Frequently Asked Question

Last Updated 5 years ago

This maintenance instruction applies in general to all UPS. Certain units might have additional requirements or special components to monitor, in case of a doubt please read the UPS specific manual.

Warranty

All regular products are protected with 24 months warranty from the data of purchase. Please keep the invoice as a proof of purchase date. If you have lost the invoice, we are happy to inform you that we provide the 24 months warranty from date of production (based on a Serial Number) as your safety net.

Please note that batteries are considered as consumable materials and are limited to 12 month warranty from the data of purchase.

Correct Operating Conditions

Please make sure that UPS is operating in allowed environment. Limits may very depending on model, but safe conditions include:

• 0°C - 40°C
  • For long battery life, keep the UPS at an ambient temperature of 25°C
• 20% - 80% Relative Humidity without condensation
• No standing or running water in the vicinity
• No exposure to direct sunshine or heating apparatus
• Appropriate electrical input TN-S 230V grounded
• Secure enough space for air circulation; never cover cooling vents or fans

Equipment is exlusively for indoor use!

Regular Checks

UPS is designed to operate maintenance free. Nevertheless, certain steps will extend its life time. We recommend:

• Regularly check if the unit's operating environment is still within allowed limits (see Correct Operating Conditions)
• For the best preventive maintenance, keep the area around the UPS clean and dust-free. If the atmosphere is very dusty, clean the outside of the UPS with a vacuum cleaner.
• Unplug the UPS prior to cleaning and do not use liquid or spray detergent.
• Use dry soft clothes to clean the front panel and plastic parts. Take special care for the air inlets with fans.

Design Life

• UPS's electronics are designed to work for many years. Correct preventive maintenance and optimal operating condition will additionally extend this time.
• If UPS is equipped with fans, please consider that the design life of this rotating component is 5 years.
• If UPS is equipped with dust filter, please consider to check and replace it as soon as it is blocked.
• Read more about battery design life here: https://support.powerwalker.com/kb/faq.php?id=107

Battery Testing

Please read about battery test here:
https://support.powerwalker.com/kb/faq.php?id=106

Service and components replacement (Including Batteries)

Replacement of components should be performed only by people confident with the task who have read and understood the safety precautions. If you have any doubts about the task, please contact local technicians.

• Prior the work, remove watches, rings and other metal objects, and only use insulated tools.
• Turn off the UPS, disconnect it from the input and output and wait for 10minutes to allow discharging all internal capacitors.
• Some models offer easy access to batteries, where all PCBAs are guarded from the user. Otherwise, the UPS’ enclosure needs to be open. Take additional care not to touch components on PCBA, terminals or any metal parts.
• Never short-circuit battery terminals.
• Use batteries with the same specifications as the ones originally installed. Replace all batteries at once (do not replace only one battery from the set).
• Do not open or mutilate the battery or batteries. Released electrolyte is toxic to the skin and eyes.
• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. The battery may explode.
• To recycle properly the used battery, please do not dispose the UPS, battery pack or batteries into the trash bin. Please follow your local laws and regulations; you may contact your local recycling waste management centre for further information.

Components life

Component	When it should be replaced
Battery	Effectively when its performance is below expectations. We recommend every 2-3 years
Fans	Design life is around 5 years, it may change depending on the usage profile
Dust Filters	Heavily dependant on environment, please monitor the permeability and clean it
PCBAs	Only after identified failure (please contact our Technical Support)

Best Practice

• To maintain optimal battery charge, leave the UPS plugged into an AC outlet at all times.
• The design life of the battery is 3-5 years counted from the date of production of the battery, which means that effective service time counted from the date of purchase/installation can be shorter. After two years it is recommended to strictly and frequently (e.g. once a month) monitor the battery condition. When the discharging time of fully charged batteries is less than 50% of rated value, the batteries need to be replaced.
• There are many factors that can affect the amount of power that your computer system requires.To secure sufficient safety margin in case of sudden consumption peaks, please keep the casual load below 80% of the unit’s rated capacity.
• Considering internal own power consumption of the UPS, please keep the casual load on the UPS above 30% for optimal system performance. If your load is smaller, consider choosing a smaller unit with smaller own power consumption for energy saving.
• While online models produce the same high-quality output regardless of the mode, line interactive models will supply filtered mains voltage in the line mode and electronically generated voltage in DC mode (battery mode). It is important to check the performance of the loads in the battery mode. UPSs with Pulse Width Modulated sine wave may be incompatible with your load (e.g. motor-based load) or they may require high safety margin (e.g. APFC power supplies). Please perform full operation test to confirm compatibility.

Storage and transportation

• Make sure the battery is fully charged before the UPS is stored.
• Turn off the UPS and disconnect its power cord from the wall outlet. Disconnect all output cables.
• The UPS should be stored in a cool dry location.
• For extended storage in moderate climates, the battery should be charged for several hours every three months by plugging the UPS to the power socket. Repeat it every two months in high-temperature locations.
• For extended storage, we recommend covering the UPS to protect it against the dust or preferably to pack into original foil, cushions and box.
• Please transport the UPS only in the original package to protect against shock and impact.
• Front panel (the buttons) should be protected against accidental turning on the unit. A hazardous voltage still may be supplied from the battery and the unit may heat up in the box. Where available, disconnect the batteries for the transportation.