Monday, October 27, 2014

What You Have To Put Into Consideration 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.

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.

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.

There is also a dual conversion type UPS system 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 to high or low voltages and produces perfect AC power. This will ensure that your battery power remains intact unless when there are power outages.

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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