How do you know when to replace your Battery Backup or UPS?
For any business that relies on electricity and electronic equipment, a battery backup or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is essential. A UPS acts as a power source when electricity fails and protects your data, electronics, and other equipment from damage due to power surges. However, if you’re not regularly assessing the condition of your UPS, you could be putting your business at risk. Let’s look at some signs that it may be time for a replacement.
The Age of Your Battery Backup or UPS
No matter how well-maintained your battery backup or UPS may be, its age will eventually catch up with it. The average life expectancy of a battery varies depending on its type and usage; however, most batteries have an expected lifespan between three to five years. If you haven’t replaced your battery in over five years, it’s probably time to do so.
Power Outages and Unusual Noises
If you experience frequent power outages in your area, this serves as an indication that it may be time for a new UPS system. Additionally, if you hear unusual noises coming from the unit such as grinding or humming sounds, this indicates faulty components which could lead to costly repairs down the line. In either case, it’s better to replace the entire system rather than dealing with individual component problems one by one as they arise.
Expected Load Versus Actual Load
You should always assess the load capacity of your UPS system prior to purchase to ensure that it can handle your current electrical needs. But what happens when those needs change? Upgrading existing equipment can cause an increase in load which might exceed the capacity of your current system; if this is the case for you, then investing in a more powerful replacement is necessary for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during peak usage times.
Conclusion
Investing in reliable power protection is essential for any modern business — but even more important is regularly assessing the condition of that protection system so as to identify issues before they become major problems down the line. By being aware of these key indicators — age of system, frequency of power outages/unusual noises emitted from device, expected versus actual load — you can ensure that you are always using a reliable battery backup or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). As such, you can rest assured knowing that no matter what comes your way in terms of unexpected energy fluctuations or interruptions due weather events or other causes beyond your control, you are adequately prepared for whatever life throws at you!
