NEMA Standards Publication PE 1-2003

Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS)

Specification and Performance Verification





















Published by:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

www.nema.org





Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including
translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and
Pan American Copyright Conventions.



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PE 1-2003
Page i
Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

CONTENTS
Page
Foreword........ .... ................................................................................................................ ii
1 Adoption of IEC 62040-3................................................................................................. 1
2 Amendments to IEC 62040-3........................................................................................... 1
2.1 Format of numeric values .......................................................................................... 1
2.2 Conflicts with other NEMA Standards Publications ..................................................... 1
2.3 Conflicts with ANSI/NFPA 70..................................................................................... 1
2.4 Backfeed protection .................................................................................................. 1
2.5 UPS batteries............................................................................................................ 1
2.5.1 General ......................................................................................................... 1
2.5.2 Battery definition............................................................................................ 1
2.5.3 Battery types ................................................................................................. 1
2.5.4 Battery life factors.......................................................................................... 2
2.5.5 Optimum battery life....................................................................................... 2
2.5.6 Valve regulated batteries ............................................................................... 2
2.5.7 Routine maintenance ..................................................................................... 2
2.5.8 Battery charging/discharging.......................................................................... 2
2.5.9 Battery replacement ....................................................................................... 3
2.5.10 Battery terminal maintenance......................................................................... 3
2.5.11 Special safety handling of batteries ................................................................ 3
2.5.12 Battery storage .............................................................................................. 3
2.5.13 Battery operation monitoring .......................................................................... 4
PE 1-2003
Page ii
Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Foreword

This standards publication is a NEMA Adoptive Standard based on IEC 62040-3,
Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) Part 3: Method of specifying the performance and test
requirements. The current edition of IEC 62040-3 is adopted in its entirety with certain
differences described in the Amendments clause.

The purpose of this publication is to provide manufacturers and users guidance on specifying
and verifying performance of Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS). This publication covers
both installation and manufacturing criteria obtained from manufacturers and users.

This publication represents the technical judgment of the NEMA Power Electronics Section
with respect to the performance and construction of Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS).
This judgment is based on sound engineering principles, research tests, records of
manufacturers, and field experience.

PE 1-2003 revises the content of PE 1-1992 (R2003). As future major revisions to this
publication are proposed, appropriate individuals and organizations will be consulted.
Proposed or recommended revisions should be submitted to:

Vice President, Engineering Department
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

PE 1-2003
Page 1
Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
1 Adoption of IEC 62040-3

The current edition of IEC 62040-3, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) Part 3: Method of
specifying the performance and test requirements, is adopted in its entirety with the
amendments noted in clause 2.


2 Amendments to IEC 62040-3

2.1 Format of numeric values

Commas used in numeric values shall be understood to be decimal points, e.g. 3,25 mm is
3.25 mm. Spaces used in numeric values shall be understood to be commas, e.g. 1 500 W is
1,500 W.

2.2 Conflicts with other NEMA Standards Publications

Where a conflict exists between the provisions of PE 1-2003 and other NEMA Standards
Publications, the provisions of PE 1-2003 shall govern in the area of Uninterruptible Power
Systems (UPS).

2.3 Conflicts with ANSI/NFPA 70

Where a conflict exists between the provisions of PE 1-2003 and the current edition of
ANSI/NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, the provisions of ANSI/NFPA 70 shall govern.

2.4 Backfeed protection

The provisions of Annex L (normative), Backfeed protection test, of the current edition of IEC
62040-1-1, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) Part 1-1: General and safety requirements
for UPS used in operator access areas, shall also apply to PE 1-2003.

2.5 UPS batteries

2.5.1 General

The provisions in IEEE 1184, Guide for Batteries for Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems,
and the subclauses below shall apply to PE 1-2003.

2.5.2 Battery definition

In UPS applications, the battery is the device which may be used to store electrical energy by
chemical conversion charging, and when needed, the battery provides the stored energy to
power the load discharging. Since the load side of a UPS is a.c., an inverter changes the
direct current from the battery to alternating current.

For more detailed information on batteries, refer to the battery manufacturers
recommendations where available.

2.5.3 Battery types

Many types of batteries are used in UPS applications. The most common is the lead-acid
battery and its derivatives.

Other types of batteries, such as Nickel Cadmium, may be used in some applications. Refer
to UPS suppliers data for specific recommendations. The two most common constructions
are valve regulated and vented.


PE 1-2003
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Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
2.5.4 Battery life factors

The useful life of a battery may be affected by many factors, such as

a) specific gravity or pH of the electrolyte,
b) depth of discharge,
c) rate of discharge,
d) ripple current,
e) float voltage,
f) temperature differential between cells,
g) non-operating storage temperature,
h) number of discharge cycles,
i) rate of charge,
j) temperature of the battery,
k) overcharge.

2.5.5 Optimum battery life

The manufacturers specifications should be carefully followed. Incorrect charging or
discharging can destroy a battery very quickly (possibly within hours or days). Many cycles
of excessive discharge can drastically reduce a batterys expected life.

2.5.6 Valve regulated batteries

Sometimes valve regulated (sealed) batteries are referred to as maintenance free batteries
incorporating oxygen recombination systems, absorbed electrolyte, or gelled electrolyte
technologies.

These batteries require routine maintenance as recommended below, if rated performance is
to be achieved. A maintenance free battery is one in which routine addition of water is not
necessary. These batteries are designed to vent when their internal pressure becomes
sufficiently high. Excessive overcharging, which results in venting, will eventually dry out the
battery and shorten its useful life.

2.5.7 Routine maintenance

Routine maintenance includes inspection of cables, connectors and termination tightness,
and terminal cleanliness. It may be necessary to periodically disassemble the cable
connections from the battery, clean the terminals of corrosion, and reconnect the cables.
Extreme care is urged when performing this operation. High voltages may be present. In
every case, the manufacturers instructions should be followed.

Battery maintenance should be performed only by qualified personnel. Battery maintenance
information can be supplied by the battery manufacturer.

Battery systems should be designed to allow for routine maintenance.

2.5.8 Battery charging/discharging

Batteries shall be charged according to specifications prescribed by the manufacturer.
Recharging the battery at too high a rate can reduce battery life.

The charging system in a UPS shall provide the necessary charging rate and control the
maximum charging voltages. The discharge shall be inhibited when the battery has reached
PE 1-2003
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Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
its minimum allowable terminal voltage. Consult the UPS supplier before changing to another
size or type of battery.

Excessive battery equalizing and excessive equalizing voltage can decrease battery life.
Battery equalizing shall only be done as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

2.5.9 Battery replacement

When battery replacement is required, it shall not be undertaken without consulting the UPS
manufacturers recommendations. Batteries of different types and capacities shall not be
mixed unless authorized by the UPS manufacturer.

2.5.10 Battery terminal maintenance

Terminals should be kept clean and free of chemical deposits that may form on the interface
between the battery terminal and the battery connector.

Nuts and other hardware should only be tightened to the torque level prescribed by the
manufacturer. Loose connections and/or excessive tightening can cause premature failure of
the battery. Prior to assembly of post connections, all surfaces should be cleaned in
accordance with the battery manufacturers directions, and surfaces coated with a corrosion
inhibiting material that will not change state under heating or other conditions that might form
an insulating barrier.

All post-to-post and terminal connections should be tested for proper resistance after all
terminal connections are completed and prior to use of the battery.

When working on the electrical connections to the batteries, insulated tools should be used.

2.5.11 Special safety handling of batteries

Batteries should be handled with extreme care or they may cause severe injury. Spilled
electrolyte may destroy clothing, burn skin, or cause blindness. Batteries should be serviced
only by a qualified technician.

CAUTIONAlways wear goggles and rubber gloves when working with batteries.

Always wear eye protection, and never smoke when in the vicinity of vented lead-acid
batteries. The gases vented are hydrogen and oxygen, a potentially explosive mixture.
If electrolyte gets into the eyes, flush with copious amounts of water and seek medical help
immediately.

Batteries should be used and stored in an upright position unless they have been designed
for all-attitude use.

2.5.12 Battery storage

Batteries normally self-discharge if left unattended for a long period of time.

Lead acid batteries should be stored in a charged condition, otherwise sulfation of the plates
occurs, which is often an irreversible failure of the batteries. Suggested storage temperature
range is 0C to 25C, or in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.

When lead acid batteries are to be stored for long periods of time, it is advisable to keep
them on a very low rate of trickle charge, in accordance with the battery manufacturers
recommendations. When such trickle charging is impractical, the batteries may be charged
periodically.


PE 1-2003
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Copyright 2003 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
2.5.13 Battery operation monitoring

A battery monitoring system may be implemented for each bank of batteries to obtain a
history of the operation of the battery system, and to assist in battery evaluation.