UPS Servicing: Your Ultimate Guide

Servicing your UPS system is very important and not to be overlooked. In this article, we’re going to highlight why servicing is so important, how it can benefit your business, including tips on how to and how often you should service yours. Here’s what you need to know…

What is a UPS?

A UPS (or Uninterruptible Power Source) is an electrical system that is used to serve as a back-up power supply in the event of a power outage / the main power source in your establishment fails. 

Generally speaking, a UPS is designed to provide 5 to 10-minutes of power so that you can safely power down your devices to avoid data loss / corruption – and/or have enough time to power up your backup generator. 

Importance of UPS servicing

Regularly servicing and maintaining your UPS system is an essentiality. This is due to the fact that each of the critical components within the UPS have a certain lifespan and if one falls into disrepair, the whole system will begin to fail as a result. 

Through regular inspection and servicing, you can ensure that every single component is in tip-top condition and is functioning as intended. It’s also a great way to prolong battery life and effectively keep your battery and component replacement costs down. 

Signs your UPS needs servicing

First of all, it’s important to realise that not all UPS maintenance issues will be because of your batteries, however, almost all UPS issues will invariably impact them. Here are some signs that your UPS may need servicing: 

• You have skipped your recommended semi/annual UPS servicing 
• You haven’t cleaned your air intake
• You’ve noticed burned insulation during your inspection
• There are loose connections 
• There’s been a drop in battery performance
• Your UPS is beeping and displaying warning signs
• Your battery chassis is bulging 
• Your systems go offline during a power outage
• Your UPS system isn’t stored in the correct conditions
• Your load capacity is inadequate

These are just a handful of the tell-tale signs to look out for. In essence, look for any unusual behaviour. Unless your UPS is operating as intended, it’s definitely worth having a certified professional come out for a full inspection. 

Types of UPS servicing

The primary types of UPS servicing and maintenance fall in to two categories: 

Preventative: this refers to having your UPS system regularly inspected and serviced (whether it is functioning properly or not) so that you can keep an eye out for any potential wear & tear problems that could soon escalate into more serious problems. 

Corrective: as the name suggests, refers to servicing a UPS system that has been playing up in order to fix all irregularities / replace batteries, and set the system back in order once more. 

Benefits of regular UPS servicing

There are a number of benefits that come from regular UPS servicing, such as: 

Save money: while having your UPS system regularly serviced does cost money, it’s far cheaper than leaving it to fall into disrepair and having to pay for sudden failure. Through proper servicing you can increase internal components lifespans by up to 50% - thus saving a lot of money over the long-term. 

Reduce downtime: when you have your UPS regularly serviced you can ensure that your equipment is always functioning at peak performance, thus avoiding any potential downtime. 

Improve performance: all minor preventative maintenance checks (including fan and filter cleaning) contribute to maintaining a well-rounded and optimally functional UPS system. 

Bolster IT productivity: with a proper servicing and maintenance plan in place, your employees can focus on their other duties absent distraction, while also being able to use any collected data to make repair and replacement decisions with greater efficiency. 

Avoid complication: faulty systems without critical data reports on operational status cause unnecessary complication. What’s the problem? Which component may have led to the issue? How can you quickly rectify the situation? Through regular UPS servicing you avoid all complications and maintain maximum efficiency across the board. 

How to service your UPS

How often should I service my UPS?

As a rule of thumb you should service your UPS system at least once a year – however, semi-annually is highly recommended. 

What are the common UPS problems that require servicing?

• Faulty / old batteries 
• Faulty / old capacitors
• Poorly maintained fans
• Blocked filters
• Loose connections
• Redundant power supplies
• Dusty contactors 

Can I service my UPS myself?

Technically yes; if you are a certified electrician and follow a thorough and comprehensive UPS servicing and maintenance guide. However, it is strongly recommended that you hire the professionals to regularly service your UPS system for you. 

Certainly, there are a few smaller tasks that you can carry out yourself, such as cleaning the air filters and fans once a month, however, for anything more demanding, you’re better off with a licenced professional. 

How much does UPS servicing cost?

The UPS servicing cost can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors:

• Your location
• The size of your UPS system
• Accessibility
• Regularity 
• Your chosen provider

As such, it is very difficult to offer an accurate estimation. However, if you want more information on our installation & maintenance services, simply follow the link and then contact us for a quotation. 

How long does UPS servicing take?

The duration of your UPS servicing depends on the overall size of your system. 

• Smaller UPS systems typically take up to 1-hour.
• Larger UPS systems tend to require at least 1 to 3-hours to service. 

UPS servicing can generally be carried out, outside of your business operation hours to eliminate disruption.