Monday, 27 October 2014

What To Look For When Choosing UPS

By Armando Rodriguez


UPS system can be defined as battery backup devices offering power services to computers or devices especially during power interruption. The abbreviation stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply and such devices are meant to prevent other devices from shutting down improperly during power blowouts. This was designed to correct power related issues such as over voltages and possible damages. Before choosing UPS system for your office use, some considerations are very necessary.

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.

Another type of UPS system is on-line interactive type that features an inbuilt transformer. The system will detect changes in power supply to ensure that your computer hardly goes to battery power unless the current supply is too low. It is not advisable to use such a UPS system during a frequently power interrupted period to avoid consecutive switching to battery power, since such a process may impact negatively on the battery capacity or lifespan.

The other kind of UPS system is the dual compression type that is the most advanced battery protection and backup mode. Power is broken down to DC and perfectly reconstructed to AC by the inverter with no transfer switching time. The process will eliminate any incoming line noise or surge, as it adjusts high or low voltages and producing perfect AC power. This will ensure that your battery power remains intact unless when there are power outages.

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.

It is also necessary to consider the power output quality. Some UPS system cannot output the actual electric sine wave power. A standby mode backup system will only convert power to square wave which is of poor quality. Some devices can only work with the sine wave AC power such as wireless routers. This might damage the devices when run time decreases and device shuts down. To cater for such possible risks, you can consider buying a dual compression UPS system. Such systems are however costly but are worth trying.

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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