The decision to replace a Lithium Ion battery can be a tricky one. LI batteries are real, legitimate workhorses, so knowing when a battery has had enough and when it’s time to buy a new one is a difficult choice to grapple with.
And that’s what we’re here to discuss today. If you follow our three guidelines here, we can make things a little bit easier for you and make the decision a little more straightforward. Let’s jump right in.
UPS Alarms
Hey wow, imagine that, right? UPS batteries usually have indicator systems for those of us who don’t pour over these things day after day. Many of those notifications are designed to let you know it’s time for a new battery.
How those alerts work though, really depends on the specifications of the battery itself. Some have audible alarms, LED indicators, display alerts, and some even come up in associated management software. If you’re unsure of how to read your battery’s alerts- simply call your IT pros and ask.
Usage conditions
Most UPS batteries have a peak performance temperature of about 75 degrees farenheit. If you get much higher or much lower, it can have a significant impact on the performance of your battery including frequent discharging and recharging, lower battery lifespan and the like. If you’re noticing your battery is low and the temperature in your server room is off – that could be the kind of cocktail that blends together in the form of the need for a new battery.
Performance issues
When batteries get to a point where they supply at least 80% of its prescribed capacity or you’re finding it discharging frequently or earlier than usual; you’ve got a pretty good indicator that the end might be nearer than you think. Especially when you notice these sorts of issues, it’s a good idea to call your IT pro and have them come and do a maintenance checkup to give you a more precise diagnosis.
Like we said – deciding to replace a Lithium Ion battery can be a little difficult sometimes, but stick to these three tips and you’ll have a much clearer sense of what you need to be doing. And if you’re still unsure, well then it’s simply time to call a pro. We hope you found this month’s blog helpful and if you find yourself needing more guidance, give us a call today. Until then – good luck!