Maintenance
UPS maintenance
Regular maintenance on your UPS battery system is essential to guarantee the reliability, lifespan and safety of your emergency power system. Maintenance keeps your battery system functioning optimally and lets you know when your UPS battery needs to be replaced. Read why UPS maintenance is so important and what it entails exactly!
Why is maintenance of your UPS batteries important?
Maintaining your UPS batteries is important to ensure that the system does what it needs to do: taking over the power supply when the main power fails. Checking the systems regularly will reveal, among other things, if the system can deliver the required peak power. If tests show that the system is not functioning optimally, we can clean and refill the batteries, or carry out the necessary repairs to solve the problems.
Even with good maintenance, the battery system should be replaced every so often. The standard lifespan of a UPS battery is 10 to 12 years, but under certain conditions – such as high temperatures or poor maintenance – they need to be replaced sooner. Our specialists keep a close eye on the lifespan and will tell you exactly when it is time for a new battery system.
What is covered by UPS maintenance at Intercel?
UPS maintenance at Intercel consists of several components. Our maintenance work includes taking measurements, a visual inspection, mechanical checks, and a report with recommendations to improve the situation. Below, we elaborate on the different components.
Measure
Measuring the UPS system includes performing discharge tests with our DC load bank and measuring internal resistance. We also measure system voltage and chain voltages, as well as the room and battery temperature.
Visual inspection
During the visual check, we look at the valves, battery terminals, terminal transit and terminal, and look for any leaks and corrosion. We also take a close look at the condition of the connector and rack.
Mechanical inspections
In some cases, we carry out mechanical checks. This includes checking the condition of the connector and rack. This work can only be carried out if the batteries are switched separately.
Requirements and regulations
During UPS maintenance, we always check if the battery systems are installed and operated according to the applicable regulations, requirements and standards.
Activities
While servicing, we perform minor work, such as cleaning the blocks and terminals, and greasing the poles and connectors. We also refill batteries with wet cells if necessary.
Reporting and advice
Upon completion of the maintenance work, you will receive a test report with results and recommendations. If the results show that something needs to be fixed, our technical experts will inform you and can carry out additional work or repairs. This is always done in consultation with you. In some cases, the advice will be to replace your battery system entirely.
UPS maintenance contract
Intercel offers UPS maintenance in the form of a maintenance contract. The advantage of such an agreement is that you will not face any unpleasant surprises. With a maintenance contract, our technical specialists visit your site for an annual check-up. This means you can be confident that your no-break system is on standby in case of power failure. Any additional repairs are always performed in consultation with you. Another advantage is that annual maintenance gives you a good indication of how long your battery will last. If you know that your system will need to be replaced in two years, for example, you can include it in your budget in advance.
Are there any options other than a UPS maintenance contract?
In addition to a maintenance contract for your UPS batteries, you can choose to install a UPS monitoring system. This is a system that continuously monitors the status of the battery. It is a one-off expense that makes annual maintenance (partly) unnecessary. Of course, if there is a problem, you will have to send for technicians. Intercel can quickly and expertly install a monitoring system for you. Are you unsure if UPS maintenance or UPS monitoring is a better choice for you? Feel free to contact us for advice!
