Maintaining uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems is critical for any organisation that relies on a continuous supply of power. Healthcare facilities in particular must adhere to strict regulations for the maintenance of UPS. The Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 06-01 provides comprehensive guidelines for the maintenance of electrical systems in healthcare facilities as it is just as important to maintain the UPS systems correctly as it is to have them installed in the first place.  

 

UPS systems are designed to provide backup power in case of power failure. They also act as a bridge between the mains power source and the equipment, ensuring that there the power supply remains clean and consistent, something that is especially important for sensitive medical equipment.  

 

The HTM 06-01 provides comprehensive guidelines for the maintenance of electrical systems in healthcare facilities, including UPS systems. These guidelines aim to ensure that the electrical equipment used in hospitals is safe, reliable, and efficient. The guidelines recommend that all UPS systems in healthcare facilities are maintained and tested at regular intervals.

 

UPS Maintenance Schedule

The maintenance schedule for UPS systems must be tailored to the specific needs of the facility. However, the HTM 06-01 recommends that UPS systems are tested and maintained at least twice a year at six-month intervals. The maintenance schedule should include a variety of tests and inspections, including visual inspections, battery tests and load bank tests.

 

Visual Inspections

Visual inspections are an essential part of UPS maintenance. These inspections should be carried out monthly and can be done by the estate to help identify any signs of wear and tear damage or deterioration. Each inspection should include UPS cabinet checks, battery cabinet checks, checks to the alarms to ensure none have been activated, and checks that the environment is still in design condition.

 

Battery Tests

The battery is one of the most critical components of a UPS system, and its health must be tested regularly. The HTM 06-01 recommends that battery tests are carried out at least twice a year. These tests help identify any defects or signs of deterioration in the battery. There are two types of battery tests: a discharge test and an impedance test.

 

A battery discharge test involves discharging the UPS battery and measuring the amount of time it takes to reach a predetermined cut-off voltage.

 

On the other hand, a battery impedance test involves measuring the resistance of the battery while it is in use. This test can help to identify issues such as internal shorts or open cells that may be affecting the performance of the UPS system.

 

Load Bank Tests

Load bank tests are used to simulate the load on a UPS system to ensure that it can provide the necessary power in case of a power failure. The HTM 06-01 recommends that load bank tests are carried out twice a year. These tests help to identify any defects in the UPS system that may affect its performance during a power outage.

 

Documentation and record keeping

Documentation and record keeping are critical aspects of UPS maintenance. All test results and maintenance activities must be documented and recorded to ensure that the system is operating at its best. The HTM 06-01 recommends that organisations maintain a logbook to record all maintenance activities and test results.

 

UPS Maintenance for Healthcare Estates FAQs

Q: How often should UPS systems be maintained?

A: The HTM 06-01 recommends that the UPS systems are tested and maintained at six monthly intervals by a UPS engineer.

 

Q: What are load bank tests?

A: Load bank tests are used to simulate the load on a UPS system to ensure that it can provide the necessary power in case of a power failure.

 

Q: What should be included in the six-monthly maintenance schedule for a UPS system being used in a healthcare facility?

A: The maintenance schedule should include a variety of tests including, a physical test of alarms, inverter and rectifier checks, battery tests, static switches and bypass switch tests, environmental checks and checks for any dust and debris build-up. Following the service, records should be updated with the work carried out.

Power Control has nearly three decades of experience working in the healthcare sector and maintains UPS systems for a plethora of NHS and private healthcare sites across the country. For more information, please visit powercontrol.co.uk, email info@powercontrol.co.uk or call the office on 01246 431431