Why do I need a UPS?

With the country’s very convenient load shedding in progress, many of us are looking for alternative ways of preventing a power failure from wreaking havoc on our lives – especially your average computer user. But is this possible? How can you save yourself the trouble and drama of another unscheduled power outage? The answer is simple…Get a UPS!

An Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS, is a device dedicated to supplying electric power to connected equipment in the event of a power outage or when utility power is not available. The UPS does this by supplying power from a separate source.

What for?A UPS is usually used to protect computers, telecommunication equipment and other electrical equipment in the event of a power failure. Banks, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and businesses can all suffer irreparable damages in the event of an extended power failure. The UPS offers continuous power to electrical equipment, even if the power source stops providing power.

So how does it work?

A UPS system falls into three general categories, namely on-line, line-interactive, and standby. All three of these designs work differently but essentially perform the same task.

An on-line UPS uses a ‘double conversion’ method. This method accepts AC input, rectifying to DC for passing through the battery, then changing back to AC for powering the protected equipment.

A line-interactive UPS keeps the invertor in line then redirects the battery’s DC current path from the normal changing mode, hence supplying current when power is lost.

A standby system is powered directly by the input power and the backup power circuitry, and is only used when the power fails. Other UPS designs include Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supply, Dual Conversion Online, Ferro-resonant, DC Systems and Outdoor UPS.

Choosing a UPS that is right for you:

So now that you got the facts, how do you go about choosing the right UPS for you?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the unit going to be in a controlled environment? If yes, then you need an indoor UPS, if not, an outdoor one.
2. What are the 2 key ratings? This is the load rating expressed as both volt amps (VA) and watts (W). These rating represent the amount of load that the UPS can support.
3. What amount of runtime will the UPS be required to provide? This amount will vary according to how much power is needed and how much devices is being run from the UPS.
4. What is your anticipated usage?
5. What load/connected equipment will the UPS support?
6. Also, speak to a professional UPS dealer

Can I afford it?

So you probably think a UPS is what you need, right? But how much does it cost and can you afford one? Do not fret because the price of UPS’s has dropped considerably in recent times. You can get a UPS’s from Digital Planet for as little as R500.

More and more companies and even individuals are opting to buy this convenient little device. And why not? With the country in an electricity crisis, a UPS is looking like the best option to solve your load shedding woes. It’s either that or enjoying continuous blackouts for the next few days, weeks, months, maybe years. I prefer the former.

2 Comments

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  By UPS South Africa, March 12, 2008 @ 3:51 pm

  The ups is a really great products. Best of all is the fact that it is seamless switchover. Here is a UPS table where you can work out which model will fit your needs.

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  By admin, March 13, 2008 @ 7:23 am

  Thanks alot …

  That table is actually very useful. Thanks for letting us know about it

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