Suggestion for extend the life of UPS Batteries

UPS batteries are expected to have a lifespan of around 4- 5 years. However, with proper care and precautions, you can increase this life and make your UPS battery stay alive for a longer time.

There are few factors which adversely affect the life of UPS battery. Discussed below are some guidelines to assist you in maximizing the life of your UPS batteries.

Surrounding Temperature:
All batteries would have a limit which is based on the indicated conditions. The absolute working temperature for a UPS to be working stress free is 25°C (77°F). When the UPS is worked under these conditions, its life gets boosted. While the UPS will work in varying temperatures, it is to be noted that this will affect its lifespan. A general guideline is that for every 8.3°C (15°F) increase over 25°C (77°F), the lifespan of the battery will decrease by 50 percent.

Unit Replacement:
At the point of installation, it is mandatory that you figure out the best point of installation so that it is easily accessible. It is always advisable to install it in a temperature controlled environment. The UPS should never be placed near open windows so that it does not get exposed to dampness or get affected by dust. The ventilation openings on the UPS should not be blocked.

Protection:
Most of the UPS batteries being manufactured today are branded as maintenance free. This just means that these batteries do not require any liquid top up to be done often. It does not mean that proper maintenance is not required on these batteries.

Cycling:
Whenever the power fails, the UPS batteries immediately swing into action and provide backup power. When the power is restored, the battery will start reviving itself and prepare itself for the next power failure. This is known as cycling. The number of cycles that a UPS undergoes also determines its lifespan.

During installation, the battery is generally at 100% of its capacity. However, every cycle is bound to reduce the ability of the battery. Hence, it is always advised to monitor the cycling to foresee the life of an UPS.