Big and medium-sized businesses are increasingly opting for first-rate, high-quality uninterruptible power supplies to avoid the devastating implications of downtime during power outages and blackouts. While opting for a UPS is a wise decision, the management often spends an insurmountable amount of time to select and buy a system rather than investing the same time in selecting a maintenance plan for UPS support.
To ensure that the UPS lasts for years, it is crucial to invest an equal amount of time in carefully selecting both the equipment and its maintenance plan. As a matter of fact, if an uninterruptible power supply is serviced and maintained properly, it can last for at least two decades. However, in the absence of proper servicing, even a high-quality UPS is much more likely to experience sudden failure. This article will explore the key factors that one should consider before selecting a UPS service provider and subsequently a proper maintenance plan.
According to the Electric Power Research Institute, as of 2009, the average annual downtime of the utility grid in the United States was 8 hours and 45 minutes. The Fibre Channel Industry Association has reported if a UPS failure occurs during a power outage, a media company can incur an average downtime cost of $330,000 while a financial brokerage establishment can sustain a staggering loss of $6,450,000.
However, a quality UPS maintenance plan can prevent such UPS failures and can even fix the ones that occur quickly. Therefore to avoid such huge downtime costs, companies must introspect and consider carefully their needs and options before opting for a maintenance plan for the UPS. The section below will outline in detail essential questions the management must consider while selecting a maintenance and service plan for the backup power supply.
The UPS market is filled with third party companies who offer maintenance and service plans. The plans cover a range of services and maintenance levels along with different response timings. However, the plans can also be customized depending on the needs and requirements of the client.
There are three common types of services that are offered by most UPS service and maintenance providers:
Under broad categories, there are three types of plans or agreements that a business can opt for – basic or standard service plans, premium or prime service plans, and ultra or deluxe service plans. Let us explore each in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
Unless a company is aware of its needs and requirements, the management will not be able to choose the right maintenance and service plan for the UPS systems. Therefore, the administration needs to decide whether it needs five days a week, 9-hour preventive maintenance or 24*7 preventive maintenance. While some companies insist on receiving an inspection report within three days, others require round the clock emergency support for its uninterruptible power supplies. So, decide on the things you need before booking a maintenance and service plan.
Quality investment in a UPS does not end with the purchase of the system. The management has to take a few extra steps to choose the right service and maintenance plan for the uninterruptible power supply. If a company enrolls in a quality maintenance plan, the downtime costs incurred would reduce significantly. Moreover, preventive maintenance will also prevent sudden UPS failures and will ensure that the backup power supply functions properly for years.
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