Confused between the different types of backup power supply?
It is of the highest importance to protect your mission-critical equipment and data, but how do you protect your computer equipment from a potentially disastrous power outage? Simple – invest in a backup power supply to provide the ultimate resilience against unpredictable power-related issues.
The most popular business backup power supply option, depending on your power requirements, is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
This invaluable piece of business apparatus helps to prevent:
- Damage to electrical equipment
- Loss of stored data
- Early breakdown of power-sensitive equipment
Below we explore what a UPS is and the 3 different types of UPS.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
A UPS works like a battery backup supply, using batteries that charge when the power is on. When the power cuts out it instantly uses the stored energy to power equipment. However, this uninterrupted power supply does not last long. Typically, your business may use a diesel generator in addition to a UPS to provide hours of backup (dependent on its size).
Benefits of having a UPS include:
- Immediate backup power supply
- Makes no noise
- Cheaper alternative to a generator
- Eco-friendly
- Portable in size
- Requires less maintenance.
The 3 types of UPS you need to know
Online Double conversion
This UPS is called online as the inverter is always ‘online’, constantly producing a fresh alternating current to supply the load. Online double conversion UPS technology provides the highest level of power protection to equipment as it is able to withstand large fluctuations from the input voltage before switching to battery power and immediately after the issue has been detected – this process eliminates unnecessary battery discharges.
Advantages and Disadvantages of online double conversion UPS
Offline Standby technology
The power flows directly through the UPS which has a pre-set tolerance window and will detect any changes in the input voltage, this includes voltage fails or fluctuations outside of the set tolerances. When these changes are detected it will cause the relay to close, this then allows the UPS system to start feeding battery power.
Advantages & Disadvantages of offline standby UPS
Line-interactive
This type of UPS is very similar to the offline UPS, however, it has the advantage of better filtering and output voltage boost/reduce features. Interference from the mains power supply cannot be eliminated completely, however, the line interactive technology helps to reduce the impact of spikes, surges and sags by boosting power or switching to battery backup.
Advantages & Disadvantages of line-interactive UPS
Speak to an Expert
It is important to understand your business requirements before deciding which UPS is best for you. If you’re unsure of which backup power supply your business needs, then leave it to one of our experts! Get in touch today.
