Everyone knows that every server, PC and any other electronic devices you own should be connected to a good quality UPS battery backup surge protector. The UPS not only protects your products from damage from power spikes caused by lightning strikes, it also allows your electronics to shut down properly in the event of a power outage. But just because you made the smart investment in purchasing a battery backup surge protector means you can “set it and forget it”. Many people believe that if there is a problem with the battery it will sound an alarm and flash lights to notify them. Relying on the alarm is fine in theory but what if you can’t easily hear it or what if someone has disabled the alarm notification in the unit? You could end up with batteries that look like the picture in this post!
Battery backup surge protectors should be maintained just like any other piece of equipment. UPS battery life differs based on usage and environment but it is recommended that the battery/batteries be changed once every three years. Once every six months to a year you or your IT service provider should re-calibrate your UPS’s battery sensor and run a battery test to confirm if the batteries are fully charged. On larger models that allow monitoring with Powerchute software, make sure to regularly check the software logs for any indications that the battery isn’t functioning as it should. Every three years or so, regardless if there is an indication of a problem the batteries should be replaced. Changing the batteries is a pretty easy process. Since they are hot swappable, you can make the switch without turning the unit off. Just remove the face, unscrew the cover plate, unplug the batteries and pull out the tray. Once you have popped in the new batteries and reconnect them you should be good to go for another three years.
To learn how your business can benefit from virtualization, cloud services, and hosted applications, signup for a Free RevITup SilverCloud Assessment. For more information on solutions for running your businesses’ technology more efficiently, visit our website or contact Megan Meisner at mmeisner@launchpadonline.com or 813 448-7100 x210.
