IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT: UPS Batteries

  • All batteries, regardless of their chemistry, naturally lose their charge over time (this is called self-discharge).
  • All batteries self-discharge faster when subjected to higher heat and slower when subject to cooler temperatures. An example of higher heat would be a non-air-conditioned warehouse.
  • Some batteries self-discharge faster than others in the same conditions.
  • Some batteries allow a complete discharge to 0VDC, some do not.
  • Some batteries allow for short charge times, some require longer charge times.

 

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT: Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) or Sealed-Lead Acid (SLA) batteries

  • VRLA and SLA are interchangeable terms, and is the chemistry most widely used in UPS applications and found in most cars, trucks, and motorcycles because they’re known for supporting high-discharge rates in standby-use applications.
  • If an individual SLA battery is allowed to discharge below 10.5VDC it’s likely unrecoverable. An individual SLA battery with a voltage below 10.5VDC should be disposed of accordingly.
  • Most UPS’s are smart enough to not allow the individual battery voltage to drop as low as 10.5VDC, but if a UPS is in storage, the battery may self-discharge below the not-to-exceed threshold of 10.5VDC.
  • Therefore, SLA batteries should not be stored for longer than 3-6 months without charge. If SLA batteries are going to be stored for longer than 3 months, measures should be taken to recharge the batteries every 3 months for 24hrs.
  • Most SLA batteries take 8-24hrs to charge completely, regardless of size or capacity.

For additional questions, including more detailed explanations and information:

 

Additional, helpful information:

  • The MSDS for the batteries used in our popular SRNDT(I) Series UPS can be found here.
  • Navy Battery FAQ: A battery FAQ specifically written for UPS deployed shipboard in U.S. Navy and USCG applications