Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are the unseen champions that keep businesses running during outages. But when it comes to maintenance, myths and misconceptions can put your critical infrastructure at serious risk. Today, we’re setting the record straight on the most common UPS maintenance myths—and sharing the must-know tips to safeguard your uptime and investment.
Myth 1: UPS Can Be Maintained Without Switching them
Reality:
A common belief is that you can fully maintain a UPS without ever switching it. In fact, UPS units must be operated and switched during a maintenance visit to verify correct operation. This intentional switching ensures that both the UPS and its bypass mechanisms work as designed—so you’re not left with surprises during a real outage.
Top Tip:
Schedule regular maintenance with professionals who safely switch and test your UPS. This proactive step uncovers hidden issues before they become emergencies. With a parallel redundant system, you can service one UPS at a time—keeping your operations running smoothly without interruption.
Myth 2: Sealed VRLA Batteries Don’t Need Maintenance
Reality:
Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries are often labelled as “maintenance free”—but that doesn’t refer to the battery’s health. Neglecting regular checks is a leading cause of UPS failures. VRLA batteries still require monitoring for signs of aging, corrosion, or premature failure.
Top Tip:
Include battery inspections, voltage checks, and load tests in your maintenance plan. Catching battery issues early extends your UPS’s lifespan and reliability.
Myth 3: UPS Battery Self-Tests Are Unsafe
Reality:
There’s a misconception that running a battery self-test could damage your UPS or compromise safety. In truth, self-tests are both safe and vital, providing early warning of weakening batteries without taking your UPS offline.
Top Tip:
Enable and schedule automated self-tests on your UPS. Review the results routinely and take action at the first sign of irregularities. Pairing this with a Battery Management System not only boosts reliability but also extends your UPS’s lifespan.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Regular UPS maintenance is essential to:
- Identify and resolve hidden faults before they lead to costly downtime
- Ensure batteries and components perform at peak efficiency
- Extend the usable life and ROI of your UPS system
- Maintain compliance with safety and insurance requirements
- Keep updated with manufacturer Service Bulletins for improved safety, efficiency, and savings
Final Thoughts
Don’t let maintenance myths put your operations at risk. Partner with certified UPS specialists who are certified by the manufacturer specifically for your equipment, follow a robust maintenance schedule, and rely on proven best practices. A well-maintained UPS is your business’s best insurance against the unexpected.
And join us for our upcoming free CPD webinar, Staying Alive: How to maintain the health of your uninterruptible power system (UPS). Register for your free place now.
To discuss how we can help you find critical power solutions specific to your requirements, contacts us at [email protected] call us on + 353 (0)1 460 6859
