Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) maintenance is essential to ensure the reliable operation of your critical systems during power outages. Neglecting it can lead to downtime, costly repairs, or data loss.
This guide will outline the importance of regular UPS upkeep, signs of potential issues, and actionable tips to extend the life of your UPS systems.
Did you know that with UPS Maintenance being a legal requirement under SFG20, the consequences of neglecting your UPS systems run deeper than downtime? Let’s explore further.
UPS Maintenance and SFG20
SFG20 is the UK’s industry standard for building maintenance, helping facilities managers ensure their buildings are safe, legal, and compliant with regulations. It provides a structured guide that outlines specific tasks to maintain various systems.
The main task regarding UPS systems that fall under SFG20 – and is a legal requirement to ensure full compliance – is bi-annual testing. Whilst SFG20 currently advises that an electrician should carry out UPS testing, due to their complexity it’s not something that standard electricians have the desire, or expertise, to complete. Whereas our dedicated team of engineers are fully trained in how to operate and maintain these systems safely.
Did you know? We are working closely with SFG20 to have their advice amended to require a UPS engineer with specialist skills to perform UPS testing and maintenance to ensure the utmost safety and compliance.
Why is UPS Maintenance Important?
A UPS system is the lifeline of your operations during a power failure. It can fail when you need it most without regular and proper maintenance. Dust, ageing batteries, or failing components can severely impact performance. Addressing these issues proactively can:
- Reduce unexpected downtime by identifying and fixing potential failures before they occur.
- Extend the lifespan of your UPS equipment, ensuring long-term reliability and cost savings.
- Optimise performance and efficiency to maintain consistent power supply and energy savings.
- Ensure SFG20 compliance, meeting industry standards for maintenance and safety.
Proactive UPS Maintenance Tips to Ensure Reliability and Longevity
UPS systems require regular maintenance to perform optimally over time. By following a proactive maintenance strategy, you can extend the lifespan of your UPS, improve its reliability, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures. This includes completing regular checks such as:
- Regular Visual Inspection – Inspect the unit for physical damage, unusual noises, or loose connections.
- Battery Testing and Replacement – UPS batteries degrade over time. Test them every 6–12 months and replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Environmental Control – Place the UPS in a clean, temperature-controlled environment. Excessive heat and dust can shorten its lifespan.
- Firmware Updates – Keep the UPS software updated to benefit from improved efficiency and security patches.
- Professional Maintenance Checks – Schedule routine inspections with certified technicians to assess and optimise system performance.
What are Some Key Signs Your UPS Needs Maintenance?
- Frequent Alarms
Repeated or constant alarms are a clear indication that something is wrong with your UPS systems. These alerts could be triggered by a range of issues, such as overloads, malfunctioning components or battery failures. If the alarms alert more frequently than usual, this could be a sign to investigate further before it leads to a complete system failure. - Reduced Battery Runtime
If your UPS is running out of battery power much quicker than it did when it was new, it’s a sign that the batteries may be deteriorating or no longer hold a full charge.
Did you know? Over time, UPS batteries lose capacity due to age, heat, and usage cycles. If you notice a decrease in runtime, it is time to replace batteries to avoid power outages and unexpected shutdowns.
- Physical Damage
Visibly damaged components, such as bulging, leaking, discoloured batteries, or any other unusual physical changes to the UPS, should be addressed immediately. Bulging batteries, for example, can pose safety risks, while discolouration or wear on components may signal that internal parts are overheating or malfunctioning. - Unusual Noises
Strange sounds, such as clicking, humming or buzzing could indicate signs that something inside the UPS is not working properly. These noises could be signs that the fans are failing, electrical faults, or other mechanical problems. It is important to have the unit inspected to prevent further serious issues from developing. - System Overheating
Did you know that overheating is one of the most common issues in UPS systems? This is often caused by poor ventilation, blocked airflow, or worn-out cooling fans. An overheating UPS can significantly reduce its lifespan, damage internal components, and increase the risk of fire. If you notice the signs below then it is time to check the systems ventilation systems to ensure optimal performance:- Your UPS feels hot to the touch
- Your UPS is emitting unusual heat
- The internal fans are not working
The benefits of regular UPS Maintenance, include:
- Increased Reliability – Regular maintenance directly contributes to the reliability of your UPS, ensuring that it will always be ready to perform in those critical moments when the power fails or fluctuates.
- Cost Savings – While it may seem like an added expense to perform routine checks and upgrades, preventive maintenance can save you a considerable amount in the long run, for example:
- Early problem detection
- Avoiding emergency repairs
- Longer system lifespan
- Peace of Mind – A well-maintained system offers peace of mind. Knowing that your backup power is functioning properly and that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure its reliability can ease concerns about system failures during critical moments. Having confidence in your Backup Power is crucial, especially during emergencies, so having regular checks can reduce stress and give you peace of mind.
- SFG20 Compliance – In certain sectors, regular UPS maintenance is not just a best practice — it’s a requirement. Compliance with standards like SFG20 (a best practice maintenance standard for facilities management) is essential for organisations operating in regulated environments or those seeking to meet industry benchmarks for equipment care and service delivery.
UPS Maintenance: Small Investment to Keep Your Business Powered
The benefits of regular UPS maintenance extend far beyond just keeping the lights on during a power outage. UPS maintenance is a small investment that delivers significant returns in reliability, performance, and peace of mind.
Staying proactive with UPS maintenance is not just about avoiding downtime, it’s about creating a reliable, efficient, and secure environment for your business operations, as well as ensuring that you are compliant with the critical tasks set out by SFG20.
Contact us to find out more about how BCL power can help your business and keep your UPS systems in peak condition.