The simplest way to test your UPS batteries is to simply simulate a power outage
by unplugging the UPS from the wall, or switching off the power to that outlet
via a circuit breaker or wall switch. We recommend that you safely power down
all mission critical equipment prior to initiating a test.
Please remember to make sure and plug a load of some type into the unit to
simulate the load of your equipment. A stereo or lamp will suffice for smaller
units, a toaster or small space heater can be used for larger units. Do not
attempt to test UPS equipment using single phase or stepped phase motor devices,
such as found in most household fans or electric hand tools. This type of electric
motor does do consume power smoothly, but rather has a large ‘start-up’
spike that can confuse and or damage the sensitive electronics of your UPS.
Of course, you can simply pull the plug, with your regular equipment still
plugged in, but we strongly advise against this.
Now that you are running on battery load, with a simulated load equivalent
to your normal equipment load, you can track the run time of your current battery
pack by simply timing how long it takes to discharge 50%. If your unit failed
to kick over to battery power, or if it kicked over, then immediately shut down,
or if your battery condition indicator light shows ‘Replace’ (usually
a yellow or red indicator for the battery) , you should replace your batteries
immediately. You can find replacement battery cartridges for most popular UPSes
such as APC, Tripp Lite, and Compaq, at the RefurbUPS.Com
UPS Replacement Battery Center.
Estimated run times for most units can be found at the manufacturer’s
web sites. For most APC models, you can find this information at www.RefurbUPS.Com.
We recommend that you do not let your batteries discharge more than 50% in this
simulation, as deep cycling of the batteries can shorten their usable lifetimes.
