An uninterruptible power supply provides emergency power to equipment if the input power supply or the main power supply fails. But how long do they really work? In this article we will look at the average life of UPS and their batteries, what factors can affect the lifetime, the signs that a UPS is no longer working, and more. Read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What Factors Affect The Lifetime Of Ups?

What factors have a negative impact on UPS’s lifetime? For example, is it right to have the UPS plugged into the mains all the time?

The lifetime of a UPS is greatly influenced by its operating environment. For example, the quality of the power input, the temperature of the battery and the frequency of discharge cycles of the UPS.

Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your UPS, invest in a higher quality power input (the cleaner the better), store it in the right environment and try not to let the UPS discharge for more than 2 hours before recharging it.

In addition, if your business experiences frequent power outages, this can have a negative impact on your backup power supply.

However, the lifetime of a UPS is not affected by keeping it plugged in; it must always be connected to the mains.

Guidelines For The Lifetime Of Ups

What is the normal lifetime of a UPS? This depends on the make and model of your UPS (and the environmental factors mentioned above). In any case, a typical UPS should last at least 10 000 hours (e.g. 8 years if used for 8 hours per day).

After all, the lifespan of a UPS unit can range from 8 to 15 years or more. However, UPS batteries will need to be replaced more frequently.

Remember that UPS batteries are rated by VA (volt-ampere) or watt rating. The higher the watt rating, the longer the life of the battery. For example:

• A 350 to 1600-watt UPS should last three years.
• A 2 000 to 2 500-watt UPS can last up to six years.
• Some high-quality units are equipped with batteries that last 10 years.

In addition, UPSs can be rated by their standby time in minutes. In other words, the longer the UPS standby time, the more likely it is that the UPS will fail before its expected lifetime is up.

For example, if you have a 1000-watt UPS with a 125-minute standby time, your backup should run for 8 hours without a power outage. However, if you experience a prolonged power outage lasting longer than 8 hours, the UPS will need to be replaced.

How To Extend The Ups Lifetime?

How long does a fully charged UPS last? Does the UPS normally last long? And is there anything that can be done to extend the battery life of a UPS?

• Store the UPS in a cool and dry place.
• Store all spare batteries properly.
• Calibrate batteries at least once or twice a year.
• Perform regular maintenance.
• Use energy-saving devices where possible.

What Are the Signs Of Battery Failure?

What are the signs of UPS battery failure? And what happens when the battery runs down?

When batteries are approaching the end of their life and need to be replaced, they usually start to show some unusual symptoms. For example, recurring alarms, flashing dashboard lights and unrecognized terminal displays are clear signs that the battery is failing.
When the UPS battery finally fails, it will no longer provide power to your devices when you need it most (e.g., during a power outage).

• Low battery alarm
• Early discharge
• Any unusual behavior
• Short circuit
• Ageing

Preventive maintenance is always recommended. Encourage trained technicians to regularly inspect and monitor your batteries and identify any problems before they deteriorate.

How Do I Know If My Battery Needs Replacing?

How do you know when your UPS is on its last legs? What are the other symptoms of a failing UPS apart from battery failure? Here are some signs that a UPS will need to be replaced soon:

• You have more power outages than usual.
• Your equipment needs more power.
• If your UPS is unable to power the equipment connected to it.

Depending on the type and manufacturer of the battery used in your equipment, you should be able to roughly determine when the UPS will need to be replaced. As the chemicals in UPS batteries naturally discharge over time, they will most likely need to be replaced every three to five years.

When To Replace the Ups System

When should I replace my UPS system? Again, there are a number of factors that can influence this decision (e.g., the environmental factors mentioned above), but the general rule of thumb is around 10-12 years of age.

If your UPS unit seems to be working well and shows no signs of ageing, it will probably last a long time, but around this time you should start thinking about possible upgrade options.

What Size of Ups Should I Buy?

UPS units are rated from 300 to 5000 kVA, so how do you decide which size is right for you? First, think carefully about what you need it for (e.g., server rooms/data centers need larger units).

The best approach is to ensure that you always have more kVA than you need to power your equipment. As a rule, choose a UPS with a VA rating of at least 1.2 times the total load required. Of course, if you anticipate rapid growth, this multiplier should be higher.