However, their interior grid structure and plate spacing are constructed in a way that allows them to remain stationary for long time periods with an ongoing charge. But when used according to manufacturers' guidelines, deep cycle batteries in UPS applications will last three to four years, and stationary batteries will last up to 10 years. With all the batteries needed to form a reliable backup power system, it can become quite expensive to buy replacements. Knowing what causes damage to batteries and how to prolong battery life can help to reduce that cost. A battery used with the power supply as backup in the cable industry will be exposed to brutal environmental conditions, and extreme variances in temperature are harmful to batteries.
Excessive heat is most detrimental to batteries.
Enclosed in a metal box hanging on a pole, these backup batteries undoubtedly will have the sun beating on them for extended periods of time. In addition, they receive a constant charge that contributes to internally generated heat. These intense temperatures speed up battery discharge and greatly reduce battery life expectancy. Scott Livingstone, technical trainer for TCI of Colorado, has problems with heat from several sources damaging backup batteries. There is a lot of heat that builds up from the power supply that affects the batteries.