Filter Replacement for Galaxy V Series UPS

The maximum service life of an air filter is one year and while we understand the customer's preference for a condition-based replacement strategy, Schneider Electric recommends replacing the UPS air filters annually  in accordance with the preventive maintenance schedule.  The reason for this recommendation is that although the UPS room may appear clean, the condition of the filter cannot be accurately assessed through visual inspection alone.

Over time, dust and fine airborne particles can accumulate within the filter media, leading to reduced airflow and a gradual increase in internal operating temperatures. In addition, the filter material itself can age and lose effectiveness, even in well-controlled environments.

Operating with a filter that has been in service for longer than 1 year would introduce an increased risk of restricted cooling airflow, higher temperatures within the UPS, contamination of internal components, and potential reduction in long-term system reliability so for this reason the max setting is for one year with an option for shorter intervals more contaminated environments.

The recommended replacement intervals are established to mitigate these risks and ensure the UPS continues to operate within its validated design parameters.

While a condition-based maintenance approach can be effective in some applications, it typically requires objective measurements such as differential pressure monitoring, airflow measurements, temperature trend analysis, or environmental contamination assessments. However, the standard Galaxy V Series  UPS installation does not continuously monitor these parameters, making it difficult to accurately determine filter health based solely on visual inspection or room cleanliness.

For this reason, Schneider Electric recommends replacing the filter at this time. The cost and effort associated with filter replacement are minimal compared to the potential impact that degraded cooling performance could have on the reliability and availability of a critical power system.

Released for: Schneider Electric UK