Continuous electric supply is the ultimate fuel for the data centers. Like every modern industry, data centers are powered by electricity. Having a reliable power supply is essential for every IT facility to run its operations smoothly. But if there is a power interruption, it can cause a major threat and loss to their data center operations. It can also damage and cause expensive downtime to IT equipment. Having a backup supply ensures that IT facilities are secured and prevents any damages from occurring. 

 

However, an ups battery backup system is a lifesaver for data centers. The UPS battery is not exempt from failures. Several issues can interrupt the UPS’s normal operation. As the temperature rises, power outages become more common in summer. Don’t let your UPS get damaged by these fluctuations. We have compiled a list of the most common UPS problems, along with their solutions. Read the full article to avoid or resolve such kinds of hindrances in order to run your UPS smoothly.  

 

What are the Common UPS Problems With their solutions 

The UPS is an essential power system during power outages, so if you rely on it for your critical loads, You would want your UPS to work smoothly.  So let’s take a look at UPS power supply problems and their possible solutions.  

  • Malfunction In the UPS battery  

A UPS battery’s lifespan depends on how much it is consumed. If the system is not charged, the technician will check for leaks within the battery. In such cases, the UPS is severely damaged if the battery is not stored. Experiencing extreme fluctuations in power can cause the performance of UPS to deteriorate.  

Solution-  In such a case, regular proper recharging will restore the balance. 

 

  • Changes in power frequently occur- 

The UPS’s system can adequately handle the increase in power, but repeated spikes might cause overheating. UPS battery systems can be disrupted by natural phenomena, such as lightning strikes.  Due to this, there is a rise in power, which leads to the shutting down of the offline UPS system.   

Solution- In such a case, turn off the UPS and contact a technician. Circuit breakdown could be the most common cause of the malfunction. Replacing the damaged parts is the most effective method of restoring normal operations. 

 

  • Noisy line– 

UPS systems make little noise, but if there is an amplified sound, it needs professional attention to look out for the problem. When there is a buzzing or hissing sound along with smoke, then it indicates a fire in the UPS. 

Solution- Call a professional technician as it occurs when the fan is disrupted, which is what causes the unwanted noise. The technician will inspect and repair the damaged parts. 

 

  • Mechanism  

A UPS system is of 3 types online double conversion, offline, and line interactive. The offline mode suffers from issues with transition time support.  The most common problem with in-line UPSs is the change in power supply. By regulating voltage consumption, the disruption can be corrected. Such a type of disruption is known as harmonic distortion. An interruption with the battery charger can cause the entire system to fail. An On-line UPS is the best type with the most coverage and is not without issues. Problems with the rectifier and an inability to establish a secure connection with the inverter might result in temporary power outages. 

 

Solution- Regular technician inspections will verify whether the inverter is properly connected and the rectifiers are operational. 

 

  • When there is an issue with components – A UPS is divided into numerous segments. Each segment has its own set of issues. A service technician will assess the situation and make the required repairs.  Following are the numerous segments of the UPS system: 

 

Capacitor  

Capacitors control power flow in the case of voltage fluctuations. The longer the usage periods, the more the capacitor will get damaged. If this is the case with yours, ask the technician to replace the damaged capacitors. 

Circuitry and power chords  

A faulty circuit system or chord connection might create a temporary outage. But to fix it technician can repair it by unscrewing and tightening the loose ends. 

Fan  

It keeps the UPS cool. The most prevalent but occasional issue is ball bearing wear. If there are any broken parts, ask the technician to replace the broken part. The service fee for this UPS section is inexpensive. 

Filter and contactor  

Dust layers on the filter and contactor cause the UPS to overheat. In such cases, it results in the UPS not starting. To fix this, the technician will clean and reattach the parts. Regular cleaning can improve performance. 

 

Causes of UPS failure 

If you cannot afford downtime, you must understand what causes UPS failure. Here’s a brief rundown about the topic: 

  • Heat.  

Batteries are not being stored or used in warm environments. The longer the lifespan of a battery, the colder the surroundings. Choose one room for your UPS where you will NOT switch off the air conditioning to save money. Maintaining a temperature of 68-77°F (or 20-25°C) is appropriate. 

  • Dust. 

UPS systems have a poor tolerance for dust and should be stored in a dust-free environment that is frequently cleaned. Dust and airborne can block UPS fans and cause them to overheat. In the best-case scenario, overheating will result in a power outage when needed; in the worst-case situation, it would be fire. 

  • Humidity 

The humidity level in the room where your UPS is placed should be monitored on a regular basis since it might affect the functioning of your equipment. Air conditioning usually solves this problem, especially in the summer. 

  • Long storage time 

If you don’t charge your batteries for a long period of time, they will go “dead.” So if your UPS has been on the shelf for a while, you may replace it immediately. 

  • Loose connections 

If you have machinery operating close to the position of your UPS, vibrations may cause loose connections inside the unit. Once a year, it should be examined by a specialist. 

  • Internal components wear 

This is a major one, and it is quite difficult to spot if you are not a specialist. Many components of your UPS must work together to offer you total power failure coverage, and if one of them fails, the entire system fails. 

 

Conclusion 

Having a UPS battery fail can have a significant impact on the functioning of the data center. That is why it is critical to monitor the various components of UPS systems. It should be noted that the most crucial component of a UPS is the batteries.  When the batteries fail, the entire system ceases to work. As one of the top brands on this market, Masimo batteries provide top quality and guaranteed UPS batteries.  Always keep an eye on the temperature of the room where the UPS system is placed. To avoid failure, do regular maintenance and monitoring on all parts of the UPS battery.