Lately, the UPS (Uninterruptible power supply) market has seen significant increases in its number of consumers. This is because more and more people are getting concerned about the safety and efficiency of their electronic machines. The continuing increase in computer dependency of people in their homes and at work has caused this increase in demand, as UPS systems improve security and reliability of their computer systems. For one, UPS systems regulate voltage and current inputs from the mains power supply when computers are running. In addition, they provide back-up power source for those times when power from the mains suddenly gets cut off, which in turn prevents data loss or corruption. People have found the need for UPS power supplies because they offer safeguards in events of power surges, drops, or blackouts, which can be very important.
Shopping for UPS power supplies can sometimes be a hassle because they can be too technical. However, it is not hard when you know exactly what to look for. There are various factors to consider – such as the type of UPS, its size or capacity (measured in VA or kVA), battery back-up time, among others – so one should carefully do his homework before the purchase. A particular UPS system is designed to cater to a specific load type and buyers thus first need to look around for options.
Consider the following helpful tips:
o Online UPS systems are favored over line interactive or offline types because they offer better system security, reliability, and resilience than the other two. However, bear in mind that these are much more expensive because of the same reason, so only purchase one if the budget is there. If that is not the case, then consider looking at line interactive or offline UPS for your options since they cost less.
o Compare specified prices between UPS systems and choose the biggest UPS system you can get for your money because they usually have superior specifications. It is often suggested to buy a large unit that has extended battery back-up time and enables increased future loads without any significant additional price increase.
o Many UPS systems can operate in parallel. For such systems, check the cost effect of splitting loads. Sometimes, two or more small systems connected to each other works as well as a single huge Uninterruptible power supply. Generally, they are less costly too.
o Check out also the performance of stand alone single-phase UPS systems in comparison to others that are in three-phase. Usually, three-phase systems cost more than two or three single phase systems. However, multiple single-phase systems working in parallel with each other possess added redundancy and allow continued operation when one UPS unit fails.
In the end, carefully take note of what kind of uninterruptible power supply your current computer system needs. Based of those needs lies what UPS specifications one has to look for. Basic computers usually are not demanding in UPS performance and efficiency but they need average reliability. Large and high-end computer systems, on the other hand, will surely rely on uninterruptible power supplies for security and continued operation.
