Battery Testing: The Key to a Healthy Data Center
Data centers power nearly every aspect of our lives from social media platforms to medical databases and much more. As a result, it is vital for these data centers to operate 24/7. This requires strong batteries that are able to power high-tech facilities and prevent downtime. However, if these batteries are not properly maintained they can become unreliable and put your data at risk. Continue reading to learn why regular battery testing is a must and how to ensure this preventive maintenance keeps your facility running smoothly.
The Importance of Batteries to Your Facility
When even a minute of downtime can cost your data center thousands of dollars, you need to ensure your backup systems are in perfect condition to keep your facility running no matter what. More specifically, you need to know that the batteries in your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are healthy and can provide power effectively. If your backup systems aren’t functioning properly, neither will the rest of your infrastructure. Battery testing makes sure your UPS is ready for power outages by checking the health of its power supply. Batteries typically fail slowly, making regular inspections vital to spotting inefficiencies early and fixing them before disaster strikes.
Why Batteries Fail
An uninterruptible power supply’s battery may fail for any number of reasons, most of which can be avoided with proper preventive maintenance. The first reason a battery may fail is age. Over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a charge and their power capacity decreases. Regular battery testing will alert you to these symptoms of aging so you can replace the equipment before there’s an emergency. It should also be noted that different types of batteries have different lifespans. For example, VRLA batteries typically last 4-5 years, thin plate pure lead VRLA batteries can last 7-10 years, and lithium-ion batteries can last 12-15 years.
Battery health isn’t just affected by age; it’s also affected by its environment. It’s important to store your uninterruptible power supply in a secure, dry, and temperature-controlled area. Excess dirt, humidity, as well as hot and cold temperatures can cause severe damage to your UPS and its battery. Not only will this stop your uninterruptible power supply from running when you need it to, it can also present electrical risks that could injure your team. Regular inspections of your battery’s external conditions and inner workings are a major part of battery testing so you can spot any of these issues early on before they harm your system or workers.
How Does Battery Testing Work?
Faulty batteries are one of the most common causes of data center failure, making preventive maintenance even more important to keeping your facility running. The batteries in your uninterruptible power supply units should be tested two to four times a year. This includes performing a visual inspection for any damage or corrosion, as well as testing the battery’s capacity, internal resistance, and self-discharge. Over time, batteries can lose their ability to store 100% of their power capacity, to deliver power, and retain energy when not in use. These symptoms can appear slowly which is why regular battery testing is so important, so you can spot battery failure before it affects your entire facility.
When to Use Battery Monitoring Systems
Battery testing is vital to keeping your uninterruptible power supply units healthy, but it isn’t the only way. Monitoring systems like the Albér™ Battery Monitoring Software can provide daily insight into the state of your batteries. This can be particularly useful for facilities that experience frequent power grid issues, severe weather conditions, and demanding UPS services since they are at a higher risk of battery failure. And if one battery fails, the entire string can stop conducting current. Routine battery testing can often spot inefficiencies before they cause battery failure, but in critical environments where power outages are more likely, monitoring systems can be a great asset.
Learn More About How to Keep Your Data Center Healthy!
Maintaining data center health and preventing unplanned downtime requires more than regular battery testing. That’s why JG Blackmon & Associates offers the latest Vertiv products and services to ensure your facility is always running smoothly. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date on the best ways to care for your data center.