How to Store and Maintain an APC Back-UPS Battery

Time is money, and that is particularly true in today's world in which copious amounts of data can be sent in a second. With temperature and power difficulties resulting in workplace problems, American Power Conversion (APC) can maintain data, preserve hardware, and limit employee's downtown. APC includes a wide variety of usages, both in the workplace and at home. Do you need to improve the electric equipment needed for industrial, electronics, communications and network applications? If so, then APC is the answer.

For instance, the APC Back-UPS Battery is an excellent battery for both computer systems in your office and home. By reducing the amount of power required to operate your system, the battery provides enough power for power outages that range from short to medium in length. Furthermore, the APC Back-UPS Battery can safeguard your computer system from both spikes and surges that zip through your utility lines and data lines. Other features of the battery can include an audible alarm, LED status indicator, push-button circuit breaker, software features (i.e. saves open files and shuts down the computer during lengthy power adages), replaceable battery, and transformer-block spaced outlets

Setting up an APC Back-UPS Battery for your computer is quite easy. Before starting, you should verify that the equipment's total power is not greater than the UPS's capacity. Afterwards, you are ready to rock and roll! Position the UPS in a place that permits enough ventilation on all of its sides. Plug the APC Back-UPS Battery into an outlet that is grounded, and then wait six hours for the battery to finish charging. Now you are ready to shut your computer system down. After doing that, unplug all parts from the surge suppressor.

You are making some genuine progress now! The next step is to plug in the computer, the monitor, and other components into the BackUPS' electrical outlets. Then switch on the UPS. If the LED lights up, then the UPS is operating properly. Now you are ready to switch on your computer system. First, turn on the monitor and peripherals, and then the computer. Finally, install any UPS software required and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions, to test the UPS.

After you have installed your APC Back-UPS Battery, you will need to maintain it. Here are some tips to assist you:

• Keep the location where the UPS is installed clean as a whistle
• Position all heavy-duty electrical appliances far from the UPS
• Ensure that the UPS's cord is in working order
• Never overload the UPS with too much power
• Observe the alarms and operation of the UPS
• Read the UPS manual and comprehend it fully
• Verify that the UPS's earthing is present and suitable
• Check that the main board's sockets, switches, and wiring are in top shape

Well, there you have it! Storing and maintaining an APC Back-UPs Battery can improve the functioning of various electronics apparatuses in your home or office. The aforementioned tips can ensure that you do it safely and effectively. Good luck!

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Network, he recommends Prodec Networks, a leading provider of APC Networks.

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UPS Battery Set Sizing For Protracted Mains Power Supply Failures

The batteries within an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are the heart and lungs of its ability to ride through short duration interruptions, keep loads up and running whilst another source or back up power (such as diesel generator) starts up, or to power through automatic shutdown routines.

UPS batteries must be sized to provide a specified runtime, usually measured in minutes or hours, at a specific Watts, kW or MV load. These load-specific factors are incorporated into a battery sizing algorithm that also takes into account a number of criteria such as ambient temperature and the inverter and system efficiencies of the uninterruptible power supply to which they are applicable.

Whilst battery manufacturers provide discharge curves and tables to assist selection, expert UPS manufacturers utilise bespoke battery sizing software programs designed around their own products' characteristics. Battery packs also tend to be uniform, based around particular types and ranges of battery and manufacturers' own battery cabinets or stands.

The uninterruptible power supply and battery set combination in a solution will be the nearest matching the calculated load. For example, for a total load (including UPS losses) of 20kW, the nearest matching UPS is a 30kVA/24kW system. Provision of a runtime of 30 minutes in this scenario would require the nearest battery option to be, say, a 38Ah battery set, which would provide 25 minutes at 24kW or 33 minutes at 20kW.

Several factors must be considered when sizing a battery set for an uninterruptible power supply. In particular, site power history is important in determining the depth, frequency and likelihood of mains power failures. The size of critical loads needs to be determined. If there is a maintained standby generator on site, this needs to be taken into consideration. How much runtime is needed to cover load shedding and/or an orderly shutdown? Thought must be be given to the immediate environment; how much available floor and rack space is there, for example, and is it a hot, humid environment or a cold, dry one? Cost implications also have to be factored in, particularly in a tight economic climate where cost-reduction is a must. What is the comparative cost, for example, of installing a number of battery strings to achieve particular runtime duration verses an individual standby generator or fuel cell?

Comparisons between runtime performances of different uninterruptible power supply manufacturers can be misleading. Firstly, comparing battery runtime performance between them is difficult without a common basis. The best solution is to ensure all runtimes are quoted using the same formula - load/Watt ratings and load power factors. An example could be: a 10kVA UPS supporting an 8kW load at 0.8pF, the runtime from a 12Ah internal battery set would be 14 minutes. However, at 75 percent load (6kW) and 0.6pF, the same UPS would provide almost 20 minutes of runtime.

It is possible to estimate battery set sizing, which may be useful for budgetary purposes at the specification stage of a power protection project, but as it is so critical to the overall performance and resilience of the uninterruptible power supply system, battery set sizing at the design stage should be carried out by industry professionals to achieve accurate and reliable ratings.

Robin Koffler is the co-author of The Power Protection Blog and the General Manager of Riello UPS Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Riello UPS (RPS S.p.A). For more information visit the Riello UPS - uninterruptible power supplies website.

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Choosing the Right UPS Battery For Your Computer

Power outages are inevitable. That is why Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are now widely available. UPS systems store power so that when outages occur, they can act as ’batteries’ and allow you to still use your computer without losing any data. UPS batteries usually last for hours, depending on the quality of the battery.

How it works

UPS batteries are placed in between the socket and the equipment. When there is electricity, the battery is continuously charging and collecting power. When power goes out, the UPS battery will automatically switch on, saving you from data loss.

Nowadays, UPS batteries are no longer used only for computers. High-powered devices and even telecommunication devices also have corresponding UPS systems for protection.

Kinds of batteries

There are two kinds of UPS batteries: the electrolytic and the vented UPS battery. The electrolytic UPS battery, also known as flooded wet cells, is more expensive yet durable. It can last for as long as 20 years. Meanwhile, vented UPS batteries are cheaper but less durable, lasting for only five years.

Choosing the right UPS battery

When buying a UPS battery, it is important to ask yourself three questions: Is it going to be used indoors or outdoors? How long will it supply power? Does it match the voltage output?
Make sure you purchase the appropriate one to prevent accidents. Also make sure that your UPS battery has a built-in surge suppressor and warranty for added protection. Finally, do not just settle for any cheap brand. Invest in a high-quality UPS battery, even if it is a bit more expensive. A cheap but faulty unit will only damage your appliances and devices (sometimes beyond repair), costing you more money in the long run.

IMPORTANT SAFETY / SHOPPING INFORMATION

A complete Guide to UPS BATTERIES is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

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