This course provides a comprehensive introduction to battery technology in both Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and Telecommunications systems. It covers safety requirements, correct installation techniques, maintenance procedures, and practical testing methods. Participants will learn how to assemble and service battery strings, carry out testing, and apply industry-standard safety controls.

The course is aligned with BS EN IEC 62485-2: Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations and IEEE 1188 – Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications, ensuring compliance with UK and globally recognised standards and best practices.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the function of batteries in UPS and Telecoms systems and identify VRLA battery
    characteristics.
  • Recognise hazards associated with electricity and batteries, applying correct safety protocols.
  • Perform step-by-step connection and disconnection of battery strings, including torque
    settings, insulated terminals, and safe handling of mid-point links.
  • Correctly configure Battery Circuit Breakers (BCBs), multiple fuse string connections, and mid-point connections.
  • Apply isolation, earthing, and safe powering-up/shutdown procedures for UPS and Telecoms battery systems.
  • Conduct battery maintenance, replacement, and controlled discharge testing.
  • Operate battery testing equipment and interpret results to assess battery condition.

Course Topics

Introduction to Battery Technology in UPS & Telecoms Systems

  • Role of batteries in power continuity for UPS and telecommunications infrastructure
  • Overview of VRLA battery construction, chemistry, and applications
  • Comparison of operational requirements between UPS and Telecoms systems

Hazards of Electricity and Batteries

  • Electrical hazards: shock, arc flash, and short-circuits
  • Chemical hazards from electrolyte leaks and corrosion
  • Environmental disposal considerations in Telecoms and UPS contexts

Safe Working Practices

  • PPE selection and correct usage
  • Insulated tools and their care
  • Lockout/tagout and isolation protocols for UPS and Telecoms environments

Battery Installation & Connection Procedures

  • Step-by-step battery string building
  • Correct connection and disconnection methods
  • Torque settings and their importance
  • Use of insulated terminals
  • Series, parallel, and mixed configurations
  • Mid-point connection practices
  • String Fuses

Powering Up, Isolation & Earthing

  • Safe powering-up sequences
  • Isolation procedures before maintenance
  • Removal of fuses for safety assurance
  • Earthing procedures for racks, cabinets, and system frames

Battery Replacement & Discharge

  • Replacing entire battery strings in UPS and Telecoms setups
  • Battery discharge procedures and controlled load testing
  • Recording and analysing discharge test data

Battery Maintenance & Testing

  • Routine inspection and maintenance schedules for Telecoms and UPS
  • Overview of test instruments for battery health monitoring
  • Using a battery impedance test instrument
  • Analysing results to identify degradation or failure

Practical Demonstration

  • Live demonstration of connection, testing, and maintenance tasks
  • Demonstration of safe fault identification and documentation

Assessment & Review

  • Short quiz covering safety, installation, and testing procedures
  • Group review and discussion of common issues in UPS and Telecoms systems

Target Audience

  • UPS and Telecoms maintenance technicians
  • Electrical engineers and Electricians
  • Safety officers for critical power installations
  • Facilities and network infrastructure managers

Format & Duration

  • Duration: 1 day (6 hours)
  • Delivery: Classroom theory + practical demonstrations
  • Assessment: Short multi choice quiz to verify knowledge gained

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