SUPPLEMENT FEATURE UPS & STANDBY POWER MAINTAINING YOUR UPS
The upkeep and maintenance of a UPS system is vitally important in order for it to function optimally. Here Leo Craig, general manager of Riello UPS, offers some guidance
A
n uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an important part of a business -
after all, it provides the essential back- up and emergency power protection should the mains fail. When this happens, the UPS needs to kick in instantly and provide that all important support to maintain service availability. However, UPSs are complex devices
requiring routine maintenance and the regular replacement of consumable items such as batteries, fans and capacitors as they deteriorate over time. For example, a five year design life battery will probably need replacement within year four, and a ten year design life battery within year seven or eight. It is important to make sure this equipment is maintained and running smoothly so that it can instantly back-up your mission critical systems as and when needed. Essentially, how a UPS system is
maintained over its lifetime will greatly affect its reliability, how it performs and the length of its useful life. It is in the interests of any business that has invested in UPS products to take the issue of maintenance seriously.
TYPES OF MAINTENANCE UPS maintenance should be routine and carried out by the manufacturer or an approved third party provider. Riello UPS for example, chooses not to lock down its UPS operational software as it doesn’t believe in controlling who you can choose to maintain your equipment. This ‘open protocol’ method is becoming an increasingly preferred system which means that any qualified engineer can be chosen to carry out the work - opening up the market to healthy competition and reducing costs for UPS owners. It is best to avoid manufacturers who instigate a ‘closed protocol’ system because this ties you into them for any repairs needed which can prove a costly experience.
CERTIFIED ENGINEERS Of course, it is vital to ensure that whoever maintains your equipment is fully trained. Riello UPS runs a Certified Engineer Programme which is designed to protect customers who require competitive third party servicing and approved spares for their UPS, by enabling them to check if their chosen maintainers are fully trained and
S18 SEPTEMBER 2014 | UPS & STANDBY POWER
competent to carry out the work. To achieve Riello Certified Engineer
status, engineers from Riello resellers must complete training on the commissioning, maintenance and servicing of Riello UPS products. Engineers from resellers who successfully complete a rigorous training and servicing course will be allocated a unique identification number. Customers can use this number to search a dedicated website (www.riello-
engineer.co.uk) to verify both the company’s and individual’s certification status and core competencies. Through schemes like this, customers can have the freedom to select their preferred maintenance provider, check their credentials on the Riello Engineer website and have the peace of mind they will receive value for money, protect their investment and receive a reliable and credible service. It is also important to make sure
engineers have complete access to spare parts. Riello UPS has chosen to stock all spare parts/components in various strategically placed warehouses across
/ ELECTRICALENGINEERING
Above: UPS systems are complex devices requiring routine maintenance and the regular replacement of consumable items
the UK combined with a multi-million pound stock holding in its headquarters where UPSs up to 500kVA are ready for immediate dispatch.
WARRANTIES AND RESPONSE TIMES Warranty periods vary from supplier to supplier and typically UPSs come with a one or two year warranty. It is highly recommended for businesses to have a maintenance plan in place, either in warranty or outside warranty, to ensure continuity and efficiency of the equipment. As part of this plan, a detailed service
level agreement should be drawn up to indicate what the response times will be for call out for both emergency and for then fixing the problem. At Riello UPS for example, in the event the UPS system cannot be repaired on the initial visit, Riello guarantee to revisit the site within 24 hours. If Riello is unable to repair the system following a third visit, it offers the client the choice of continuing repair work or swapping out and installing a replacement UPS system. Response times can range from 12 working to four clock hours. Shorter response times are possible, especially within major cities, but may require provision of a crash kit on-site, leading to a higher initial upfront investment. Remote monitoring systems reporting to a centralised service centre can also enhance response times and assist problem diagnosis. Riello UPS has three types of maintenance plan - Silver for a 12 working hour response, Gold for an eight hour response and Platinum for the same day within four clock hours.
Riello UPS
www.riello-ups.co.uk T: 0800 269 394
Right: Leo Craig, general manager of Riello UPS
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