What factors can reduce the life of UPS batteries?

UPS batteries tend to have a lifespan of three to five years. Of course, this figure can vary widely due to environmental conditions the batteries are kept and, the number of charging cycles the battery runs through. Poor maintenance of UPS batteries also contributes to a lower battery life expectancy.

Other factors that can reduce the average lifespan of a UPS battery, include:

Grid corrosion

This refers to the natural aging of batteries as they operate in an acidic environment.

Sulphation of battery plates

When batteries are left discharged over a longer than recommended period, being undercharged or not on charge at all can affect the life expectancy of a battery.

Plate separation

When the charging cycle is damaging the battery during the shipping or overcharging of the battery.

Short circuits internal/external

When internal short-circuiting can occur due to heat, separator failure, incorrect handling, and corrosion. External short circuits tend to be due to human error and/or leaks.

Dry out and excessive gassing

Excessive gassing is the reduction of electrolytes due to heat. This excessive gassing, overheating, or charging above the recommended levels can result in the electrolyte level dropping below the level needed for the battery to function properly.

Thermal runaway

Excessive gassing is the reduction of electrolytes due to heat. This excessive gassing, overheating, or charging above As the battery heats the resistance to the current lowers, this, in turn, heats the battery further in a cycle, therefore the heating is ‘runaway’. The only correct method for maintenance is the removal of the battery and replacement.

If your business needs battery replacement or recycling, then S2S Group can provide a collection service in line with WEEE regulations. To find out more information about the range of batteries we can collect, read this useful guide.

Do you need to book a collection for battery disposal or recycling? Contact us.