Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have long taken the place of a necessary component in modern computer systems and sets of other devices used both in enterprises and at home. Many consumers are familiar with the features and types of UPS. For them, a regular uninterruptible power supply for a computer or, for example, specialized uninterruptible power supplies for boilers are not something new and unfamiliar. Especially on the territory of our country, where power grids, to say nothing, are not characterized by the stability of indicators issued to end consumers. Yes, and the supply of electricity, 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 do-it-yourself UPS repair, namely, this will be discussed below, the importance of these devices should be noted once again. Uninterruptibles area kind of barrier between devices that consume electricity and the troubles that instability of the electrical power supplied to the equipment can bring. Developers are constantly improving their products and making them more versatile.
Thus, the UPS device allows, in most cases, to organize quite reliable protection not only of valuable user information in the case of a PC in the event of an unexpected power outage, but also of hardware components of other devices that are sensitive to power surges or its disappearance. But even a device designed to protect other devices from breakdowns can sometimes fail itself. Consider the main components that make up an uninterruptible power supply, as well as relatively easily fixable UPS malfunctions.
UPS device
At its core, uninterruptible power supplies are quite complex electronic devices, consisting of many components. If we consider the UPS circuit, and almost any, we can find that the device consists of the components presented:
- converters;
- switches;
- energy storage devices (usually batteries).
Why breakdowns happen
It is known that the more complex the system, the more likely it is to fail due to the failure of one or more individual components. In general, the complexity of the UPS device is due toa fairly wide list of functions that the device must perform. This includes not only the possibility of supplying energy to electrical devices at the time of loss of voltage in the network, but also stabilizing, protective functions. There are devices that have even broader requirements. For example, uninterruptible power supplies for boilers must, in addition to the above, have a correct sinusoid at their output. This complexity of the system makes it possible for some malfunctions to occur, although this occurs infrequently. What to do in this case? How to repair a UPS with your own hands?
Precautions
Before proceeding with the manipulation of the device, it should be borne in mind that the UPS is a complex electronic device and precautions must be taken when carrying out repair work. All operations with the uninterruptible power supply can be carried out only after making sure that the device is de-energized. No tips and secrets of UPS repair, heard from friends or found on the Internet, will save you from electric shock in case of rash actions and careless handling of live components!
Where to start?
Of course, the UPS, like any other electronic device, requires the implementation of some elementary rules during its operation. Very often, the cause of the apparent malfunction to the user is incorrectly connected wires, weakening or oxidation of their connection terminals over time, etc. Before thinking about major repairsdevice, you must carefully examine the connection of the wires, check their operability, the absence of fractures and breaks in the cables supplying the UPS, and finally, make sure that there is power in the outlet.
He alth 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 (about once every two years) and general monitoring of the he alth of electronic components. If to control the properties of capacitors, resistors and other electronic elements, you need a 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. Such do-it-yourself UPS repairs have to be carried out by almost every owner of the device at least once in the life cycle of an uninterruptible power supply.
Fuse
If the uninterruptible power supply does not turn on after a voltage drop or as a result of a short circuit in the mains, it is likely that even disassembly will not be required to restore the device to working order. The first thing to do when repairing a UPS with your own hands is to check the integrity of the fuse and replace it if necessary. Since this component fails quite often, UPS manufacturers design their devicesso that the user can carry out the procedure himself. Spare fuses themselves are often included in the supply of an uninterruptible power supply. If they are not there, a protective element similar to that removed from the device can be purchased at any store that sells radio components. To replace the fuse, you need to find a special tray containing it on the case and remove / unscrew - depending on the design - the contents. After replacement, install the tray in its place. The procedure is described in more detail in the instructions for the UPS, but in general, any home master will figure it out without it.
Battery replacement
It takes very little time to replace the battery and the only tool is a Phillips screwdriver. Initially, it is required to unscrew several screws that fasten the parts of the case and are located at the bottom of the UPS, in special holes. This will allow you to remove the top cover and access the battery. The battery in most cases is not fixed in any special way inside the case and is removed quite easily. It is only necessary to disconnect the two wires that are connected to the battery using terminals. After removing the energy storage source from the UPS case, you must determine its marking and purchase a similar battery from a specialized store. The UPS is assembled in reverse order:
- Installing the battery.
- Connect wires with correct polarity.
- Installation and interconnection of parts of the device body.
Difficult repair
If the above tips are followed, that is, the UPS is connected correctly, the fuse in the device is intact and the battery is working, but the uninterruptible power supply still does not work properly, probably the most correct solution would be to contact the service center for repair of the device. The fact is that the UPS circuit is quite complicated for the average user, diagnostics and replacement, if necessary, of individual electronic components without special tools and master skills at home is often simply not feasible. Thus, trying to fix a non-working appliance without certain knowledge and skills, as well as without the availability of appropriate equipment, a home master can only aggravate the situation.
In general, when deciding to fix a faulty UPS on your own, you first need to weigh your strengths and capabilities. The average user is most often required to carry out the simplest manipulations, which would be more correctly attributed to the maintenance of the device, rather than its repair. It is better to entrust the elimination of complex breakdowns to professionals.
