Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are designed to keep your business up and running when electricity supply is disrupted, whether during surges or a complete outage. One of the most common and most costly misconceptions is that UPS equipment requires little to no maintenance.

Your uninterruptible power supply system is a complex and highly technical piece of electronic equipment. Certain components, such as capacitors and batteries, have a very specific shelf life, and when ignored, can lead to failure in your uninterruptible power supply system. Recommending timely replacement of specific UPS parts is just one way preventive UPS maintenance will help in extending the life of your equipment.

In addition to age-based recommendations, the Critical Power Professional™ will provide performance-based recommendations as well. You should receive a Maintenance Inspection Report with a full review of the performance levels of your UPS, including environmental conditions, thermal scanning and any abnormal signs that point to early deficiency detection.

The frequency of UPS preventive maintenance checks varies based on client-specific needs and the age and condition of the system, and ranges from one to four inspections per year. Regular UPS preventive maintenance will:

• Maximize uptime
• Reduce outages and accidents
• Improve energy efficiency
• Decrease operating costs
• Prolong the life of the UPS
• Avoid common and easily overlooked risks

So, what is the risk of avoiding routine preventive maintenance? Given that you already have, or are considering purchasing UPS equipment, the likelihood is high that your business requires 100% uptime. Lack of UPS preventive maintenance can lead to catastrophic and costly failures. As easy as it may be to take your uninterruptible power supply system for granted, consider the true cost of downtime to your organization. Depending on the industry, the cost of downtime ranges from loss of production, loss of revenue due to an inability to service customers, loss of confidence and future revenue from existing clients, medical devices falling offline, and probably the most frequent cost: lost data.

Your company has spent anywhere from $1,000 – $100,000 for accommodating an uninterruptible power supply system to ensure 100% uptime, and now you are tasked with ensuring the system runs properly and without failure. You understand the importance of preventive maintenance, but where do you start when selecting the right company?

Finding the right service provider can be just as important as identifying the right UPS system. A qualified UPS maintenance provider should be available for both preventive UPS maintenance and emergency service. You should have a written contract outlining the service window expectations when a failure occurs. You should also look for a company who offers a full service contract over just preventive maintenance. For a nominal annual surcharge, any emergency repairs will be covered under your contract terms. The reputation of the service provider is also key. You will want to know what the average years of experience and qualification level is of the field technician who will service your equipment, and you should look into reviews of current and past clients as well. Lastly, a multi-brand provider will have experience with all major manufacturers, and their recommendations will not be limited to one particular make.

When was the last time your UPS system was serviced and maintained? If it’s been more than 12 months, then it’s time to have your UPS inspected.