When a power outage hits, your Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system is the first and often only line of defence. It protects vital systems, prevents data loss, and keeps operations running until power is restored or backup generators take over. But without regular UPS servicing, a UPS system can quickly become unreliable. Faults can go unnoticed, UPS batteries may degrade, and the unit could fail at the very moment it’s needed most.
At BCL Power, we specialise in UPS systems and UPS battery maintenance. We’ve seen the risks businesses take when routine checks are overlooked – and the damage it can cause. That’s why we advocate for proactive servicing, carried out by trained UPS professionals, in line with the latest UK standards.
How Often Should a UPS Be Serviced?
The current recommendation under SFG20, the UK’s standard for planned maintenance, is every 6 months for UPS systems.
This bi-annual UPS servicing is more than best practice – it’s a critical requirement for ensuring your system is operating safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with legal standards.
Regular UPS maintenance allows for:
- Identification of worn or damaged components
- Load testing to verify performance under pressure
- Inspection of UPS batteries, which are often the first point of failure
- Software and firmware updates where applicable
- Confirmation that the system is ready to respond instantly to power loss
Missed services increase the risk of faults, shorten the lifespan of your system, and may even invalidate warranties or insurance coverage.
The Legal and Regulatory Framework for UPS Maintenance
Your responsibility to maintain a UPS system doesn’t end after installation. There are clear legal obligations to ensure this equipment remains safe and functional. Here are the key standards and regulations that apply in the UK:
1. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
These regulations require that all electrical systems be constructed and maintained to prevent danger. UPS systems fall squarely within this scope. Routine inspection and servicing help demonstrate compliance and reduce the risk of prosecution in the event of a failure.
2. Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
This overarching piece of legislation puts a legal duty of care on employers and facilities managers. If a UPS system fails and results in harm or operational loss, the question will be: was it properly maintained?
3. BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition)
The UK’s national standard for electrical installations sets the benchmark for how UPS systems should be installed and maintained. Compliance isn’t optional – it’s a key part of ensuring safety and reliability in your power infrastructure.
4. SFG20 and HTM06-01
SFG20 provides the UK’s definitive guide to planned maintenance. It outlines detailed schedules and procedures for equipment like UPS systems, including the bi-annual testing frequency.
HTM06-01 is specific to the NHS and healthcare environments, but its emphasis on safe, resilient electrical systems is applicable across all critical sectors.
5. PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
This regulation states that all work equipment – including UPS systems – must be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition. Failure to carry out regular maintenance could result in enforcement action from the HSE or even invalidate your business insurance.
What’s Included in a UPS Service?
At BCL Power, we provide UPS servicing that goes far beyond a basic visual inspection. Our qualified UPS battery professionals carry out detailed checks, including:
- Visual and thermal inspections of UPS and batteries
- Battery health testing (internal resistance and voltage checks)
- Load bank testing to simulate real-world conditions
- Environmental checks (temperature, airflow, humidity)
- Software diagnostics and alarm reviews
- Firmware updates and settings review
- Full service reporting for audit and compliance records
All services are delivered in line with SFG20 guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
The Impact of UPS Downtime
Consider the cost of downtime. For a data centre, hospital, or logistics hub, a few minutes without power can result in operational chaos, data loss, or even danger to life. The financial losses alone can be significant.
You will have seen the recent examples of power outages including at Heathrow Airport which caused flight delays and airport chaos. There was also the power cuts across Spain which left millions across the country offline for 24 hours. While the Spanish handled it well, the disruption continued for days after.
Don’t Wait for a Failure – Act Now
If it’s been more than six months since your last UPS service, now is the time to schedule a visit. It’s not just about staying compliant – it’s about protecting your people, your equipment, and your business continuity.
At BCL Power, we offer nationwide coverage, 24/7 availability, and proactive maintenance plans tailored to your system and site requirements. Our technicians aren’t general electricians – they’re UPS maintenance specialists with over 30 years of industry knowledge.
Whether you need a routine UPS battery replacement, a full system audit, or an urgent UPS fault diagnosis, we’re ready to support you.
Book Your UPS Service Today
Don’t leave your critical power protection to chance. Contact BCL Power now to arrange your next UPS service. We’ll work around your schedule and provide full compliance documentation for your records.