5 ways UPS preventative maintenance can SAVE THE DAY!

Think your newly-installed equipment will last as long as the manufacturer says?

Don’t count on it.

A range of factors can significantly affect its lifespan.

Based on our experience in the field, we’ve listed the top five ways UPS preventative maintenance can uncover weaknesses.

UPS systems are complex. They have myriad internal components and, depending on location, can be at the mercy of such things as temperature, dust and ventilation. Without proper maintenance, problems are likely to arise. Yearly routine checks can ensure your facility runs seamlessly and helps prevent costly downtime – and that enables us to up your uptime! 

1. Minimises downtime due to battery failure 

The No. 1 cause of UPS failure and load loss is battery failure. Fortunately, this can almost always be predicted if batteries are inspected at least twice a year.

Preventative maintenance includes visual inspection, thermal image scans and comprehensive testing with state-of-the-art battery analysers. CSS uses equipment like Fluke to check impedance and AC ripple, and other tests to determine the health of your battery system.

If tests show any irregularities, we can help determine whether your battery string is failing or maybe has an open cell or short. Then we’ll recommend how soon you should consider replacement.

2. Identifies potential points of failure

Many other internal components are also prone to failure. During a Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI), a trained technician will investigate and test components including:

  • fans
  • AC and DC capacitors
  • UPS internal connections
  • air filters
  • power supplies
  • contactors
  • sticking or welded relays
  • and more!

3. Identifies poor environmental conditions

A poorly designed or maintained electrical infrastructure can cost your facility thousands of dollars in wasted energy every year. That’s why mission-critical facilities should be constructed in a way that ensures that walls, floor, doors and ceiling are hermetically sealed.

Not all facilities are that lucky, though. We often see dirty or caustic environments – and even exposure to the elements.

A maintenance provider should be a solutions provider as well, identifying inefficiently operating equipment, dangerous or poor environmental conditions, and offering appropriate recommendations for your facility and application.

4. Ensures generator functions properly

Although most generators are designed as a secondary source of power, they must be properly maintained to function effectively when needed.

A generator’s engine is similar to that of an automobile – it depends on a battery that needs maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The most common cause of a generator system failure is battery failure, and that stems from age or little or no maintenance.

Maintenance testing also ensures the generator is properly sized, configured and maintained to support the UPS, AC and mission-critical infrastructure. While this is not part of a UPS maintenance inspection, it is vital that your facility maintains the infrastructure supporting your critical loads.

5. Ensures faster downtime response

Unfortunately, regardless of the level of prevention, power outages can and do happen. If your facility does experience a sudden power outage, time will be of the essence in saving your load – and your money.

That’s why it’s essential to have a maintenance provider who is familiar with your equipment and facility, and who can respond to emergencies with urgency and confidence. Having a solutions provider on your side is crucial in getting your operations back online and minimising disruption.

So, turn the five potential points of failure into five ways UPS preventative maintenance can save the day. It’s simple and it’s routine – but it can ensure your facility, your UPS and your business keep running smoothly.

 

Read more about our preventative maintenance solutions.

Contact us about a tailored preventative maintenance contract.