Keeping the Power On: Why You Should Be Charging Those UPS Batteries

by | Apr 24, 2024 | CyberPower

I will preface this by saying that more experienced professionals than me will know this but coming into the world of CyberPower I’ve learned a lot and thought that maybe over a few articles I will share some of that knowledge with the group. To start with…

Let’s face it, in the IT world, downtime is the enemy. That’s why Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are heroes – they swoop in during outages, keeping your critical equipment humming along. But even heroes need a little TLC, and that includes the batteries inside your trusty UPS.

Here’s the thing: UPS batteries, like any battery, can get grumpy if they sit unused for too long. They slowly lose their ability to hold a full charge, which is bad news when a power cut hits. This is called “sulfation,” and it’s the gremlin that eats away at your battery’s performance.

So, what’s an IT reseller or supplier to do? Become a battery champion! Here’s why:

 

  • Prevents Frustrated Customers: Imagine this: you sell a customer a top-notch UPS, but when the power flickers, it sputters out because the battery wasn’t properly maintained. Not a good look. By keeping your stock charged, you ensure your customers get the reliable backup they deserve.
  • Happy Customers, Repeat Customers: Nobody likes surprises, especially when it comes to power outages. By proactively caring for your UPS batteries, you’re giving your customers peace of mind – and that’s a recipe for happy, repeat buyers.
  • Less RMA Drama: Nobody wants to deal with returns. Regular charging cycles help extend the lifespan of your UPS batteries, which means fewer headaches with replacements and warranty claims down the line.

 

So, how often should you be charging those batteries? Most manufacturers recommend a full discharge and recharge cycle every 3-6 months. This keeps the battery cells active and prevents sulfation.

The good news? Many modern UPS units have a built-in self-test function that performs this discharge and recharge automatically. But for those that don’t, it’s on you, the IT reseller, to be the battery guardian.

By taking this simple step, you’re not just protecting your stock, you’re ensuring your customers have the reliable backup power they need. After all, in the IT world, keeping the power on is everything. So, fire up those UPS units and give those batteries a good workout!