A UPS system, also known as a UPS battery backup, is essential for safeguarding your equipment against power issues and ensuring uninterrupted operation. It serves two vital purposes: providing backup power from the battery during electrical outages and shielding your connected devices from power surges and disruptive line noise. Additionally, certain UPS systems are capable of regulating and protecting your equipment against irregular voltages. With a UPS system in place, you can confidently rely on its reliable battery backup and robust protection for your valuable devices. Our blog will discuss how to choose a UPS system for your business.
Main Types of UPSs
The three main types of UPS systems are as follows:
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Standby UPS
The Standby UPS, also known as “Offline UPS” or “Standby Power Supply,” offers a simple and cost-effective solution. It seamlessly provides power from the wall to your device until a power outage occurs. Once the power goes out, the UPS swiftly switches to its internal battery, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to your attached device, typically a computer.
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Online UPS
For enhanced reliability, consider the Online UPS, also referred to as a “True UPS” or “Double Conversion UPS.” Unlike the Standby UPS, it constantly draws power from its battery while simultaneously recharging it from the wall. It’s akin to using a laptop while plugged in—should a power outage strike, your device will continue to run seamlessly until the battery depletes.
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Line Interactive UPS
Here, power from the wall enters the UPS’s Inverter/Converter, splitting into AC and DC. The DC charges the UPS battery, while the AC directly powers your computer’s supply. In the event of a power loss, your computer seamlessly switches to the UPS battery, with a faster response time compared to Standby models.
The following tips will help you choose the right UPS system for your business.
Assess Your Power Needs
To determine the right UPS capacity for your needs, it is crucial to consider the electronic devices that require battery backup protection. You also have to understand the power each device consumes. Start by considering power-consuming devices like IT servers, computers, workstations, and networking equipment. However, don’t forget to include other critical devices that are vital to your day-to-day business operations.
Assess the applications supported by each device and analyze the potential impact on your organization if those applications were to be lost. By thoroughly assessing the load size, which encompasses all devices requiring UPS protection, you can accurately calculate the necessary UPS capacity.
Consider Outlet Requirements
Ensure that the UPS system has sufficient outlets for your immediate needs while leaving room for future expansion. Alternatively, you can utilize a power distribution unit (PDU) to add more outlets, but exercise caution to prevent overloading the UPS.
Some UPS models feature outlets dedicated to surge protection only, without battery backup functionality. Prior to purchasing a UPS, thoroughly understand its features and ensure it has an ample number of battery backup outlets to suit your requirements.
Determine UPS Runtime
When considering the desired UPS runtime during a power outage, it’s important to evaluate your specific priorities. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Smooth Transition: If you have a backup generator for extended power backup, a runtime as short as 5 minutes may be sufficient for a seamless start-up and transition.
- Data Protection: If your primary concern is safely shutting down servers and workstations without risking data loss or corruption, a runtime of approximately 5 to 10 minutes should be adequate.
- Critical Applications: For critical applications such as networks and Internet access, it may be necessary to have a runtime of 1 to 2 hours. This ensures continuous operation during most outage scenarios.
By carefully assessing your needs and considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate UPS system runtime that aligns with your specific requirements.
Choose the Right UPS Size
UPS systems come in various sizes and forms to meet diverse requirements. Tower models are ideal for office equipment like desktop computers, servers, and routers. They can be conveniently placed on the floor, desk, or shelf. Rack-mount UPS systems are specifically designed to fit into standard 19-inch IT racks alongside other IT equipment. If you opt for UPSs with lithium-ion batteries, you’ll enjoy the advantage of smaller and lighter units compared to those with traditional lead-acid batteries. This means you can have more backup power capacity within the same space or achieve the same capacity in a smaller footprint.
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A Few Important UPS Features to Consider:
Extended Runtime: Select UPS models that support external battery packs to extend the runtime beyond the internal battery capacity. This provides critical loads with additional hours of battery backup time.
ECO-mode for Energy Savings: Choose UPS models featuring ECO-mode, which optimizes energy efficiency by bypassing unnecessary voltage regulation and energy conversion processes when utility input power is stable. This helps conserve energy while maintaining reliable performance.
User Replaceable Batteries: Ensure UPS models have user-friendly battery replacement options. Look for designs with easily accessible panels that allow prompt battery replacement without the need for service technician assistance.
Remote Monitoring and Management: If you want to monitor and manage your UPS remotely, choose a model with network ports or that supports network management cards (NMCs). This is especially useful for branch offices or locations with limited IT staff, allowing centralized groups to monitor UPS status and receive alerts.
LCD Control Panel: Look for UPS units equipped with LCD screens for easy access to vital information on battery health and power conditions. This feature enables on-site management and control of the UPS.
Remote UPS Outlet Control: Select UPS models that offer remote outlet management for energy usage monitoring, power cycling, and outlet/group shutdown. This allows for efficient operations and remote rebooting of unresponsive servers or network switches.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Consider UPS models with lithium-ion batteries for their extended lifespan, lightweight nature, space-saving benefits, faster charging capabilities, and increased charge/discharge cycles. While the initial cost may be higher, the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) makes them a valuable investment.
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At BTLME, we pride ourselves as the top UPS supplier and battery dealer in UAE. We provide UPS systems that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. We understand the importance of uninterrupted power supply for your valuable equipment, and as a leading UPS system supplier in UAE, we offer a wide range of UPS systems to meet your unique requirements.