Thursday 23 October 2014

What To Consider When Choosing UPS

By Armando Rodriguez


Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an electronic device that offers battery backup service to computers or other devices during power interruptions. They therefore allow your devices to shut down safely in case of power outages. Another function of UPS is to protect your device from over-voltages and brow-outs. Choosing UPS system that suits your need can improve performance of your devices.

You would have to consider whether the UPS system can supply enough power as demanded by your computer or other devices. Some devices like wireless routers would require a lot of power that your UPS may not offer. You should also buy a battery backup device that can alert you in case of over-voltages or power insufficiency. Considering that different devices require varying power output depending on your work, investing in a more reliable UPS system can solve power interruption problem.

The UPS run time is another feature that determines the suitability of a backup device. This is an estimation of how long a power backup device can supply power. Some low cost UPS systems may offer lesser duration of use depending on what devices are used with them. Always choose a UPS system that has a longer run time and the one that make an alert in case power goes out to prevent possible damage to the computer.Different UPS have different methods of detecting when battery backup support should be started. This is based on the point that the UPS systems are categorized based on their power tolerance levels. The most basic backup system is the standby mode type that only switches to battery after the power supply voltage drops below a certain level. This backup system is the most commonly used and is considered relatively cheaper.

It is also critical to consider how the UPS system decides when to switch to devices battery power. The backup systems are categorized into three based on this factor. There is the standby mode UPS system which detect when power supply is below a certain level. It is the cheapest and most available type of power backup.

There is also an on-line interactive type that has an inbuilt transformer that controls the AC voltage when too high or too low. This ensures that the device battery will be used only when incoming power supply drops too low. Too much power interruptions can damage your battery as the UPS keeps on switching to battery. This will reduce your battery usage lifetime and the battery capacity.

You may also find another UPS system known as the dual conversion type that is considered the most effected power backup. The system is packed with an inverter that convert power supply to DC and later to AC after ensuring no power oversupply is noted. The process works out without notable transfer time. This efficiency eliminates the incoming line noise or surge because the inverter corrects any underlying problem. Thus over voltages, under voltages and related issues cannot damage your battery or the computer.

You would also need to consider the UPS system power output power. Cheap UPS may not output the actual sine wave AC power but instead converts battery power to square wave AC. devices like computer and monitors may have no issue with the square wave AC power but others devices like wireless routers might breakdown or get damaged. Dual-conversion UPS are the most efficient but they do cost more money.

You would also have to consider the type of power outlet that the UPS system has. A number of backup systems may not offer protection against power outages or blowouts. Some may have Ethernet and other cable ports but ensure all ports offer protection from spikes and power surges.




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