UPS Maintenance and Service Sales…If you have a UPS, the need to protect power to a facility is usually fairly critical! However, a UPS will only perform optimally if it is maintained regularly and properly.
When it comes to purchasing UPS preventative maintenance plans, there are generally two types of approach: shop around for the best deal or, stick with the incumbent supplier. So, what influences this decision? One factor is that there are so many different levels of cover available and it often varies between suppliers. This can be confusing. Firstly, it is important that organisations take the time to understand what is included in their existing preventative maintenance contract and if that cover is right for them. This will ensure they can make a true comparison if they decide it’s time to shop around.
Price
Like most things in life and business, you get what you pay for. Shopping around can result in securing a UPS service contract at a reduced rate. However, checking elements such as response times, the inclusion and availability of spare parts and level of technical support, is important to ensure like for like. This minimises risk and means no one gets caught out. For facilities using a legacy UPS system with aging components, it may be wiser to invest in a comprehensive contract that includes rapid response times, replacement parts and that will prevent unbudgeted expenses.
Trained Engineers
We always advise that where possible, UPS systems should be maintained by the manufacturer. However, a well-equipped maintainer which offers factory trained engineers, qualified in servicing and repair can be a cost-effective alternative. It is important to check that they have access to firmware updates and readily available spare parts. This means that only qualified and competent engineers, who know and understand the system are working to maintain your critical equipment.
Added Value Services
There are other advantages of comparing what’s on offer such as: looking at what additional services can be provided by alternative suppliers. This may include battery impedance testing for example, allowing a picture to be built up of degradation. Impedance testing identifies signs of premature failure. Therefore, rather than risking damage to other batteries within the string resulting in reduced autonomy or potentially battery failure, impedance testing and early replacement ensures that the batteries remain available to support the critical load. This sort of proactive approach can reduce downtime significantly. Other examples of additional services that can add value include; integrated system testing, black building testing and even load bank testing.
Frequency
Frequency of servicing often comes into pricing comparisons. Many companies offer once per year servicing of a UPS and associated equipment. Due to the criticality of loads, we usually advise twice per year preventative checks especially on three-phase equipment. Regular servicing enables engineers to identify early warning signs and recommend remedial actions, further mitigating the risk of system downtime. At CENTIEL we like to offer organisations bespoke packages that meet their specific requirements. If clients with highly critical loads need quarterly service visits, we can also provide this.
A Partnership Approach
Perhaps one of the main reasons to look at alternative UPS maintenance suppliers is gaining access to expertise at a company which can go above and beyond normal servicing and repair. At CENTIEL for example, we act as trusted advisors to our clients where our experienced sales engineers are always happy to advise on whether it will be more cost effective to repair certain elements of the system or replace the UPS entirely. This approach means that we help organisations to make the right decision when taking remedial actions or when selecting their next maintenance plan.
Originally featured in UK Power News February 2022.