UPS responses required for specific events , together with UPS stop and start sequences in various applications .
Internal maintenance staff will benefit from a UPS manufacturer ’ s spare parts kit . However , it is important that an organisation also has back up access to a professional service provider .
Option 2 : Independent service provider
Independent service providers are third party organisations offering maintenance , consulting , start-up , installation and emergency services for UPSs and power quality equipment . Although frequently lower priced than UPS manufacturers , they generally have fewer resources and less comprehensive training on different brands ; it ’ s virtually impossible to fully train a technician on every manufacturer ’ s entire UPS range , especially as UPS products are continually updated .
Similarly , ready access to spare parts for all UPS models is extremely difficult and most independent providers rely on UPS manufacturers ’ design , support and spares-holding resources for back up . Insurance and safety records may not be adequately maintained , and rapid troubleshooting and resolution may be unfeasible .
While factory warranties , unless by manufacturer contract , are unlikely , preventative servicing , service contracts , T & M billing and some other support services may be available .
Option 3 : Self-maintenance
For organisations with sufficient internal electrical and safety skills , maintaining their own UPSs may make economic sense . The success of self-maintenance depends on planning and implementing routine preventative maintenance as well as proactively managing wear items such as batteries and capacitors .
The organisation ’ s first responders must understand the operation , safety , environmental concerns and basics of preventative maintenance on a specific UPS . Safety concerns include , but are not limited to , electrical arc flash hazards . Responders must also understand the various alarm conditions and
Option 4 : Time and material
‘ Paying as you go ’ UPS maintenance may sometimes be appropriate , particularly if the UPS is old , with no service contract available . However , this approach is economically unwise for complex , multi-module or redundant UPS configurations . Available at any time for all customers , T & M is typically charged hourly , with a minimum hour requirement . Rates tend to increase for after-hours and weekends , while response times are typically not guaranteed . Additionally , replacement parts can be very expensive , with average boards for common three-phase 80kVA UPSs costing over € 5,000 . Power modules may exceed € 9,000 each , with several possibly needed . Uncertain response times and unplanned financial exposure from repairs may make T & M unattractive , particularly for more mission critical applications . It may however be acceptable for self-maintainers , if the UPS is not fully utilised , or where preventive maintenance is being performed by a third party provider and the insurance portion of a service contract is deemed unnecessary by either self-insuring or other reasons .
UPSs , although significantly improved over the past 20 years , are complex devices that critically need routine maintenance to avoid potentially devastating and extremely expensive downtime . Each of the above options has both benefits and disadvantages of which operators should be aware .
Irrespective of the choice , some form of maintenance is always necessary in order to minimise business interruption and downtime costs , and enhance return on investment and maximise the UPS ’ s operational life .
38 | February 2017