Why is it important to have A UPS?

Answer 1

Anything you are working on that isn't saved is lost when the power goes out, even if only for a split second. Any interruption of the electricity supply will stop the operation of your computer system.

This can lead to loss of data, potential hardware damage and major inconvenience.

You can plan for and prevent power interruptions by installing a UPS. A UPS is an Uninterruptible Power Supply. UPS's protect against loss of the electricity supply by providing battery back-up for a period of time. The UPS can be utilized to provide short-term power during an outage, or until a standby generator is started for longer term power back up as is more likely the case in larger industrial critical power applications.

The UPS will also protect against a number of other power quality problems common in your electricity supply such as surges, sags, brownouts, spikes, RF noise etc.

What level of protection does a UPS offer?

The level of protection is where the various UPS technologies differ. There are three UPS technologies available and selection of the most appropriate technology for your application is of vital importance.

Off-line (Standby) UPS's

When mains supply fails, the offline UPS will switch the load across to a battery fed inverter supply (normally with a delay of 4 to 10 milliseconds). When operating from battery power many offline UPS models produce a square wave voltage (also called pseudo sine) which is acceptable for most computer switchmode supplies, but may not be suitable for some loads. These UPS's are designed to protect a single PC or workstation and only offer back up in the event of a total power interruption. They do not incorporate any significant power conditioning.

Line Interactive UPS's

These UPS's are similar in topology to off-line except a voltage regulating circuit is incorporated which boosts the mains power supply when it fails. These UPS's regulate power without the use of a battery during brownouts or surges in the supply voltage and have a sine wave output, enhanced software and connectivity options. They provide a high level of protection at a very affordable price.

Double Conversion (On Line) UPS's

For critical power applications, true On-Line Double Conversion technology UPS's are recommended. These UPS's provide the highest level of protection, usually only required by businesses operating from a server or in industrial applications.