What Is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a battery backup and server power system that supplies power long enough for equipment to properly shut down when utility power fails. It is also a surge protector that protects connected devices from power problems. And it offers guaranteed power protection for connected electronics.
Why Do You Need a UPS in Your Home or Business?
UPS systems perform three vital functions: providing battery backup during power outages, regulating abnormal voltages, and protecting equipment from surges and line noise. UPSs protect against downtime caused by various kinds of power disruptions, including external and internal power surges, brownouts utility maintenance and system upgrades.
Home
The electronic devices you rely on every day for communication, security, and entertainment are at risk of damage and failure due to unexpected power disruptions. UPS provides backup power protection for home electronics and prevents damage from outages and voltage fluctuations.
Business
Small to medium-sized businesses may be at the most financial risk due to a limited ability to generate revenue during downtime. In office environments with many important devices, UPS provides reliable office solutions that protect important data and ensure network connectivity.
Types of UPSs Available
Smart-UPS
Available in multiple form factors and categories (entry, standard and extended run). Extended-run models accept external battery packs for extended runs to power critical servers, and entry-level Smart-UPS models are the economical choice.
Smart-UPS On-Line
Smart-UPS On-Line provides high-density, double-conversion, online power protection for servers and can be configured with multiple battery packs to meet stringent run-time requirements. Enables remote management of voice/data networks, medical laboratories, and light industrial applications.
What Are Some Key Features to Understand When Choosing a UPS System?
- Smart-UPSSmart-UPS On-Line
- UPS TypeLine-InteractiveOn-Line
- Typical UseIdeal UPS for Servers, Point-of-sale, Routers, Switches, Hubs and Other Network DevicesCritical Servers and Network Devices
- Kw Rating900w-2700w4800w-10000w
- Input Voltage100-230V208V
- Capacitance1kVA-3kVA5kVA-10kVA
- No. of Rack Spaces2U3U-6U
- InstallationRackmount/TowerRackmount
- Battery TypeLead-acid Battery (included)Lead-acid Battery (included)
- Battery Backup
- Surge Protection
- Voltage Regulation without Using Battery
- Sine Wave Output from Battery
- Double Conversion—
- Zero Transfer Time—
- Auto Bypass—
- Manual Bypass—
- USB and/or Serial Ports
- Network Management Card
- Intelligent Battery Management
- Scalable Runtime
- Emergency Power Off
4 Steps for Buying the Right UPSs
There are several key points that should be considered when choosing an uninterruptible power supply system based on your needs.
Determine the Type of the UPS
In general, line-interactive UPS systems have lower costs, while online UPS systems offer higher levels of protection. Online UPS systems are preferable for critical equipment, power-sensitive devices, and locations with challenging power conditions due to their complete isolation from power problems and compatibility with sensitive equipment.
Determine the Capacity of the UPS
A UPS system's output capacity is the maximum power it can supply in battery mode to support connected equipment. The capacity of the UPS must be at least as large as the total power required by the connected equipment or it will experience an overload and be unable to support the equipment during an outage.
Assess the Required UPS Runtime
Power supply time refers to the time that the UPS can provide power backup to connected devices during a power outage. It is important to note that adding more equipment loads will shorten the overall runtime. If you need to improve runtime, an alternative may be to use separate UPS’ for certain applications.
Consider UPS Installation Requirements
UPSs come in a variety of sizes and form-factors. Tower models are standalone units that sit on the floor, or a desk or shelf, and often backup desktop computers, servers, and routers in an office environment. Rack-mount UPS models are typically designed to fit in a standard 19-inch IT rack along with other IT equipment.
Determine the Type of the UPS
In general, line-interactive UPS systems have lower costs, while online UPS systems offer higher levels of protection. Online UPS systems are preferable for critical equipment, power-sensitive devices, and locations with challenging power conditions due to their complete isolation from power problems and compatibility with sensitive equipment.
Determine the Capacity of the UPS
A UPS system's output capacity is the maximum power it can supply in battery mode to support connected equipment. The capacity of the UPS must be at least as large as the total power required by the connected equipment or it will experience an overload and be unable to support the equipment during an outage.
Assess the Required UPS Runtime
Power supply time refers to the time that the UPS can provide power backup to connected devices during a power outage. It is important to note that adding more equipment loads will shorten the overall runtime. If you need to improve runtime, an alternative may be to use separate UPS’ for certain applications.
Consider UPS Installation Requirements
UPSs come in a variety of sizes and form-factors. Tower models are standalone units that sit on the floor, or a desk or shelf, and often backup desktop computers, servers, and routers in an office environment. Rack-mount UPS models are typically designed to fit in a standard 19-inch IT rack along with other IT equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a UPS and a PDU?
A: UPSs provide battery backup in the event of an outage, and they can also filter incoming power and provide surge protection. PDUs does not generate or condition power on its own, they merely distribute power.
Q: I live in a stable power supply, with UPS uninterruptible power supply?
A: Unexpected power outages are caused by many factors, such as line failure, pulling the power limit, voltage fluctuations, overload tripping, etc. If you frequently use the computer, it is best to have a UPS just in case.
Q: UPS maintenance should pay attention to what?
A: The most important thing is the maintenance of the battery. The discharge should be charged in a timely manner. In addition, if the long-term non-stop power, every three months should be artificially disconnected from the mains with a battery discharge with the equipment work, so that you can activate the battery to extend its service life.
Q: What is the USB port for? Is it for remote monitoring over USB?
A: Most UPS systems have built-in USB and/or serial communication ports that enable power management and automatic unattended shutdown when the UPS is connected to a computer. Most UPS systems designed for network applications also have a slot for an optional network management card. (Some UPS systems include a pre-installed card.)The network management card enables comprehensive management via SNMP, Web, SSH or telnet. It has an Ethernet port, allowing you to access advanced monitoring, control and notification features over the network without directly connecting the UPS to a computer. The card also supports connecting one or more optional sensors for remote temperature, humidity and contact closure monitoring.