Every UPS and inverter battery wears out, and it usually does so quietly. The system still switches on, but the backup time gets shorter until it fails when it is needed.
Knowing the signs lets you act before that happens.
Key takeaways
- Shorter backup time is the first sign of a worn battery.
- A battery should be tested, not guessed at.
- Replacement batteries must match the voltage and type of the system.
- Heat and deep discharge shorten battery life.
Signs of a worn battery
- The backup time is much shorter than it used to be.
- The UPS or inverter shows a battery alarm or beeps often.
- The battery is swollen, leaking or very hot.
- The battery needs charging for much longer, or does not charge fully.
How we test and replace
We check each battery’s voltage and condition, test it under load and check the connections and the charger. If one battery in a bank is weak it can drag the others down, so the bank is looked at as a whole. A replacement battery must match the voltage, the type and, in a bank, the age and make of its neighbours.
Making the new battery last
- Keep the batteries cool and ventilated.
- Do not run the system until the battery is completely empty.
- Keep the terminals clean and tight.
- Have the system checked once a year.
Old batteries
Used batteries contain materials that must not go in the household waste. Hand them to the supplier or a recycler when they are replaced.
When to call us
If your backup time has become short, we can test the batteries and replace them. Use the contact page or the quote page, see our home UPS and backup solutions, or look at the batteries we supply.
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