What To Consider 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.

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.

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.

Another type of UPS is the online interactive model whose inbuilt transformer controls and detects changes in power supply. Only when the power is interrupted or too low that the backup system can go to battery. This model can however be disastrous especially during continuous power interruptions and may damage your computer.

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.

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.

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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