Nationwide Power™ is the leading provider in the critical power supply industry. Our core business is the sales and service of uninterruptible power supplies and UPS batteries, along with supporting other critical power components such as emergency generators, switch gear, and HVAC. We publish critical power related case studies, highlighting best practices and quality standards.
For our contracted customers, during each and every Preventive Maintenance visit, our Critical Power Professionals™ perform an environmental inspection to check room temperature, heat spots, moisture, and any potential safety hazards that could interact negatively with the UPS system. We make recommendations based on our observations and will follow up periodically.
In this case study, we review the details of a battery replacement job for a contracted customer. Unfortunately, due to the environmental conditions of the critical power room, excessive heat caused UPS battery failure prior to the natural end-of-life of the battery string.
To protect the confidentiality of the customer, the customer will be referred to as Company A.
| Product | Eaton 93E 30kVA |
| Application | Data Center in Medical Facility |
| Synopsis | During a routine Preventive Maintenance inspection, the Nationwide Power Field Engineer discovered overheated batteries that required immediate replacement. Upon further inspection and discussion with the site contact, it was reported that the HVAC system had been failing intermittently – in the peak of summer – which caused irreversible damage to the UPS batteries. The UPS batteries were not due for replacement for another 12 – 18 months. Unfortunately, due to the high ambient room temperatures damaging the UPS batteries, immediate replacement was required, costing the client in excess of $4,000. |
| Preliminary Actions | The client had been diligent about proper UPS maintenance and regularly scheduled PM inspections. As a result of a timely PM schedule, this issue was identified early on, limiting Company A’s risk and exposure. If this issue had not been addressed promptly, it could have resulted in any of the following:
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| Resolution | Battery string was immediately replaced, and the HVAC system repaired to fully operational condition. |
| Root Cause | The life expectancy for the UPS batteries in this case study was shortened by 12 – 18 months due to HVAC failure. Nationwide Power installs strip thermometers on our clients’ UPS units. This helps the customer easily monitor temperature at any time by site personnel. Ambient temperatures in the data center room, or wherever the UPS system is located, generally should not exceed the ideal ambient temperature range of 70-77° Fahrenheit. Additionally, Nationwide Power recommends room monitoring systems which will alert key team members whenever certain environmental elements vary from acceptable ranges. |
| Additional Reading | Identifying qualified UPS service providers: Case Study #131 | Emergency UPS Service For A Discontinued Liebert NXb 30kVA UPS News Article: The Importance of Preventive Maintenance |
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