It’s getting hot outside – Do You Have Sufficient Cooling in Your Server Room?

As with other electronic equipment such as your computer, UPS systems generate a lot of heat.

However, high temperatures significantly reduce battery life and performance, potentially forcing you to replace the UPS battery before you need to and causing unnecessary downtime.

Optimal temperatures are around 20°C; the same as a comfortable room temperature for people. At higher temperatures, especially over 30°C, we start to encounter the greatest problems.

These issues aren’t usually apparent until a mains power failure occurs and the battery is placed under load.

This is why, as summer comes and the temperature outside increases, it’s more important than ever to ensure you have sufficient cooling in your server room.

Here are some steps you can take this summer to protect your UPS from overheating.

1. Identify potential sources of heat

Lighting systems, servers, other forms of electrical equipment and even people working in a room can generate a lot of heat.

That’s why it’s important to consider where you install your UPS and continually monitor the environment. To ensure optimal performance, you must make sure it doesn’t exceed 77° F (25° C).

Your UPS won’t stop running altogether above this temperature, but the server fans will work harder and demand more energy, and you could shorten the lifespan of your battery.

If you identify a potential issue, you can consider adding a cooling system or potentially even move your system to a different location.

2. Ensure adequate airflow

Airflow can dissipate heat and naturally prevent your UPS from overheating, so carefully check that your UPS is installed in an optimal position.

Leave adequate space on each side of the unit for proper airflow and avoid installing it in a cupboard or anywhere that promotes overheating.

Also ensure each member of your team has clear instructions on how to maintain the UPS, including a warning not to cover the device.

3. Keep your UPS clean

UPS systems contain vents to help dissipate the heat, If these become blocked, the UPS is more prone to overheat and cause unnecessary downtime. For these reasons, inspect your vents every month and ensure they are not covered or blocked.

4. Consider using a cooling system

To ensure that your UPS system doesn’t encounter problems with overheating, we highly advise that you consider a separate UPS and battery room with its own cooling system.

With summer just around the corner, it’s important to ensure that your UPS can stay within recommended temperatures so it can continue to run effectively. Maintain the temperature of the room, ensure that the system has adequate airflow, replace those filters, and move the system to a cooled room if you encounter problems.

If you have any questions regarding the buying, installation or maintenance of a UPS system, contact us immediately on 0330 1230125 or by emailing sales@constantpowerservices.com