How often should I replace UPS batteries?
VRLA batteries in a typical APC or Eaton UPS last around 3 to 5 years in SMB environments, depending on temperature and cycles. Self-test sometimes says 'OK' right up to actual failure.
Try this first
- 1Document per UPS the install date and planned replacement (3 years on heavy load, 5 years on low load in a cool room).
- 2Monthly: run a short self-test (APC: PowerChute Calibration). Not weekly, that wears cells faster.
- 3Annually: a real runtime test at half load, compare with what the UPS handled at install. A >25% drop is a signal.
- 4Order replacement batteries before the old ones fall over. When buying a new UPS, order a spare battery set at the same time.
- 5Recycle old batteries via the vendor or a chemical waste point, not regular waste. Update the asset register at the same time.
When to bring us in
With multiple UPSs in the rack consider dual-PSU servers (one per UPS) plus an ATS, then you can swap battery sets per unit without shutdown.
See also
- One DC or two DCs for an SMB office?Two is almost always the right answer; one DC is a single point of failure for logon, DNS and GPOs.
- Should I split FSMO roles across two DCs?For a small domain all on one DC is fine; with two DCs splitting is tidier but not required.
- How do I know my AD replication is healthy?Replication errors creep in silently; they only surface when logins or GPOs misbehave.
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