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A series of of connected UPS batteries.

Types of UPS Batteries: The Heart of Your UPS System

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Your UPS system is one of the most crucial components in your critical power infrastructure, and for your UPS, the batteries are really the “heart” of that system. Even though your UPS needs that heart, batteries are often neglected. We’ll go into more detail about each type of battery that can be used in a UPS system and the advantages and disadvantages for each type. It should be noted though, that regardless of the batteries you choose, all batteries decrease in their ability to store and deliver power over time. However, if you follow all guidelines for storage, maintenance and usage, eventually you will still have to replace UPS batteries on a schedule to get the best usage out of your UPS.

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Refurbished Battery Modules: Pairing Safety with Savings

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Modular UPS systems are designed to be flexible, and are often more user-friendly when it comes to replacing UPS batteries. Rather than a cabinet full of large, heavy batteries, many models are designed using battery modules, with multiple batteries that are housed in an enclosure. The module can then be installed by simply sliding the enclosure into the UPS chassis. These are also often designed to be “hot-swappable”, allowing the user to replace battery modules without the need to power off the UPS system.  The downside is that purchasing new UPS battery modules can be expensive.   One cost effective way to replace batteries is to consider purchasing refurbished, certified UPS battery modules. In this blog, we will cover the advantages of utilizing refurbished UPS battery modules and the steps QPS goes through prior to shipment. Continue reading “Refurbished Battery Modules: Pairing Safety with Savings” »

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QPS Blog Year in Review: Lessons from Critical Power Discussions

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At Quality Power Solutions, it’s important to us to build a knowledge base with our readers and customers, so we can create a meaningful shared dialogue on educational topics related to the critical power industry. We went through quite a few topics this year, so it’s always interesting to go back over what we shared. Here, then, is our QPS “blog year” in review summarizing our 2018 discussions. Continue reading “QPS Blog Year in Review: Lessons from Critical Power Discussions” »

field service reporting

Understanding Field Service Reports Part 1: UPS Batteries

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We are all familiar with going to the doctor to get a check up on our health.  At the end of our visit, we typically receive a summary of what the doctor discussed with us, any tests they did, and recommendations they have for us related to those test results. A field service report (FSR) for your UPS system maintenance is similar to a health check for the unit, giving information on the condition and reliability of the UPS. Most UPS field service reports should include the unit information and location, a job description of what is being inspected, what actions were performed and their results, and the recommendations as the result of the job. In the coming weeks, we will break down a UPS service report and cover some of the main items that you should look for.

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Battery testing and inspection

DC Power Plant Maintenance: Keeping Businesses Running

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In our last article, we discussed DC power plants, what they are, and how they are often used. Just like any back-up power system, DC power plants need regular service checks and maintenance performed to work optimally. It is important to state that DC plants, although similar to the function of UPS systems, have many functional differences and require unique training when performing annual maintenance. During a preventative maintenance visit a technician will usually isolate individual rectifiers and charging components to evaluate function and longevity. This practice helps to reduce the risk of a potential failure before it happens. Continue reading “DC Power Plant Maintenance: Keeping Businesses Running” »

Wet cell UPS batteries

Getting to Know Your UPS Batteries II- Wet Cell Batteries

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The second battery on our “get to know you” list is the Wet Cell, or Flooded Cell battery. UPS Systems are used in a variety of applications and, as a result, may require a wide variety of run time requirements or discharge characteristics. The battery cell is comprised of a hard plastic enclosure, typically Polycarbonate or Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) Plastic, lead plates and an electrolyte that allows the flow of current. A single wet cell battery Continue reading “Getting to Know Your UPS Batteries II- Wet Cell Batteries” »

UPS Battery Replacement

Five Leading Causes of UPS Battery Failure

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Battery failure is the leading culprit behind the majority of UPS catastrophes. But despite batteries’ vulnerability to premature failure, you don’t have to be a victim. We’re going to run through the top five causes of premature battery failure and how you can prevent it. Continue reading “Five Leading Causes of UPS Battery Failure” »