How to Maintain Your Used UPS for Longevity?

Investing in a second-hand UPS guarantees affordable, uninterrupted power delivery to your essential devices. Nonetheless, proper care must be taken to ensure it runs optimally and gets the most energy out of the product. Here we present easy-to-follow practices that can maintain your used UPS for years.

Understanding Your UPS

Before carrying out maintenance, knowing the foundational principles of your UPS system is important:

Types of UPS Systems:

• Offline/ Standby: Offers basic protection and switches to battery power during outages.
• Line-interactive UPS: Voltage regulation is provided in addition to serving regions with constant voltage changes.
• Online UPS: Continuously powers from its inverter, which eliminates delay during outages.

Key Components:

• Battery: Holds energy to act as a power backup.
• Inverter: Supply devices with power by changing DC from the battery to AC.
• Rectifier: Incoming AC is transformed into DC to charge the battery.

Each component requires regular maintenance to extend the service life of the entire system.

Optimal Environment Setup

The efficiency and climate of your surroundings greatly affect how a UPS operates:

• Temperature Control: Maintain an ambient temperature between 20°C to 25°C. Higher temperatures can halve battery life.
• Ventilation: Make sure a minimum of two feet of bust space exists above and below the UPS for proper ventilation.
• Avoid Moisture and Dust: Ensure the UPS is in a location that is both dry and clean to avoid caving and overheating.

Load Management

Strain is controlled through these features to avoid undue effort being spent by the device:

• Avoid Overloading: Keep the UPS load below 80% of its capacity to prevent strain.
• Use Energy-Efficient Devices: LED lights and energy-saving equipment reduce the load and heat generation.
• Regular Load Assessment: Periodically check connected devices and redistribute loads if necessary.

Routine Maintenance Checks

Regular inspections help identify potential issues early:

• Visual Inspections: Check batteries and connectors for damage like scratches, corrosion or breakage.
• Battery Testing: Evaluate the battery’s condition through self-checks or external devices.
• Firmware Updates: Ensure that the system software of the UPS is current in order to maintain efficiency and resolve any safety vulnerabilities.
• Professional Servicing: Carry out yearly service with an authorised repairer.

Battery Care and Replacement

Batteries are the heart of your UPS; proper care ensures their longevity:

• Regular Calibration: Complete calibration once or twice per annum to ensure the battery parameters are working properly.
• Avoid Deep Discharges: Attempt not to let the battery drain below 50% to sustain its longevity.
• Timely Replacements: Carry out battery changes every 3 -5 years, preferably or when the capacity is less than 80%.

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage of spare batteries ensures they're ready when needed:

• Proper Storage Conditions: Store spare batteries in cool (around 10°C), dry places.
• Regular Charging: Charge stored batteries every 3–6 months to prevent capacity loss.
• Avoid Long-Term Dormancy:Use or rotate stored batteries to maintain their health.

Conclusion

For us at Power Solution Services, we know how critical it is to keep your used UPS functional. With careful attention to the environment, load management, routine upkeep, and proper battery care, as discussed above, you can maximise the lifespan of your UPS system. Even branded systems will need upkeep to function effectively. Our team is ready to assist you at every step of the way if you require professional services.