How long can an UPS be stored in a warehouse before activation?

[Anonymous user]

My company bought a an APC Smart-UPS VT 20KVA to install in a small datacenter. Because of construction delays it has to be stored for at least 6 months. Is there a problem with this if it has not been activated?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

you can store the UPS electronics portion for a while but you want to make sure the batteries are disconnected from the system or stored in separate boxes out side of the UPS frame. in general, if batteries are connected to a UPS system, they will drain/discharge into the UPS DC bus during storage. thus, you most likely wouldnt be able to turn it on because the batteries have drained. depending on the environment, the discharge of the batteries could take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. the Smart UPS VT needs good batteries to come online.

most of APC's modern UPS systems ship with the batteries disconnected or turn off to prevent this from happening. there is usually a warning on the batteries and the UPS user manual as well that explains this.

if you havent done so yet, make sure the batteries arent connected or turned on so that they dont drain.

[also here is an article to battery discharge during storage just for some extra info|http://nam-en.apc.com/cgi-bin/nam_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=91]