly and trouble-free. This is particularly important for cleaning dust from the system’s vents and fans, checking internal connections to be sure they are all still connected properly, and checking indicators to see if they are all functioning properly.
For larger installations, you might want to try and schedule annual inspections with certified technicians. Being hands-on with the overall maintenance of your battery backup system will reduce the chances of catastrophic failure while extending the life of the system as a whole.
4. Never Exceed the Capacity
Uninterruptible Power Supply systems are meant to supply backup power. But these systems have load capacities that must not be exceeded. If a battery backup unit is run continuously above its rated capacity, the internal components of the unit are stressed, causing diminished battery life.
You should always know the total load of the devices you are using and ensure that the power backup system is rated significantly higher than the actual load that will be placed on it when needed. It will perform best at a load that is 70-80% of its maximum load capacity.
5. Use Surge Protection and Clean Power
While an Uninterruptible Power Supply increases redundancy to power supply, there are other aspects to consider the reliable operation. Power surges and erratic power varied voltage will compromise the high reliability of the voltage regulation system.
By implementing these simple practices, you will be able to extend the life of your UPS to a much greater level. This extra investment in proper battery backup will not only enhance performance, but protect all your critical equipment in the event of a power failure.
