How Is a Battery Backup System Tested?

Why Is Testing a Rechargeable Generator Important?

One of the main advantages of a battery-based backup power system is the minimal maintenance required to keep them operating due to their:

  • Solid State Electrical Components;
  • Sealed Lead Acid Glass Mat Batteries, and;
  • Powder-Coated/Stainless-Steel Metal Cabinets.
The result? Reliable battery backup generators with:
  • Instant Power Delivery;
  • Efficient long-term energy storage, and;
  • Long-term durability.
However, setting up a regular testing schedule is still of critical importance. Regular testing confirms that your backup power source:
  • Functions as intended;
  • Can supply power for its estimated runtime, and;
  • Any problems or issues can be addressed ASAP.

Our recommended testing intervals consist of a once weekly function test and a monthly runtime test. These ensure your system inverts (provides-battery power) and confirm that your generator will run for as long as needed.

 

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To contact our technical support experts about testing your system call:

1.800.765.3237
Monday-Friday
8:30a to 5:00p (EST)

 

How to Test a Battery Generator?

Testing ensures that your system performs optimally and with its full battery life. Proper maintenance also helps uncover any concerns with a system as soon as possible—limiting any potential downtime. We recommend testing your system in both weekly and monthly testing intervals as follows:



How To Perform Weekly Function Tests

Weekly function tests take only a few minutes at most. These tests are necessary to confirm that your system will turn on when needed during an outage. To complete this test, you simply need to:

  • Unplug your battery powered generator from wall power (Standalone and Mobile), or switch off the generator's dedicated circuit breaker (hardwired)
  • Confirm via the LED control panel that it's status changes from “charging” mode to its “inverting” mode

This means your battery backup system is supplying the appliance(s) with power and will function during an outage.

The test is complete and the user can now plug their system back in (or turn the circuit breaker back on). The system should return to it's float or bulk charging modes.

How To Perform Monthly Runtime Tests.

Monthly runtime tests are beneficial as they allow the batteries a chance to cycle their power. This helps to ensure the units longevity. However, their main focus is making sure that your battery backup unit has enough energy to keep appliances running for as long as needed.

The process of starting a runtime test is the same as the weekly function test:

  • Unplug your battery powered generator from wall power (Standalone and Mobile), or switch off the generator's dedicated circuit breaker (hardwired)
  • Confirm via the LED control panel that it's status changes from “charging” mode to its “inverting” mode

The recommended duration of a monthly runtime test is 30 percent of your unit’s total runtime or 2 hours —whichever is less.

For example, if you have a system that can back up your appliances for 100 hours, you will only need to run it for 2 hours to confirm, not 30. But a generator rated for 5 hours would only need to run for 90 minutes, not the full 2 hours.

It is highly recommended a qualified individual watch the system throughout the duration of the test. This ensures that if a problem occurs no one or nothing is damaged.


Generator Testing Resources

Below we've complied resources to aid in the testing and Maintenance of your battery generator including:
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For additional help and resources, contact our technical support experts at:

1.800.765.3237
Monday-Friday
8:30a to 5:00p (EST)

Find Out What You'll Pay for Backup Power

Every system built fits directly with the need of every customer both in power and form factor. The quickest way to find a perfect system for you is to contact MediProducts directly.

To speak to our product experts, engineers, and sales teams about quoting a system, and adding an alarm system contact us via:

phone-1

1.800.765.3237
Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (EST)

email sales@mediproducts.net

Have Further Questions?

Please drop us a line to let us know how we can answer your questions more clearly: