Proactively testing uninterrupted power supply (UPS) backup batteries is the key to protecting facilities from the inconvenience and expense of power outages. UPS batteries become the last line of defense between efficient work and costly delays as up to 65% of UPS failures are battery-related. Facilities need to be able to rely on UPS batteries fully, and regular testing is an essential part of maintaining that reliability.
An entire facility's infrastructure can be compromised due to power outages. Facilities seeking business continuity can partner with an engineering, furnishing, and installing (EF&I) service provider to regularly test the functionality of their UPS backup battery systems to ensure the reliability of their UPS system.
Benefits of Proactive UPS Backup Battery Testing
UPS backup battery testing provides invaluable insight into the health of UPS systems.
Testing UPS backup batteries provides data about the history of each battery that can be used as a roadmap to anticipate the need for corrective action. Analysis of UPS backup batteries allows facilities to avoid expensive delays caused by power failures.
While many sophisticated UPS backup systems offer some level of remote monitoring that can alert a technician of issues, a physical inspection will always be necessary for a proper maintenance regimen. A routine, physical inspection of UPS batteries by an experienced specialist can provide far more information than just what is monitored by the system's sensors and can also ensure that those sensors have not been compromised in any way.
Maximize Uptime and Maintain Business Continuity
Ensuring the smooth flow of business operations is the prime reason UPS batteries are necessary, and monitoring and testing continue to verify that they will function as needed. Interruption of power on computers can greatly impact uptime, however, interruptions to data centers, server rooms, DAS systems, and other components of a network infrastructure can amount to serious repair costs, permanent data loss, loss revenue, decreased productivity and possibly lost lives.
Regardless of the specifications of any given UPS backup system, UPS batteries still require regular testing to maximize their lifespan. Costly UPS battery replacements vastly outweigh the cost of a dedicated professional to regularly test systems to ensure stability and health. Even in the most sophisticated systems, regular testing will need to be done to ensure battery health. Consistent testing can identify problems such as overheating, which can be detrimental to battery life before they arise and damage batteries. This kind of proactive testing and maintenance can help facilities get the most out of their investment.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
One challenge of implementing a UPS system is continued regulatory compliance. However, the risk of falling out of compliance can be fully eliminated with regular UPS backup battery testing. For example, government agencies may have a multitude of regulations on a specific technology depending on the facility's industry. Regular testing can provide a track record of UPS health that can be easily supplied to any regulatory agency.
Adhere to Warranty Claims
Uninterrupted power supply systems are composed of intricate equipment, and just as with any sophisticated technology, unforeseen problems can occur. Defects or below-average performance of a UPS battery is typically covered under manufacturer warranty, however, uncovering these issues will require regular testing. Manufacturers will require submission of maintenance and testing reports on a variety of metrics, such as voltage testing, temperatures, and specific gravity readings in the case of flooded UPS batteries.
Avoid Costly Equipment Failures Caused by Voltage Imbalances
Voltage imbalances can cause catastrophic damage to incredibly sophisticated and costly UPS systems. Even the slightest incorrect calibration or equipment deterioration can provide inconsistent power or overload systems. These problems are often overlooked and only noticed once the damage is done, but regular testing of UPS batteries can ensure that voltage is consistent and balanced.
A Robust Backup Battery Testing & Maintenance Service for Your UPS System
Taking proactive steps to test and maintain your UPS backup batteries is essential in avoiding costly setbacks and expenses. Facilities that partner and proactively schedule a UPS battery backup system test can be confident that their UPS system will successfully power their facility when they need it most.
