Battery Testing
FAQ
What is battery testing and why is it important?
Battery testing is the process of evaluating the condition, capacity, and performance of backup power batteries to ensure they will function reliably during an outage or emergency. Batteries degrade over time even when not in active use — regular testing identifies weakened cells, capacity loss, and potential failure points before they result in a backup power system failing at a critical moment.
What types of batteries does BCES Global test?
BCES provides battery testing services for a broad range of backup power battery types including UPS (uninterruptible power supply) batteries, VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and other stationary battery systems used in commercial and industrial backup power applications.
What battery testing methods does BCES Global use?
BCES Global uses specialized testing equipment and procedures to evaluate battery performance, including capacity testing, impedance testing, load testing, and visual inspection. All testing is conducted in accordance with CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E standards for electrical safety in the workplace, with detailed documentation of findings provided after each assessment.
How often should backup batteries be tested?
Industry best practices and most manufacturers recommend annual battery testing at a minimum. For critical facilities such as data centers, hospitals, and industrial operations where backup power is essential, more frequent testing — semi-annually or quarterly — may be appropriate. BCES Global can assess your backup power requirements and recommend a testing frequency appropriate for your risk profile.
What happens if a battery fails testing?
If testing reveals that a battery or battery string has deteriorated beyond acceptable performance thresholds, BCES Global will provide a detailed report of the findings and recommend corrective action. This may include individual cell replacements, full battery string replacement, or system reconfiguration. Addressing failing batteries promptly prevents backup system failures during actual outages.
Does BCES Global provide documentation after battery testing?
Yes. BCES provides thorough documentation of all battery testing results including performance measurements, condition assessments, and recommendations. This documentation supports compliance requirements, insurance reviews, and long-term asset management planning through BCES IQ.