Typically, the only way you know that it's time to take action on your reserve power resources is when you experience the dreaded service disruption. Unfortunately, at that point you're forced to scramble so you can get your backup system up and running again. These disruptions are typically the result of DC power plant failure, battery failure, or inadequate capacity. However, by being proactive, these events are typically avoidable.
We understand that our customers are challenged with too much to do and too little time to do it. But to retain your own customers, it's critical that the services you offer are available and are operating at acceptable performance levels. Here are a few tips that can help ensure you have the right reserve power backup capacity and avoid costly and embarrassing reserve power failures:
You can hope for the best, or you can make sure your equipment is in tip-top shape. Performing semi-annual or annual site assessments will ensure that there has not been performance degradation with your current system. Like with most things, preventative maintenance often averts catastrophe.
Business growth is great. But that growth can also tax your systems. Just as an example, as your business expands you should continue to monitor load capacities through equipment controls. This will insure those connections work when they have to, and that you're receiving proper throughput.
While it's always smart to have a professional maintenance team evaluate your equipment, take a look yourself from time to time. While you might not have the expertise to uncover a hidden problem, there are visual clues that your batteries may be failing, such as swelling, corrosion, or cracking.
Keeping records can provide valuable knowledge about the state of your system. In the battery world, knowing the age of your batteries is serious intelligence. If your system has been in place for a number of years without any updates, you could be at risk of a reserve power failure.
Always keep in mind that older systems are usually less efficient than most of the current products—Eltek's cutting-edge high-efficiency technology comes to mind—on today's market. For most DC power systems of old, it’s hard to find replacement parts, and even if you do they'll probably be too expensive. By keeping these four clues in mind you have a better chance of locating failure and capacity problems now instead of later. This due diligence will help you retain customers, as well as save incalculable costs.