Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)
UPS is a solution to business power needs
Businesses have a large of number of devices that require constant electrical power. If there is a break in the supply even for a few minutes the results could be severe especially in financial terms. The most popular and widely solution is to employ a backup power supply.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), or Continuous Power Supply (CPS) or Uninterruptible Power Source, Uninterruptible Power System, or a battery backup is a device which maintains a continuous supply of electric power to connected equipment by supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available. There are two distinct types of UPS: -
- Off-line
- Line-interactive (also called on-line).
- An off-line UPS remains idle until a power failure occurs, and then switches from utility power to its own power source, almost instantaneously. An on-line UPS continuously powers the protected load from its reserves (usually lead-acid batteries or stored kinetic energy), while simultaneously replenishing the reserves from the main supply.
The on-line type of UPS, in addition to providing protection against complete failure of the utility supply, provides protection against all common power problems, and for this reason it is also known as a power conditioner and a line conditioner.
While not limited to safeguarding any particular type of equipment, a UPS is typically used to protect computers, telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption or data loss. UPS units come in sizes ranging from units which will back up a single computer without monitor (around 200 VA) to units which will power entire data centers or buildings (several megawatts). Larger UPS units typically work in conjunction with standby generators. They can typically supply backup supply from 10 minutes to several hours or longer. The exact duration would be influenced by the number of devices attached and their power requirements.
Originally, UPSs were expensive and were hence where likely to be used on expensive computer systems and in areas where the power supply is interrupted frequently. Nowadays prices are very affordable and UPS units have become an essential piece of equipment for SME businesses and even the home.
Most operating systems provide support for UPS but include some form of control applications. Popular UPS brands include APS, IBM UPS, Corsair, MGE UPS Systems etc.
With our extensive experience providing IT support we can advise on the best UPS solution for your business.