Sunday, October 26, 2014

What To Look For 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.

Ensure that you choose a UPS that has enough power supply. Peripherals attached to your computer should not demand more power than your UPS battery capacity. A good battery backup system should detect the power output and make an alert if over-voltages or power insufficiency is noted. Some devices may also require more power on start up or during heavy usage; and furthermore, you might need to invest more to get better UPS system.

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.

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.

It is also critical to consider the UPS power outlet or socket where you plug in devices. Some battery backup systems may have sage only outlets that offer protection only against electrical noise and surges but not outages or blowouts. A good UPS should also have cable ports, phone jacks and Ethernet that allow their protection against surges and spikes.




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