Perhaps the question that is asked most is how long a UPS battery will last. There is no simple answer, as there are a number of factors that affect the life of UPS batteries. Batteries do not have infinite life, but the battery life for UPSs can be maximized by operating them using manufacturer recommendations, contained in the user manual.
There are 5 major factors that generally affect the longevity of UPS batteries:
1. Placement of UPS
UPSs should be installed in environments with temperature control within specified ranges. UPS batteries should not be placed in areas with high moisture content, corrosive fumes, or dust such as near open windows. The ventilation openings on UPS units should be left open.
2. Ambient Temperatures
The ambient temperature for UPS batteries should be 25°C and it is the optimum temperature where the life of the battery is maximized. For every 10°C rise in the ambient temperature, the life of the battery is reduced by half.
3. Cyclicic Frequency
When your UPS battery is being installed, its rated capacity is at 100 percent. With each discharge cycle, which is every time the UPS goes to battery, the relative capacity of the battery decreases. You can better predict the life of the battery if you understand cycling frequency since you will notice frequent or abnormal cycling. Modern UPS models are adjustable, which can enable you to reduce nuisance trips that consume the capacity of the battery unnecessarily.
4. Maintenance
There are UPS batteries that are maintenance-free meaning that they do not require fluid replacement but will require periodic maintenance. You should understand that maintenance-free UPS batteries do require some level of maintenance. Part of maintaining UPS batteries entail visual inspection of the batteries for cleanliness and for the removal of debris, dust, or dirt. Batteries that have excessive swelling or have leaking fluids should be replaced and properly disposed of.
5. Storage of the batteries