Getting More Backup Time from Your UPS

If your UPS used to run the fans for three hours and now manages one, the battery is the usual suspect.

Signs the battery is failing

• Backup time has dropped noticeably
• The UPS beeps or shows a battery warning soon after the power goes
• Tubular batteries need topping up with water far more often than before
• The battery case is swollen, cracked or leaking

A swollen or leaking battery is damaged. Switch the UPS off, unplug it and keep the area ventilated until a technician replaces it.

Making a battery last

• Do not overload it. Run fans and lights, not the iron, the kettle or an AC
• Keep it ventilated. Heat shortens battery life more than anything else
• Top up tubular batteries with distilled water only, never tap water
• Keep terminals clean and tight

Battery or inverter?

If a new battery still gives short backup time, the charger or inverter may be at fault. A technician can test both, which is cheaper than replacing a battery that was never the problem.