What Is A UPS A UPS
(uninterruptible power supply) system is a device that allows your computer systems and other IT equipment operation and safe in the event of a power surge or blackout.
One of UPS systems’ purposes is to ‘buy’ you enough time to safely turn off your computer and network devices or allow for the transition until the backup generator kicks in.
These devices have a battery backup in place that provides enough current (depending on the load) for a few minutes, which again helps stabilise the current to protect connected equipment from damage, mainly due to brownouts.
Different Types of UPS Systems
There are typically 3 different types of UPS systems, all designed to meet both consumer and enterprise needs, hence available for a wide variety of applications.
These are:
A standby UPS (an offline unit): designed to detect blackouts and switch to battery power
Line Interactive
Online devices Standby UPS
This is considered the most basic and least expensive UPS system. It is designed to deliver power backup for a short period of time when/if there’s an outage. The battery and inverter unit are usually on standby and only kicks in when a brownout or blackout is detected.
The best thing with a standby UPS is the fact that it provides a direct AC connection to your devices and only switches to battery power (in milliseconds) when the utility line is offline.
There, however, are different types and models of standby UPS systems on the market, with some of the best capable of protecting your sensitive equipment and data from power surges, dips, and spikes. Consumers can also invest in a compact UPS system to help safeguard their home network devices and personal computers.
You can thus use a standby UPS to protect your network modems, computers, VoIP equipment, medical equipment, etc. You can also consider an apc ups battery replacement uk for peace of mind and assurance.
Offline Ups for Basic Home and Office Applications
An offline UPS is slightly different from an online UPS in that it delivers power backup for less demanding professional and home applications. They have a fundamental design that allows them to be used discreetly in the office and home environment without taking up lots of space. Most people prefer to use this UPS system for their desktop, server, and network systems.
Line Interactive UPS Unlike the standby UPS, a Line-interactive UPS maintains the inverter in line to charge the backup batteries and simultaneously provide power/current when power is lost.
With the inverter always connected, your computer or IT equipment gets clean and uninterrupted power, which reduces switching transients. The switchover is considerably much faster as compared to offline UPS systems. Line-interactive UPS is commonly used for the more sensitive IT equipment that would be affected by even the slightest disruption in power supply.
Online UPS An online UPS
Provides the ultimate protection for connected equipment. It works by accepting AC input, which is then rectified to DC to recharge the batteries, after which the battery string is inverted back to AC to power your equipment.
A switchover isn’t thus required to activate the inverter as it is always on. Also known as a double conversion, the connected devices never receive electricity directly from the mains but DC power. Although more expensive than the other two, you need an online UPS, especially if looking to protect sensitive and expensive equipment.
