I'm a new systems administrator for a small organization that has its own server room. I've recently discovered that there's a UPS that's about 15 years old and hasn't had its batteries replaced. The previous team actually bought spare batteries and just left them in their packaging in a temperature-controlled server room a few years ago without installing them. Now, I'm wondering if it's worth trying to see if these old batteries still work, or if I should look into replacing the UPS altogether, especially since the funding is limited. I'd appreciate any advice on this situation or general tips for managing the server room!
4 Answers
Definitely replace those UPS batteries! Given that they've been sitting around for about 15 years, they're likely dead or close to it. If you have a voltmeter, you can check their voltage. Anything below 11.8 volts means they're probably not usable. Remember, these batteries aren't like a car battery, where a simple jump might fix the issue; a sudden power drain can be dangerous if the batteries aren't reliable.
Batteries like these generally have a lifespan of about 2-3 years under ideal conditions. After 5 years, you really should be looking at replacements, and after 15 years? They’re definitely toast. Storing them fully charged and routinely topping them off is key to maintaining their life. Honestly, I'd skip any testing and just recycle them.
Totally agree! Old batteries can just sit there and lose their effectiveness over time. Recycling is the best way to go.
I wouldn't trust those batteries at all. If the UPS has been in use for that long, the batteries might have degraded or even swelled, making them hard to remove. If it's necessary to protect important equipment, buying new batteries is usually the best choice since they aren’t too pricey on sites like Amazon.
Yeah, and if you’re on a tight budget, sometimes you can find individual replacement batteries rather than having to buy a complete new pack.
Just to reinforce the point, I recommend replacing them. Lead-acid batteries will self-discharge over time, and 15 years is way past the cutoff for reliable performance. If they've been stored improperly, you're looking at sulfation and potential internal damage. Better safe than sorry with this kind of equipment!
It's a good point about checking the voltage. I’d be cautious about batteries that have just been sitting for years. Typically, I wouldn’t trust ones that old, especially since they might not have been fully charged when stored.