Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have long taken the place of the necessary component in modern computer systems and aggregates of other devices used both in enterprises and at home. Many consumers are familiar with the features and types of UPS. For them, the usual uninterruptible power supply for a computer or, for example, specialized uninterruptible power supplies for boilers are not something new and unfamiliar. Especially in the territory of our country, where power grids, to say nothing, are not characterized by the stability of indicators issued to end consumers. And the supply of electricity, it’s no secret to anyone, can be unexpectedly stopped, albeit for a short time, but at any time.
Such a useful and necessary UPS
Before proceeding to consider the possibilities of repairing the UPS with your own hands, and it will be discussed below, the importance of these devices should be noted again. Uninterruptible power supplies are a kind of barrier between devices - consumers of electricity and those troubles that can lead to instability of the electrical power supplied to the equipment. Developers are constantly improving their products and making them more versatile.
Thus, the UPS device allows in most cases to organize fairly reliable protection not only of valuable user information in the case of a PC when the light turns off unexpectedly, but also the hardware components of other devices that are sensitive to voltage surges or its disappearance. But even a device designed to protect other devices from breakdowns can sometimes fail. Consider the main components that make up the uninterruptible system, as well as the relatively easily removable UPS faults.
UPS device
At their core, uninterruptible power supplies are quite complex electronic devices consisting of many components. If you consider the UPS circuit, and almost any one, you will find that the device consists of the components represented by:
- converters;
- switches;
- electric energy storage devices (in most cases, a rechargeable battery).
Why breakdowns occur
It is known that the more complex the system, the greater the likelihood that it will fail due to breakdown of one or more individual components. In general, the complexity of the UPS device is due to a fairly wide list of functions that the device must perform. This includes not only the ability to supply energy to electrical devices at the time of loss of voltage in the network, but also stabilizing, protective functions. There are devices that are subject to even broader requirements. For example, uninterruptible boilers for boilers must, in addition to the above, have the correct sine wave at their output. This complexity of the system makes it possible for some malfunctions to occur, although this happens infrequently. What to do in this case? How to repair the UPS with your own hands?
Precautionary measures
Before proceeding with the manipulation of the device, it should be borne in mind that the UPS is a complex electronic device and that precautions must be taken when carrying out repairs. All operations with an uninterruptible power supply can be carried out only by making sure that the device is de-energized. Any advice and secrets to repairing the UPS heard from friends or found on the Internet will not save you from electric shock in the case of rash actions and careless handling of components under voltage!
Where to begin?
Of course, a UPS, like any other electronic device, requires the implementation of certain elementary rules during its operation. Very often, the cause of the seeming user malfunction is incorrectly connected wires, loosening or oxidation of their terminals over time, etc. Before thinking about conducting a serious repair of the device, it is necessary to carefully inspect the connection of the wires, check their operability, absence of fractures and breaks in cables, UPS power supply, finally make sure that there is power supply in the outlet.
Health support
In most cases, the device in question serves its owner for many years and without any problems. At the same time, to achieve this state of affairs, regular maintenance of the UPS is required, which consists in replacing the battery (approximately every two years) and general monitoring of the health of electronic components. If, to control the properties of capacitors, resistors, and other electronic elements, you need fairly deep knowledge in electronics and circuitry or a trip to a service center, then almost everyone can replace a UPS battery that has failed or lost its properties over time. Do-it-yourself UPS repair should be carried out by almost every device owner at least once during the uninterruptible life cycle.
Fuse
If the uninterruptible power supply does not turn on after a voltage drop or as a result of a short circuit in the supply network, it is likely that to restore the operability of the device it will not even be necessary to disassemble it. The first thing to do when repairing the UPS with your own hands is to check the integrity of the fuse and replace it if necessary. Since this component fails often enough, UPS manufacturers design their devices so that the user can carry out the procedure on their own. Spare fuses themselves are often included with the uninterruptible power supply. If they are not there, a protective element similar to that removed from the device can be purchased at any store where radio components are sold. To replace the fuse, you need to find on the case a special tray containing it and remove / unscrew the contents, depending on the design. After replacing, reinstall the tray. The procedure is described in more detail in the instructions for the UPS, but in general, any home master will understand without it.
Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery will require very little time and the only tool is a Phillips screwdriver. Initially, it is required to unscrew several screws holding the parts of the case and located at the bottom of the UPS in special holes. This will remove the top cover and access the battery. The battery in most cases is not fixed in some special way inside the case and is removed quite easily. You just need to disconnect the two wires that connect to the battery using the terminals. After removing the energy storage source from the UPS case, it is necessary to determine its marking and purchase a similar battery in a specialized store. The UPS is assembled in the reverse order:
- Battery installation.
- Connection of wires, observing polarity.
- Installation and interconnection of parts of the device.
Complicated repair
If the above tips are fulfilled, that is, the UPS is connected correctly, the fuse in the device is intact and the battery is working, and the uninterruptible power supply still does not work properly, it is likely that the most appropriate solution is to contact the service center to repair the device. The fact is that the UPS circuit is quite complicated for the average user, the diagnosis and replacement, if necessary, of individual electronic components without special tools and skills of the master at home is often simply not feasible. Thus, trying to fix a non-working device without certain knowledge and skills, as well as without the availability of appropriate equipment, a home master can only aggravate the situation.
In the general case, deciding to fix the faulty UPS yourself, you first need to weigh your strengths and capabilities. From the ordinary user, it is most often required to carry out simple manipulations that would be more appropriate to attribute to the maintenance of the device, and not to its repair. The elimination of complex failures is best entrusted to professionals.