Essential UPS Maintenance Tips

UPS maintenance is crucial to the success of data centers, hospitals and similar operations that require guaranteed non-stop functioning. A UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, is the backbone that prevents facilities like data centers and hospitals from shutting down during a power outage, even momentarily. With extreme weather and storms causing more and more blackouts, not to mention the United States’ aging infrastructure, power loss is on the rise. With basic maintenance and inspections for UPS systems and connected equipment, power loss prevention is possible for any facility.

UPS Maintenance Checklist

UPS maintenance is essential for the success of mission-critical functions as well as safety and code compliance. When hospitals make use of UPS systems, literal lives are on the line depending on uninterrupted power. Be sure to check off the following maintenance items to keep your UPS running as it should:

• Check Batteries: One of the most common causes of emergency power system failure is dead or weak batteries. UPS systems’ batteries should be frequently tested to ensure they are full of life and functioning properly. Follow manufacturer guidelines regarding how often batteries should be replaced.
• Check External Connections: Since centralized UPS systems are frequently used for operating room lighting applications, all external connections like connective cords should be routinely inspected for wear and tear or other damages or disconnectedness.
• Professional Services: Even with routine maintenance and care, calling in professionals to complete thorough testing and upgrades to your UPS system, as well as other components of a backup power system, can be extremely helpful in preventing issues from arising.
• Related Power Supply: Although not a part of a UPS, backup power generators are key to maintaining a steady flow of power when a main power source is cut off. Power generators and UPSs are hand-in-hand for uninterrupted power, since a UPS is only designed to function for a short while until the generator can kick in and provide needed power. For this reason, it is necessary to be consistent with maintenance for power generators and other electrical equipment in addition to UPS units.

By keeping up with routine UPS maintenance as part of overall emergency power system maintenance, any facility will be sure to stay powered through any emergency.