Image: APC
Written by: Jay H.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a critical component of running a business. As the name suggests, a UPS provides continuous emergency power to your computers (or anything else plugged into it) when the power goes down, or surges occur.
Why Do I Need A UPS?
Let’s say you’ve been working on an important document for a couple of hours. You’ve been saving infrequently but haven’t saved for a while now. Suddenly, the lights – and your monitor – go out, and you lose all of the unsaved work.
Sounds nightmarish, right?
This is where a UPS comes in. When your power goes out, the UPS will immediately and automatically start running your devices without them ever losing power. Therefore, you can save your work and safely power down your computer. Many also include software that automatically shuts down the computer if you’re not at your desk.
Not only does a UPS prevent you from losing data, but most also include surge protection to keep your devices safe from power spikes and surges.
Do note, however, that a UPS isn’t intended for extended blackouts. Its purpose is to allow you to save your work and power down your device without losing data. The run time varies based on the UPS, ranging from minutes to hours.
What Are The Different Types Of UPS?
1. Standby (Offline) UPS
A standby, or offline, UPS is the most common and basic type of UPS. It lays in wait until power failure is detected and then takes control within milliseconds. This type of UPS is suitable for basic electronic equipment.
2. Line-Interactive UPS
Small businesses may depend on the line-interactive UPS to protect their infrastructure from power failures. This UPS is similar to the standby UPS but has the added capabilities to regulate voltage automatically. Therefore, this UPS is beneficial for undervoltage brownouts and overvoltage surges.
3. Online Double-Conversion UPS
The online double-conversion UPS is the most advanced type. It provides continuous power from the battery to the equipment, meaning that there is no time to switch in the event of power failure, unlike the other types of UPS. This type of UPS is essential for mission-critical business infrastructure.
What UPS Should I Get?
The answer largely depends on your needs. For instance, do you want a simple UPS to run your home office’s PC, or do you need a setup for business systems?
In choosing your UPS, you must consider several factors, including the number of outlets you need and the voltage rating (which determines the run time). You may also want outlets for other devices, including telephone, Ethernet, and coaxial cable connections, to protect them from surges.
We can help you find a suitable uninterruptible power supply based on your needs and even install it in your home or business. So, you don’t have to worry about power outages or surges damaging your equipment or deleting your data.
Contact us today and let us help you find the right technology solutions for yourself or your business.
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