News Article As the winter season approaches, it's an ideal time to contemplate the maintenance of your Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and, more specifically, the replacement of UPS batteries. UPS systems are a crucial component of safeguarding your...
The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
News Article
The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
As the winter season approaches, it’s an ideal time to contemplate the maintenance of your Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and, more specifically, the replacement of UPS batteries. UPS systems are a crucial component of safeguarding your organization’s data and ensuring operational continuity during power outages. This article highlights five compelling reasons why the winter months are the perfect time to replace UPS batteries.
1. Reduced Risk of Downtime Due to Winter Storms
Winter brings the added threat of power outages caused by snowstorms, ice, and extreme cold. With the increased likelihood of disruptive weather conditions, the reliability of your UPS system becomes even more critical. By replacing UPS batteries during the winter season, you mitigate the risk of downtime when you need your power backup system to perform flawlessly in the face of inclement weather.
2. Preventive Maintenance for Critical Operations
In the winter, businesses often face higher demands for critical operations, such as heating, ventilation, and operational technology. Replacing UPS batteries now ensures that your organization’s vital functions remain uninterrupted, providing peace of mind during the colder months when system failures can have a more significant impact.
3. Energy Savings in Cooler Temperatures
Energy efficiency is a crucial consideration in any business, and cooler weather can help reduce cooling costs for your data center or server room. Newer UPS batteries are not only more energy-efficient but also produce less heat during operation. Replacing UPS batteries during the winter months can lead to immediate energy savings and a reduction in cooling-related expenses, while ensuring your backup power system operates at its peak during a season when power interruptions are more common due to adverse weather.
4. Proactive Approach to Winter Preparedness
Winter preparedness is essential for businesses in regions susceptible to cold weather and storms. Replacing UPS batteries during the winter months is a proactive step that ensures your organization is well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the season. It demonstrates a commitment to reliability, continuity, and operational resilience, aligning your business with best practices in winter risk management.
5. Rising Lead Prices
Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of batteries used in UPS systems. Forecasted increases in lead prices indicate that battery replacement costs will rise in the near future. Replacing UPS batteries during the winter season not only ensures your organization’s resilience during the colder months but also allows you to lock in current prices before the projected cost hikes, potentially saving your business money in the long run.
Winter can be a challenging season for businesses, especially when it comes to ensuring the continuity of critical operations and data protection. Replacing UPS batteries during this season offers numerous advantages, including reduced downtime risks, preventive maintenance, energy savings, optimal battery performance, and a proactive approach to winter preparedness, all while considering the forecasted rise in lead prices. Don’t wait for the harsh weather to test the reliability of your UPS system; request a free quote now and make sure your organization is well-equipped to face the winter months with confidence. Replacing UPS batteries during the winter is a strategic decision that can enhance your business’s resilience, efficiency, and cost savings during this challenging time of year.
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The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
News Article Corks are popping, and the excitement is overflowing at Nationwide Power as we celebrate a remarkable achievement. For the second year in a row, our organization has been named a Top Workplace, solidifying our position as a leader in creating a culture of...
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
Case StudyIn this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of following your service provider’s age-based components. The most common age-based components are batteries (every 3-5 years), fans (every 5 years), capacitors (every 5-7 years), and...
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Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
News Article
Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
Corks are popping, and the excitement is overflowing at Nationwide Power as we celebrate a remarkable achievement. For the second year in a row, our organization has been named a Top Workplace, solidifying our position as a leader in creating a culture of excellence and employee satisfaction.
Each year, the Top Workplaces list recognizes companies that excel in fostering an environment where employees thrive. This prestigious accolade is not easily attained, as it involves an extensive evaluation process, including anonymous surveys and interviews with employees across diverse industries. The criteria for selection encompass crucial aspects such as alignment, execution, connection, and more.
Being honored with the Top Workplace title for two consecutive years is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team members and the exceptional workplace culture we have developed. At Nationwide Power, we firmly believe in doing things right the first time, and our dedication to providing a quality-first and team-first environment is deeply embedded in our values.
One of the differentiators that sets us apart from our competitors in the critical power industry is our inward focus on quality. Our Vice President, Jim Hallingstad, aptly explains, “We prioritize the voices of our team members, especially our Critical Power Professionals™, who engage with our customers on a daily basis. We value their expertise and insights, recognizing that they are the ones who truly understand their roles and contribute to our customers’ success. Encouraging our team to continuously improve processes and enhance quality is at the heart of our organizational philosophy.”
Earning the Top Workplace recognition for two consecutive years showcases our ongoing dedication to creating an environment where our employees can thrive, grow, and contribute their best. We are immensely proud of this achievement, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every member of our team for their unwavering commitment and passion.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a culture of quality, collaboration, and innovation. We will continue to prioritize the well-being and development of our team, ensuring that Nationwide Power remains an exceptional workplace for years to come.
Related Articles:
https://nationwidepower.com/news/top-workplace-of-2022/
Need Preventive Maintenance?
Latest News
The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
News Article As the winter season approaches, it's an ideal time to contemplate the maintenance of your Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and, more specifically, the replacement of UPS batteries. UPS systems are a crucial component of safeguarding your...
Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
News Article Corks are popping, and the excitement is overflowing at Nationwide Power as we celebrate a remarkable achievement. For the second year in a row, our organization has been named a Top Workplace, solidifying our position as a leader in creating a culture of...
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
Case StudyIn this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of following your service provider’s age-based components. The most common age-based components are batteries (every 3-5 years), fans (every 5 years), capacitors (every 5-7 years), and...
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Solutions
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
Case Study
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
In this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of following your service provider’s age-based components. The most common age-based components are batteries (every 3-5 years), fans (every 5 years), capacitors (every 5-7 years), and air filters (annually as needed). This case study specifically looks at the GE SG Series 80kVA.
| Product | SG Series 80kVA UPS |
| Application | Aeronautics |
| Synopsis | An existing customer placed a service call stating their GE SG 80kVA had a blown fuse, the load was lost, and they could not get the unit into bypass. |
| Preliminary Actions | Initial phone troubleshooting was not able to place the unit back online, so one of our Critical Power Professionals™ (CPPs™) was dispatched and on site in less than one hour. |
| Resolution |
Upon arrival, our CPP found the unit was in maintenance bypass supporting the load. In the alarm history, there was a blown DC fuses alarm. He placed the unit into internal bypass and powered the unit off with the load in bypass. Troubleshooting indicated that all battery fuses were good, however all 6 DC capacitor fuses were blown. Checking the capacitor date code showed that the capacitors were manufactured in 2014 (8-years old). The age-based replacement recommendation for capacitors is manufacturer-specific, between 5-7 years. Fortunately, Nationwide Power made age-based recommendations to replace the DC capacitors and all fans from prior maintenance inspections. The customer followed our expert advice, and the DC capacitors and fans were already on site waiting for a maintenance window to install. As a precaution, the CPP also requested that a replacement power interface board and rectifier board be sent to the site, in the event they were also damaged at the time of failure. This would minimize the risk of a return trip and increased downtime in the event there was additional damage. All parts were replaced during a maintenance window and the UPS was placed back online and supporting the load. |
| Root Cause |
Following the timely replacement of your service provider’s age-based recommendations is critical to minimizing unnecessary downtime. Too often, the downtime incurred will cost more than the recommended replacements. While not perfect in timing, having parts on site and ready to be replaced at least reduced the downtime in this case. Preventive maintenance and age-based recommendations are meant to PREVENT costly downtime. |
| Additional Reading |
Nationwide Power provides 24/7/365 technical support to ensure that everything operates and transitions successfully before, during, and after any power outage.Request a quote Call | 800-868-2780 E-Mail
We are your critical power infrastructure partner!
Latest News
The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
News Article As the winter season approaches, it's an ideal time to contemplate the maintenance of your Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and, more specifically, the replacement of UPS batteries. UPS systems are a crucial component of safeguarding your...
Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
News Article Corks are popping, and the excitement is overflowing at Nationwide Power as we celebrate a remarkable achievement. For the second year in a row, our organization has been named a Top Workplace, solidifying our position as a leader in creating a culture of...
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
Case StudyIn this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of following your service provider’s age-based components. The most common age-based components are batteries (every 3-5 years), fans (every 5 years), capacitors (every 5-7 years), and...
Newsletter Signup
Solutions
Case Study #155 | Knowing Your Infrastructure
Case Study
Case Study #155 | Knowing Your Infrastructure
In this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of knowing what your electrical infrastructure is, and what is supported by your UPS. This case study specifically looks at the Eaton Powerware 9330-15kVA UPS.
| Product | 9330-15kVA UPS |
| Application | 911 Center |
| Synopsis | An existing customer placed a service call stating their Eaton 9330 UPS went into bypass and that there was an electrical smell in the room. |
| Preliminary Actions | Initial phone troubleshooting was not able to place the unit back online, so one of our Critical Power Professionals™ (CPPs™) was dispatched to the site. |
| Resolution |
Upon arrival, our CPP began troubleshooting and found the unit in maintenance bypass. A visual inspection showed nothing outstanding. After downloading the alarm history, multiple overload alarms were logged with some above 125%. Further review of the load on the UPS identified laser printers, air purifiers, and shredders plugged into receptacles supported by the UPS. Once these non-essential loads were removed from the UPS, there were no more overload issues. To avoid a possible return call, the CPP also performed a load test on the batteries while onsite, which all batteries passed. As for the electrical smell the customer identified, it was not related to the UPS and possibly came from another piece of equipment in the room. |
| Root Cause |
Without knowing what the electrical infrastructure/receptacles supported by the UPS are, as well as connecting non-essential equipment into UPS supported receptacles, a business is opening themselves up to possible downtime and costly repairs. It is also best practice to track data over time during maintenance inspections to look for any trends. The PM inspection prior to this visit showed normal loads on the UPS. |
| Additional Reading |
Nationwide Power provides 24/7/365 technical support to ensure that everything operates and transitions successfully before, during, and after any power outage.Request a quote Call | 800-868-2780 E-Mail
We are your critical power infrastructure partner!
Latest News
The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
News Article As the winter season approaches, it's an ideal time to contemplate the maintenance of your Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and, more specifically, the replacement of UPS batteries. UPS systems are a crucial component of safeguarding your...
Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
News Article Corks are popping, and the excitement is overflowing at Nationwide Power as we celebrate a remarkable achievement. For the second year in a row, our organization has been named a Top Workplace, solidifying our position as a leader in creating a culture of...
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
Case StudyIn this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of following your service provider’s age-based components. The most common age-based components are batteries (every 3-5 years), fans (every 5 years), capacitors (every 5-7 years), and...
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Solutions
Case Study #154 | Check Battery Alarm
Case Study
Case Study #154 | Check Battery Alarm
In this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we show the importance of regularly scheduled maintenance inspections and replacements of age-based components. This case study focuses specifically on the replacement of batteries on a Best FerrUPS FE18kVA.
An existing time and materials (T&M) customer who chooses to operate on a “break/fix” maintenance program placed a service call after their “Check Battery” alarm came on. This customer has used NP for a few years and has always acted on the advice of our age-based replacements, although not always in a timely manner.
| Product | Best FerrUPS FE18kVA |
| Application | Security Company |
| Synopsis | The customer noticed an active “Check Battery” alarm on the UPS display. The customer proceeded to place a T&M call to our service team. |
| Preliminary Actions | A Critical Power Professional™ (CPP™) was dispatched to the site where the CPP found that several batteries were “open” and posed a severe risk of thermal runaway/fire. The UPS battery date code showed that the batteries were 7 years old. This is 2 years passed the typical replacement age, however the customer tried to stretch the life and budget of the batteries. |
| Resolution | The customer was provided with a full-string replacement quote and expedited a purchase order to have the batteries replaced. Fortunately, all batteries were successfully replaced, there were no safety issues or harm caused to any employees, and no critical loads were lost as a result. The customer will be set until the next scheduled battery cycle changeout in 3-5 years. |
| Root Cause | “Break/fix” maintenance plans and trying to stretch the life of critical components often expose customers to greater risk and higher costs. Had these batteries reached thermal runaway, the cost and damage of the fire would have greatly exceeded the cost of an annual preventive maintenance inspection each year. |
| Additional Reading |
Nationwide Power provides 24/7/365 technical support to ensure that everything operates and transitions successfully before, during, and after any power outage.Request a quote Call | 800-868-2780 E-Mail
We are your critical power infrastructure partner!
Latest News
The Winter Advantage: Why Replacing UPS Batteries During Winter Is a Smart Move
News Article As the winter season approaches, it's an ideal time to contemplate the maintenance of your Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and, more specifically, the replacement of UPS batteries. UPS systems are a crucial component of safeguarding your...
Nationwide Power Honored as a Top Workplace for the Second Consecutive Year
News Article Corks are popping, and the excitement is overflowing at Nationwide Power as we celebrate a remarkable achievement. For the second year in a row, our organization has been named a Top Workplace, solidifying our position as a leader in creating a culture of...
Case Study #156 | Importance of Following Age Based Recommendations
Case StudyIn this Nationwide Power™ (NP™) case study, we highlight the importance of following your service provider’s age-based components. The most common age-based components are batteries (every 3-5 years), fans (every 5 years), capacitors (every 5-7 years), and...
