Correct use of UPS power supply and maintenance methods

UPS is the abbreviation of uninterruptible power system. It is an important external device that can provide continuous, stable and uninterrupted power supply. UPS is divided into three categories according to its working principle: backup type, online type and online interactive type. As the name suggests, UPS is a machine that can maintain power supply for a period of time when the city power supply stops, so that people have time to save and then calmly shut down the machine. But as a relatively sophisticated device, how to use and maintain it correctly?

1. Before starting the machine

Before starting up, you must first confirm that the polarity of the input mains connection is correct to ensure personal safety. Note that the total load power cannot be greater than the rated power of the UPS power supply. Avoid UPS power supply working in an overload state to ensure that the UPS power supply can work normally.

2. Power on/off sequence

In order to avoid the impact current generated by the load at the moment of startup from damaging the UPS power supply, the UPS power supply should be powered on first to put it in bypass working state, and then the loads should be turned on one by one, so as to avoid the impact of load current on the UPS power supply and extend the service life of the UPS power supply. The shutdown sequence can be regarded as the reverse process of the startup sequence, first turn off the loads one by one, and then turn off the UPS power supply.

3. Usage Environment

Similar to the working environment of computers, UPS power supply does not have very high requirements for ambient temperature, and it can usually work normally at 0℃~40℃. However, dust prevention also troubles UPS power supply. The use environment of UPS power supply requires clean, dust-free and dry. Dust and humid environment will cause UPS power supply to work abnormally. UPS battery pack has higher temperature requirements. The standard use temperature is 25℃, and it is best not to exceed the range of 15℃~30℃. Too low temperature will not only reduce the capacity of the battery pack, but also further affect the service life of UPS power supply. In addition, the anti-magnetic ability of UPS power supply is not very good. Therefore, strong magnetic objects should not be placed on UPS, otherwise it will cause UPS power supply to work abnormally or damage the machine.

4. After shutting down

After the mains power is interrupted, the UPS battery pack is powered and automatically shuts down. Do not use the UPS battery pack to power the machine to avoid damage to the battery due to excessive discharge. When the mains power is abnormal and the UPS battery pack is used for power supply, the load should be turned off and the machine should be turned off in time, and the machine can be turned on again after the mains power returns to normal.

5. UPS battery maintenance

UPS battery packs will self-discharge. If they are not used for a long time, they will be damaged. Therefore, they need to be charged and discharged regularly. If maintenance-free absorbed electrolyte system batteries are used, no gas will be generated during normal use. However, if the user uses it improperly and causes the battery pack to be overcharged, gas will be generated and the internal pressure of the battery pack will increase. In severe cases, the battery will swell, deform, leak or even rupture. If the user finds this phenomenon, the battery pack should be replaced immediately.

6. Charging voltage

During the charging process of the UPS power supply, if the charging voltage is too high, the battery pack will be overcharged, otherwise it will be undercharged. When the charging voltage is abnormal, the battery configuration data may be wrong. Therefore, when installing the battery pack, you must pay attention to the correctness of the battery specifications and quantity. Batteries of different specifications and brands should be avoided as much as possible. It is also best not to use low-priced and low-quality external chargers.

7. Charging current

Similar to the voltage requirements of UPS power supply, excessive current should be avoided when charging and discharging UPS battery pack. Although sometimes the UPS battery pack of UPS power supply can accept a certain degree of large current, it should be avoided as much as possible in actual operation, otherwise it will cause the battery plate to deform, resulting in an increase in the internal resistance of the battery. In severe cases, the battery capacity will be severely reduced, resulting in a significant shortening of the battery pack life.

8. Discharge Depth

The depth of discharge of the UPS power supply has a great impact on the battery life. The deeper the battery discharge, the fewer cycles it can be used. Therefore, deep discharge of the battery should be avoided during use. Although some brands of UPS power supplies have discharge protection functions, if the UPS power supply is in light load discharge or no load discharge, it will also cause deep discharge of the battery, thus affecting the battery life.

9. Load size

Ordinary users think that the greater the load capacity of the UPS power supply, the better the protection effect on the computer will be, so they choose high-priced and high-load capacity products when purchasing. However, the load of users in actual applications is only 30% or even less of the rated load of the UPS power supply. In fact, this will also affect the service life of the UPS power supply. After all, the internal UPS battery pack often cannot work completely normally. Of course, it does not mean that 100% of the rated load is the best. If so, any small problem with the UPS power supply will cause great damage. Actual operation shows that choosing 50%~80% of the load is the best.

10. Pay attention to safety

Since the voltage of UPS battery pack is very high, there is a certain risk of electric shock to the human body, so safety should be ensured when loading and unloading conductive connecting strips and output lines. The tools used should be insulated, and especially the output contacts should be equipped with features to prevent electric shock.