An Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS, is a device that provides backup power to electronic device in the case that the main power supply to those devices fails. A UPS is a necessary device to provide power backup to electronic devices due to the possibility of data loss or electronic equipment damage that can occur if the power supply to those devices fails. Furthermore, a UPS can provide runtime to those devices, which is the length of time that the UPS will provide power to the connected electronic devices before its internal batteries are fully depleted of there stored energy.
The runtime of a UPS is a critical factor to consider when selecting a UPS for electronic devices. The runtime must be sufficient to allow the users of those devices to safely shutdown the devices. While many may believe that a UPS with many hour of runtime is best, the runtime of five to ten minutes is often sufficient to allow those individuals to save there work and close any applications that are in use.
UPS Basics and How to Choose One
Furthermore, if the power load on the UPS is reduced, the runtime of the UPS will increase; if the power load on a UPS is halved, for example, the runtime will approximate double. In order to determine the necessary runtime for an electronic device, you can calculate the total power load that the devices will use. You may add the wattage of each device that is to be connected to the UPS to calculate the total power load.
For example, a router may use 20 watts of power, but a desktop computer and monitor may use 400 watts. The total power load that is calculated can then be used to determine the voltage and wattage rating of the UPS that is needed. However, it is important for individuals to understand that the voltage and wattage ratings are not the same.
Instead, you must divide the VA rating of the UPS by the factor of the power (often 0.6 for electronic devices) to determine the amount of watts of power that the UPS can provide. Thus, a 1,000 VA UPS will provide 600 watts of power. There are several different types of UPS models that may be manufactured and sold in the market today, each with its own specific purpose and capabilities.
Standby UPS models are the most basic types of UPS models, and they switch to battery power automatically following the detection of a power outage. However, these models can result in a slight delay in the switching of power to the electronic devices. Line-interactive UPS models include voltage regulation capabilities, which allow for these models to automatically correct voltage fluctuations that occur in the power supply without needing to utilize the battery stored in the UPS.
Finally, online UPS models are continually regenerating the power supply to the devices, ensuring that there is no interruption in the power supply to those devices. These models provide the most protection for the electronic devices, but at a higher cost and with the consumption of more power than either standby or line-interactive UPS models. Another factor to consider in the purchase of a UPS is the type of waveform that the UPS creates.
Budget UPS models will use an approximate sine wave in their power supply, which is sufficient for most desktop computer monitors. However, electronic devices like a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device or a moddern power supply unit may malfunction if an approximate sine wave is used to power those devices. Thus, for these types of electronic devices, the use of a pure sine wave UPS model will ensure properaly operation of the electronic devices.
In addition to the different types of UPS models, the batteries that are included in most UPS models will eventually wear out over time. You must replace these batteries periodically to ensure that the UPS continues to provide power backups to the electronic devices. The most common batteries include sealed lead-acid batteries, but lithium batteries can also be used; they last longer and charge at a faster rate.
Furthermore, extra battery module can be connected to the UPS if the user requires longer runtime for there electronic devices. Additionally, like the UPS batteries, you must also test the batteries in the UPS monthly to ensure they are still functioning properly; without these tests, an individual may not know if the battery of the UPS has fail. Beyond providing power backup in the event of a power outage, a UPS can provide other forms of protection for electronic devices.
A UPS can protect electronic devices against voltage spikes and brownouts. Furthermore, a UPS can provide protection to electronic devices against electrical noise and electrical surges. Thus, a UPS can act as a power conditioner for electronic devices that are connected to it.
To install a UPS into an area that is to be protected from power outages, there are specific steps that must be taken. First, you can calculate the total power load that will be running from the UPS. Furthermore, individuals should avoid connecting a printer to a UPS, as the printer may create a power spike that drains the battery of the UPS.
Additionally, the UPS should never be connected to a power strip; connecting a power strip to a UPS can lead to an overload of the UPS. Finally, the UPS should always be installed in a cool environment and the manufacturer of that UPS should replace the batteries for the UPS according to the schedule that is create by the manufacturer of that UPS.