A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) battery is essential for maintaining power during outages, providing backup power to keep your equipment running smoothly and safely. However, like all batteries, UPS batteries have a finite lifespan. Proper care can help extend their usability and efficiency, which is an increasingly vital concern for data centres as time goes on, and saves you from frequent replacements and reducing downtime. Here, we’ll cover some practical steps to maintain and extend the life of your UPS battery.

1. Choose the Right Environment

The environment where your UPS system operates can greatly affect battery life. UPS batteries perform best when stored in stable conditions, particularly within a controlled temperature range. The ideal temperature for most UPS batteries is around 20–25°C. Excessive heat or cold can degrade the battery's components and reduce its overall life.

To maintain optimal temperature, place your UPS in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heating elements, or cooling vents. Temperature fluctuations can cause the battery to work harder, leading to faster wear.

2. Reduce Power Loads

Another way to extend your UPS battery’s life is to manage the power load it supports. Most UPS systems are designed to handle a specific load capacity, and overloading can shorten battery life. Only connect essential devices to your UPS system to prevent it from becoming overworked.

Keep an inventory of the equipment connected to your UPS, and assess whether each piece of equipment truly requires backup power. Devices with high power requirements, such as printers or other non-critical systems, can drain the UPS battery quickly. Limit the connections to computers, network devices, and other essential equipment to keep the load manageable.

3. Perform Regular Maintenance Checks

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your UPS battery in optimal condition. Regularly inspect the UPS unit for any signs of wear, such as bulging, leaking, or corrosion on the terminals. Such indicators often mean the battery is nearing the end of its life or that it has been exposed to adverse conditions.

Some UPS systems have built-in self-diagnostics, which can provide valuable information on the battery’s health. Check these diagnostics periodically, and consult the user manual for specific maintenance recommendations from the manufacturer.

4. Conduct Battery Tests

Regularly testing your UPS battery can help you catch issues before they lead to system failure. Many UPS units have a self-test feature that can help verify the battery's functionality. These tests simulate a power outage to determine if the battery can still handle the load effectively. 

To conduct a manual test, unplug the UPS from the wall outlet and observe how long it can keep your equipment powered. If the battery cannot hold a charge for the expected duration, it may be time for a replacement. Performing tests every three to six months ensures that your UPS battery is in good working order.

5. Avoid Deep Discharge Cycles

UPS batteries are not designed for deep discharge cycles, which occur when the battery drains fully before recharging. Deep discharges put significant stress on the battery, shortening its lifespan. To avoid this, ensure that the UPS is always connected to an outlet with a stable power supply so it can recharge after each use.

If power outages are frequent in your area, consider a larger battery or an external battery pack to reduce the need for deep discharges. Keeping the battery at a stable charge level, ideally above 20%, will reduce strain and prolong its life.

6. Calibrate the Battery Regularly

Battery calibration is a process that helps recalibrate the battery's charge meter. Over time, the charge meter can become inaccurate, leading to misestimations of the battery’s remaining power. To calibrate the battery, allow it to discharge completely and then recharge it fully without interruptions.

Calibration is not always necessary, and frequent calibrations can reduce battery life, so only perform this task if you notice the battery indicator becoming unreliable. Consult your UPS manual for recommended calibration frequency, as this can vary depending on the model.

7. Replace Batteries When Necessary

Even with the best care, UPS batteries will eventually wear out. When the battery shows signs of failure—such as a reduced ability to hold a charge, frequent alarms, or system warnings—it’s time to replace it. Many UPS systems allow for easy battery replacements, making it possible to continue using the UPS without purchasing a new unit.

Ignoring battery replacement can lead to system failures, as the battery may fail when you need it most. Make it a priority to replace batteries as per the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain reliable backup power.

8. Store Spare Batteries Correctly

Storage is important for data centres, and not just for storing your backups. If you have spare batteries for your UPS, it’s important to store them properly to prevent them from losing charge prematurely. Keep spare batteries in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight or moisture. Ideal storage conditions are similar to the operational environment—around 20–25°C with minimal exposure to temperature fluctuations. Regularly check stored batteries to ensure they retain charge and are ready to be installed when needed.

Maintaining and extending the life of your UPS battery doesn’t require specialized equipment, only regular care and attention to a few important factors. By following steps like keeping the UPS system in a controlled environment, performing regular maintenance, and replacing batteries as needed, you can ensure that your UPS battery remains dependable. Following these practices doesn’t just extend the battery’s life, it also improves the performance of your UPS system, giving you peace of mind during power disruptions.

When it comes to your UPS system’s batteries, it pays to have a reliable supplier. At UPSandbattery, we provide a wide range of UPS systems and batteries to help you protect your data. Our selection includes products from a variety of manufacturers to ensure you find hardware compatible with your system. Give us a call now at 1800-748-1102 to make replacing your batteries a hassle-free experience.