If you need a power backup system that can provide enough power that allows your equipment to shut down properly, then a UPS or uninterruptible power supply solves your problem. Using UPS, you can prevent data loss and lessen the stress on your electronic equipment caused by a hard shut down.
Also, UPS can protect your devices from power surges or abnormal voltages that may affect your electronic devices and equipment’s performance and lifespan. Such power problems may cause you a lot of expenses down the line.
Why Are UPS Systems Important?
When a blackout occurs, the UPS system will quickly switch over to battery power, providing a continuous energy source based on the battery capacity. The battery life varies by system. It also depends on how much power your equipment is using.
The backup power supply that a UPS provides will give you enough time to shut down delicate devices and equipment, servers, or game consoles. This will keep you from losing important data or progress. Various UPS systems provide different levels of protection for other types of power problems.
Types of UPS Systems
There are three UPS systems categories, depending on the power protection type that you need. These are:
- Line-Interactive
- Standby
- Double-Conversion.
Common Power Problems
Most people know only one power problem: blackout. When this power problem occurs, the power goes out for a few seconds or even days. However, some more power problems are existing:
- Surge: A short but extreme electricity spike that is normally caused by lighting. This could harm and even destroy electronic devices by damaging the circuit boards and other parts.
- Blackout: This power outage could last from seconds to days. It is normally caused by utility power shortages, power grid failure, accidents, and severe weather.
- Brownout: It can be either an unintentional or intentional drop of voltage for an extended period. During an emergency, power companies lower the electricity’s voltage, reducing the strain on power sources to avoid a blackout.
- Voltage Sags: It is the same as brownouts but has a shorter duration.
- Over-Voltage: This happens when the incoming voltage is unusually high. It’s like a surge of power but not high enough and last longer.
- Frequency Noise: This can degrade or disrupt the circuit’s performance by driving abnormalities into the system. It is also called line noise.
- Frequency Variation: This problem is uncommon when energy supplies are stable. However, it can happen when using generators and when the power fluctuates.
- Harmonic Distortion: This happens when a system departs from the right electrical signal on a certain power source.
UPS systems can save your delicate electronic devices from these power problems.
UPS System Forms
UPS systems come in different form factors. This indicates the size and shape of its casing or housing. The common types are:
- Compactor desktop
- Rackmount
- Tower or mini-tower
Choosing from these form factors will depend on where you will use the uninterruptible power supply or UPS. A compact UPS can be hidden under a table or desk. Towers can add an aesthetic design that looks good on top of a table. On the other hand, rackmount is perfect in server rooms.
Protecting your electrical devices from power problems is essential, especially if the devices are sensitive or you might lose some progress or data due to a hard shut down. This is the reason why UPS systems are important at work or -at home.
