Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems protect Bay Area facilities from losses in the event of electric grid failure. So, if you manage a commercial facility with one of these systems, how often should you replace UPS batteries? Nite and Day Power shares the following information regarding battery maintenance and replacement.
Why UPS Battery Lifespan Varies From Site to Site
Typical UPS battery lifespans depend on chemistry, temperature, and operating environment. Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, the most common type, usually last three to five years under ideal conditions at or near 77 degrees. Lithium-ion batteries can reach 10 years of service or more.
Temperature plays the biggest role in determining longevity. Every 18-degree rise above the design temperature can cut battery life in half. Excess heat leads to internal corrosion, while undercharging shortens runtime capacity. Proper cooling and ventilation protect your investment and extend service life.
Cycle depth also matters. Frequent discharges during utility outages wear batteries faster. By minimizing unnecessary runtime events and maintaining proper charging voltage, you can extend the replacement window and keep your UPS maintenance costs predictable.
Recognize When It’s Time for a Battery Replacement Cycle
Every facility needs a consistent battery replacement cycle to maintain reliability. Even well-maintained batteries lose capacity over time. Once performance drops below 80% of rated capacity, it’s time to consider immediate replacement, regardless of age.
For standard VRLA batteries, professionals recommend changing them every three to five years. Some lithium-ion models may have expected lifespans up to 10 years. Technicians often recommend more frequent battery performance testing if the UPS faces heat, cycling frequency, or storage challenges.
How Professionals Verify Battery Health and Performance
Technicians confirm real-world conditions when advising you on how often you should replace UPS batteries. Annual capacity tests show how much power the batteries actually deliver compared to original ratings. Again, experts are looking for a pass/fail on the critical 80% capacity rating.
Between major tests, ohmic measurements help identify rising internal resistance that signals early degradation. Professionals also inspect terminals, torque connections, and verify float voltage accuracy. These steps catch problems before they cause downtime. Consistent battery maintenance ensures each component operates safely and efficiently during an outage.
How Proper Battery Maintenance Extends System Life
Routine battery maintenance heads off major system failures through early fault detection. During scheduled UPS maintenance, technicians check charger settings, inspect wiring for corrosion, and confirm that batteries remain on float charge.
Professionals also clean cabinet interiors, tighten links, and record all readings. Trend data helps determine the best time for replacement instead of reacting to failure. This proactive approach keeps your system stable and extends battery service life.
Build a Preventive Maintenance Schedule That Works
A reliable preventive maintenance schedule gives facility teams confidence in their power systems. Professionals typically recommend:
- Each month, visual inspection for leaks, swelling, or loose terminals while verifying correct charge indication
- Quarterly, ohmic or conductance testing to trend resistance changes
- Annually, full discharge testing, charger calibration, and thermographic scans for heat detection
Why Battery Chemistry Affects Replacement Timing
Different chemistries directly affect how often you should replace UPS batteries. VRLA batteries remain popular for cost efficiency, while lithium-ion options provide longer lifespan and lighter maintenance. Lithium-ion’s ability to handle heat and frequent cycling makes it ideal for demanding environments.
Talk with your local UPS expert to choose the right chemistry for your power backup system to maximize lifespan.
The Value of Partnering With an Experienced UPS Service Provider
Replacing UPS batteries requires expertise and precision. A trusted provider with experience and the right tools delivers complete service, from testing and installation to recycling and documentation.
Make sure your provider follows manufacturer and IEEE standards while customizing maintenance to your facility’s temperature, load, and uptime requirements.
Maximize Battery Life With Expert Support From Nite and Day Power
Now that we’ve covered how often you should replace UPS batteries, trust the Nite and Day Power team to design a maintenance program for your needs built around proven testing methods and monitoring.
Whether you manage one site or an entire regional network, professional UPS maintenance keeps every unit ready for action. Plan your next inspection, performance test, or battery replacement with technicians who consider your uptime as their top priority.
Call (800) 540-7693 or contact us online to schedule UPS system and battery maintenance.
