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06 January 2009
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Q. I have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the practice server that is years old. How long do they last before they need replacing?

A. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will last about four to five years before the battery needs replacing. With a new battery you can expect about another four to five years before you have to replace the unit completely. Many of the newer units have an indicator to alert you when the battery is dead or dying. If you have an older unit, it is no harm to test it. Don't test it on your server: shut down the server, put another electrical appliance on the UPS and plug out the power. If it runs the appliance and alerts you that the power is off, then you are happy. American Power Corporation have replacement batteries available and also have a trade-in programme if you want to replace or update your UPS.