UPS maintenance question

[dtkenmo]

So far, the research indicates that lead-acid should not be deeply discharged and should also have a charge on it as often as possible.

This is essentially correct. There is no maintenance as such for UPS batteries. The manufacturers have designed the charging circuits to maintain the best operating conditions possible. The most important thing for UPS battery life (besides avoiding deep discharge) is to keep them from getting too warm. High ambient temperatures have a detrimental effect on their service life. Usually the manual that came with the UPS has sufficient info on their care.

 

[dtkenmo]

Thanks dtkenmo, I just now started to look at it, so I haven't read enough for an opinion, but hopefully its good information and I can learn something.

I used NiCads in RC Cars for years back in the early to late 90s, but haven't hardly touched 7.2V Packs since (and their quick chargers (15 minute)). I have dealt with the AAs and such for cameras and gps, but with both NiMH and NiCad, but the chargers for them are so much slower. I'm guessing with RC you want fast recharge at expense of battery overall life, but not sure. I'm more intersted in the 'wet cells' and types, and how they deal with charge/discharges. Hopefully that link will help.

You're very welcome The author of the book and maintainer of those sites is a recognized expert in battery technology, and has written many papers and articles for industry publications. His company manufactures what are widely regarded as the best battery analyzer/rejuvenator/chargers available.

As for for AA NiCd & NiMH, fast charge is preferable to slow charge; best is a "smart" charger that fast charges up to a certain point, then applies a slower "topping charge" to bring it to full capacity.

Both NiCd & NiMH exhibit the well known "memory" effect. In NiMH it is less but still present. These batteries require a periodic deep discharge to keep them in shape. With NiCd it's once per month roughly; with NiMH, once per three months.

But I think we're starting to drift off topic

 

[Thrudd]

Just a quickie note on temperature and LeadAcid cells .... besides not being too happy when they get warm ... :hotbounce
The gell cells just die if they get frozen :dead: So be carefull about leaving a UPS in the car in winter ... or else :blackeye:

 

[Tedster]

winter here is like 40 degrees F

temps in El paso are usually 70F in winter during the day to 105F in summer.

 

[DelJo63]

I've had my CyberPower 900 powered up for > 2yrs. It protects the network and
three systems which are online when in use but powered off when not so.
The only time I've powered the UPS down is when we had an extended outage
and it was driving me crazy to listen to the beep ... beep ... beep

I second the comment, sans deep cycling lead-acid batteries

 

[Tedster]

I had a power ouage a month ago during a flash rain storm here in the desert. I hate the beep alarms also, but at least I know it works.
I wouldn't mind if it beeped once or twice and shut off after a minute or two.