UPS Batteries Smell – Rotten Eggs? – Causes Explained
Old UPS batteries can leak and emit a rotten egg smell when failing, which is caused by poisonous and flammable gas. Signs of failing batteries include fluid weeping and white powder around terminals. It is crucial to replace all batteries if they are over 4 years old or exposed to extreme temperatures to avoid overheating and fire risks. Water intrusion can also cause battery issues, leading to overheating and health hazards. Immediate action is required; contact a UPS engineer from Power Continuity for maintenance.
UPS batteries smell of rotten eggs
When old UPS batteries begin to fail , they can leak and give off a rotten egg smell. The gas emitting from a failing battery is colourless, poisonous if inhaled and flammable.
The signs to look for prior to the appearance of the rotten egg smell are:-
- If the battery/batteries are weeping fluid.
- White powder building up around the battery terminals.
Your UPS may still be operating but you MUST replace ALL the failed batteries as soon as operationally possible.
If your UPS batteries are over 4 years old or have been operating in an overly warm or very cold environment, then we advise to replace ALL the batteries at the same time and not only the failed batteries.
Failure to do so, will put a strain on the UPS battery charger and will cause the UPS to overheat. This is also a MAJOR FIRE risk.
There is also a health & safety issue for both leaking BATTERY ACID and Air borne gas from the failed batteries. This gas is NOT to be inhaled, as it is poisonous and highly flammable.
ACT QUICKLY – Call your local Power Continuity UPS engineer.
Water Intrusion
Has there been a water leak recently?
If any water has entered the battery cabinets it can cause some of the battery fuses to trip or cause batteries to overheat, and fail, giving off rotten egg smell gas. The UPS may continue working although it is worker much harder trying to compensate for the failed batteries.This will cause the UPS to overheat and again is a FIRE risk and Health & Safety risk.
ACT QUICKLY – Call your local Power Continuity UPS engineer.