UPS runtime and battery maintenance

Skills you'll practise

• Explain why runtime falls faster than load rises and read a runtime table correctly
• Describe how jars are connected into strings and calculate string voltage
• Identify a failing jar from voltage, internal resistance and temperature readings
• Recognize visible battery defects (leaks, corrosion, swelling) and respond safely
• Separate technician checks from battery work reserved for qualified staff

Course outline

1. 1.UPS runtime and battery maintenanceVideo · 3 min
2. 2.What sets UPS runtimeLesson · 13 min
3. 3.Battery strings and how they failLesson · 14 min
4. 4.Inspections and safe battery workLesson · 12 min
5. 5.UPS runtime and battery maintenance: knowledge checkKnowledge check · 19 questions
6. 6.UPS runtime and battery maintenance: practical exerciseKnowledge check · 1 question
7. 7.UPS battery test failed before a maintenance windowScenario
8. 8.Final exam10 questions · passing it completes the course, so people who already know the material can test out

Sources it draws on

The lessons and questions are written from these references, so learners can go back to the original.

• IEEE 1188: Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications
• IEEE 450: Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications
• Eaton Battery Handbook (BAT11LTA): lead-acid reference temperature, temperature effects and end-of-life capacity
• NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (includes battery and DC work)
• Your UPS and battery manufacturers' runtime tables, installation and maintenance manuals