Businesses in telecommunications, medicine, and countless other industries rely on vital systems that run on electricity. An outage brings these business operations to a standstill and, in some cases, can jeopardize people’s health and safety. One solution is to invest in uninterruptible power supply options so that your equipment always has access to backup energy and can keep the ball rolling.
How long does an uninterrupted power supply last with a UPS installed? As a top UPS maintenance and service provider, Nite and Day Power provides some answers below.
What Is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?
A UPS is a system that provides emergency energy to electrical equipment, like computers and routers, during a power outage. It’s a backup battery with electronic controls.
The battery kicks in when the equipment you connect to it loses energy beyond its predetermined threshold. The UPS replaces the lost voltage so that nothing disrupts the equipment’s operations.
Average Power Backup Duration for a UPS
How long does an uninterrupted power supply last before needing a replacement? The lifespan of a UPS is about 10,000 hours. That typically translates to five to eight years.
If the UPS device lasts eight years, it could run daily for eight hours over that period.
General Guidelines for UPS Lifespans
Not all uninterruptible power supply devices offer the same lifespan. Your system’s make and model will influence its longevity. A UPS can certainly last longer than eight years, but you’d need to replace its batteries more often.
The ratings for batteries in an uninterruptible power supply have volt-amperes and wattage ratings. A high VA rating equals more energy, while higher wattages equal longer lifespans. For instance, a 2,500-watt device could last up to six years, but a 1,000-watt UPS’s life expectancy is only three years.
Standby time is also a factor. Standing by for long periods could shorten a UPS’s useful life.
Factors Affecting Backup Battery Runtimes
How long does an uninterrupted power supply last with a UPS installed? Consider the environment in which you will use the system.
Does your UPS have a reliable connection to a primary power source? When the quality of the power input is high, the power supply will last longer.
Does your business have many blackouts or brownouts? The frequent discharges could also affect the UPS’s lifespan.
More Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your UPS
The best way to improve battery runtimes is to minimize the strain you put on your backup power source. Don’t treat it as a generator. Instead, rely on it solely to keep your company’s critical systems running during an electrical outage.
Routine maintenance is also necessary.
Warning Signs of Battery Failure
How long does an uninterrupted power supply last with normal use? Replace the batteries in your UPS if you see these warning signs of battery failure:
- Early discharge
- Old age
- Low battery alarm or flashing panel lights
- Shortages
As soon as you see one of these signs, arrange a battery replacement.
How To Determine Your UPS Load Capacity
The size or load capacity of UPS units follows the volt-amp measurement. A small unit with a 350-VA rating may be enough to provide electricity to an internet router for a couple of hours. A 2,200-VA option has the capacity to run the same equipment for about 18 hours.
On the other hand, a system with 5,000 kilovolt-amperes can generate enough energy for a large building. So, before replacing your uninterruptible power supply, consider your business’s needs. Select a unit with a VA rating at least 1.2 times the total load capacity that your equipment requires to run.
Keep Your Business’s Electricity Flowing With UPS Solutions From Nite and Day Power
How long does an uninterrupted power supply last with a normal battery? The average battery lifespan is about 10,000 hours, but several factors can affect how long your backup energy supply lasts. Recognizing the warning signs of reduced energy efficiency will help you know when to replace your UPS.
Does your company in the San Francisco Bay Area need an uninterruptible power supply, replacement batteries, or routine maintenance as part of its power outage plan? Nite and Day Power can keep your business’s vital systems running and minimize downtime during electrical outages. Call us at (800) 540-7693 to request services!
