Friday, October 24, 2014

What To Look For When Choosing UPS

By Armando Rodriguez


There are some devices that offer battery backup service to computer and other peripherals especially during power blowouts. Such backups are known as Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. Their purpose is to allow devices shut down properly during power outages without damage. They also correct power supply issues such as over-voltages. You normally would need to consider some factors before choosing UPS system for an office.

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.

You would also have to consider the run time of the UPS. This will determine for how long the backup system will give you power. When using devices that consume power faster, you might experience less run time. To understand the UPS run time, consider the power requirements off each device, bearing in mind that devices use more power during booting or overworking.

Also consider how the UPS detects when battery backup support should be activated. UPS systems can be grouped into 3 categories depending on power tolerance. A standby mode UPS system will only use battery power when power supply drops under a certain limit, say below 120 volts. In terms of cost, this type of power backup is relatively cheaper and more users basically consider buying it.

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.

The best UPS system is the dual compression model that features an advanced system. Power quality is determined and reconstructed to suit your devices power requirements. An inbuilt inverter will convert AC power to DC power and later to AC after all power shortcomings have been addressed. This model will hardly damage your battery or affect the life span.

It is also of importance to consider how your backup system output power. This has to do with the actual sine wave power from an AC current. Some backup systems may not output the correct sine wave power but instead convert the power to square wave. This may not support power consuming devices like wireless routers and they may go off or get damaged in the process. To ensure you get the best value for money, consider trying the dual conversion UPS systems.

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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