Even though the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system is a lifesaver when grid power is gone, it’s bound to fail and disappoint sometimes.
It chips in immediately to provide emergency power so you can continue your electricity-reliant projects and activities. But it may shut down unexpectedly when hit with a bizarre catastrophe. The UPS is vulnerable like any other electrical appliance you know.
Of course, we’ll point out the various problems UPS systems encounter. The accompanying solutions for each problem will help you proactively maintain your UPS system properly to operate normally.
Power Failure and Power Outage
This is a common term associated with UPS systems because the UPS comes in handy when it occurs. By definition, a power outage, also known as a power blackout or failure, is a sudden loss of electricity supply from the main power grid to homes, offices, or factories.
While a power outage cannot harm a UPS system, its malfunctions easily cause damage. For instance, when power is out and comes back with excessive voltage, the power surge may be so great that it overwhelms the UPS and eventually burns the internal parts.
Similarly, iterative power-on/power-off events are detrimental to a UPS in that the repetitive stress on the components reduces their effectiveness over time. Power outages are commonly caused by thunderstorms, utility company disruptions, and even internal power distribution issues.
Recommended Solutions
Curbing UPS problems due to power outages requires regular inspection of the UPS components. Only through an inspection can you discover the inside of a UPS is deteriorating due to too much power supply from the wall outlet.
But with or without inspection, ensure you connect the UPS to a surge protector to suppress the power before it reaches the UPS system. You should also use high-quality power cables compatible with the UPS and the devices to be connected.
Battery Failures
Remember, the battery is an integral component of a UPS, which performs its main function of providing power backup. So, when the battery fails, the UPS is greatly incapacitated as it cannot function completely. Basically, a UPS is of little good if the battery is not working.
At times, the battery may be in the failing mode and not yet completely failed. This is a disaster in waiting, as the UPS can only supply power for a very short time. Therefore, connected devices can go off at any moment from when they begin functioning, leading to data loss and disrupted work.
The underlying question is what can make a UPS battery fail abruptly.
Common Causes
The battery can fail due to:
- Aging. As the battery ages, its efficiency and performance reduce due to wear. The chemical components degrade as the battery ages, and its capacity lessens.
- Improper maintenance like exposing the battery to extreme temperatures and humidity and infrequent battery checks.
- Overloading. When you connect so many devices to the UPS than its load capacity, it excessively drains the battery power, exacerbating battery failure.
Recommended Solutions
Combating battery failure is possible in these ways:
- Ensuring the total load connected to the UPS is within the UPS load capacity.
- Adhere strictly to the battery maintenance routine, which involves proper charging/discharging cycles, conducive environmental conditions, and regular inspections.
- Constantly monitor the battery levels and performance and carry out scheduled battery replacements.
Overheating
The UPS is susceptible to being very hot. When it becomes hot, just know that overheating is happening. Overheating should capture your attention since it is likely to cripple your UPS performance.
Common Causes
Several factors lead to overheating of the UPS system. Mostly, overloading is the major cause of overheating, but there are more contributors to the UPS releasing excessive heat. So, these are the other main causes:
- Malfunctioning fans and air filters. The dust particles in the air accumulate on these components, hindering smooth air circulation.
- Poor ventilation by blocking the UPS air vents with objects, hampering the entry of air to cool the UPS. The heat generated by the components is trapped, causing the UPS to overheat.
- Using the UPS in scorching environments. The destructive high temperatures make the UPS interior super hot.
Recommended Solutions
Use the UPS in a spacious, well-ventilated room to prevent overheating. If the office or workspace seems a little congested, keep the windows and doors open so external air can enter the room.
As usual, unplug any devices not in use and share the same power outlet with the UPS before switching on the UPS. If you can, do the calculations to ensure your device load doesn’t exceed the UPS load capacity.
Also, strive to operate the UPS in an environment with favorable ambient temperatures around 77 Fahrenheit. Keep inspecting for dust and debris buildup and, if necessary, clean the fans and air filters regularly with the help of a professional technician.
Faulty Components
As time passes, the UPS components like the battery, inverter, and firmware deteriorate and begin to work less effectively. Time takes a toll on the UPS system, and faulty components may arise because of:
- Manufacturing defects as the UPS may have been manufactured using low-quality materials and low-grade technology.
- Wear and tear since they age throughout the UPS service life.
- Power surges also degrade the UPS parts.
- Human interference when one accidentally drops the UPS system and the parts break
Recommended Solutions
Finding out the components are faulty is through a regular inspection of the UPS machine. For a component like the battery, initiate self-tests regularly and the firmware and software, keep checking they’re up to date. Also, place the UPS in a secure location free from falls.
And immediately after you detect a broken or burnt component or a failing battery, replace it. Ensure you replace it with high-quality components from reputable brands.
Communication Errors
Sometimes, the UPS cannot communicate properly with the connected IT devices. It fails to integrate seamlessly and coordinate with ease. The following lead to abrupt communication errors:
- Network problems such as router misconfigurations, high network traffic, and duplicate IP addresses on multiple devices.
- Software glitches when outdated software interferes with data transfer and communication.
- Incompatible hardware. If the battery or internal circuitry do not complement each other, the UPS fails to pick signals and communicate effectively.
Recommended Solutions
To prevent such communication troubles, install the most current UPS software. Also, use compatible hardware that works well together with the help of the manufacturer's customer support.
You can check the network settings and clear any network conflicts. However, just restarting your UPS could solve the matter. Otherwise, consult the manufacturer’s technical team if communication errors still exist.
Alarm Issues
Under normal operations, the beeping alarms alert you of a potential UPS issue so you can take corrective action. However, alarms can fail to function efficiently due to faulty sensors, misconfigured UPS system settings, and electrical interference caused by insufficient power supply to the UPS.
Recommended Solutions
Alarm issues can be prevented or fixed by applying these solutions:
- Test the alarm systems regularly to ensure they function appropriately.
- Rectify the alarm configuration settings and enable the specific alarms if they were initially disabled so that you receive accurate and prompt notifications.
- Shield the alarm sensors from interference for seamless operations.
Inverter Failures
A functioning battery depends on an inverter operating excellently for the UPS system to benefit the user. If the inverter cannot convert the DC battery power into AC power to run the appliances, then it cuts short power provision to these appliances.
Such a disruption of power conversion can stem from:
- A degrading inverter, which can be detected when the UPS keeps flickering or is on, but no power reaches the connected load. Sometimes, overheating may indicate a failing inverter.
- System overload that occurs when you connect too many electrical devices surpassing the inverter’s load capacity. The inverter will either shut down or heat up if it continues functioning. When the overloading persists, expect the inverter to function less efficiently and soil one day.
- Electrical faults such as voltage spikes and short circuits.
You can avoid inverter failures by avoiding overloading, as described earlier. Also, perform regular check-ups to be sure the inverter is working reliably, and correct symptoms of failure before it starts to misbehave.
UPS Maintenance Practices
Regular maintenance is best for keeping your UPS in tip-top condition. If you fail to execute the vital maintenance practices, you’ll handle the mystery of solving UPS problems every now and then.
Never wait for a failure to reveal itself so that you can begin consistent maintenance. In your care regimen, schedule inspections of the different UPS components. Remember, a thorough inspection addresses the prevailing UPS issues early and timely before they become a headache.
We recommend monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual checks for your UPS components. You can establish such a maintenance schedule in your DIY routine:
- Visual inspections and proper ventilation every 2-3 months.
- Battery tests, including load and capacity tests done quarterly
- Check the significant components, the inverter, rectifier, and alarms monthly and perform a detailed check bi-annually.
- Cleaning the components piece by piece and replacing the worn-out parts annually
For the firmware and software, configure your device to provide prompt notifications for a software update. If possible, link to your email for alerts or keep checking the manufacturer’s website for updates.
Lastly, a professional UPS technician should be involved at least once a year for a detailed inspection. An expert can discover certain defects, anomalies, and replacement needs you may not notice.
The Bottomline
Negligence and aging factors aggravate UPS problems, which have been highlighted for awareness. These UPS problems are power outages, inverter failures, battery failures, faulty components, alarm malfunctions, overheating, and communication errors. Regular inspections enable early detection of these problems to avert major damages, achieving proactive UPS management.
Above all, keep adhering to your maintenance routine. You can adjust it by seeking guidance from the UPS manufacturer or a trusted technician.
