General questions
What is a UPS?
+
An Uninterruptible Power Supply is a simple way to protect any sensitive device, which may be damaged by blackouts or even brownouts. A UPS, may also cancel out mains power noise to make available to the load a clean reliable energy and it may also provide energy in case of blackout, for the time requested to protect data or people.
Why is a UPS necessary?
+
A UPS is necessary every time you have a sensitive load, which can not suffer any power blackout or brownout. Most common application is with datacenters, serverfarms or industrial fields where energy is critical to service quality and reliability.
What is a typical application for a UPS?
+
The most typical application is to maintain power on a computer so that, should main electric power be suddenly lost (because of a black out, a thunder storm or some other reason), recent work can be saved before the computer shuts down. Besides computers, other important data processor driven electronics can benefit from battery support: telephone and telecommunications equipment, digital signage player and display, digital video recording systems, digital mixing consoles, access control and security systems, emergency evacuation public address systems...
How do I select the right UPS for my applications?
+
The right UPS for your application is determined by several factors. To select the right UPS you will need to know: the power requirement of your equipment load, how long the UPS needs to support operation of the equipment in case of a black-out (this will be UPSs required "run time"), how critical the application is (of course, any application is important if you are considering a UPS, however, since the most reliable on-line UPS models are more expensive than the simpler stand-by models it is best to match the features of the UPS with the value of the application). The most critical applications (security or network communications) should probably be supported by an on-line model. The less critical applications (cash registers or work stations) are usually matched with a stand-by device.
What does "VA" mean?
+
VA stands for "volt-amp" and it is a measure of the capacity of a UPS.
What is the difference between a Stand-By, Line Interactive and On-line UPS?
+
A "stand-by" or "off-line" UPS directs main utility power to your equipment as long as it's available. When the utility power fails it switches to the battery as a source of temporary power. "Line interactive" designs also power connected equipment using available utility power, except they also provide voltage regulation within a limited range in order to reduce the occurrence of battery use. An "on-line" type of UPS powers connected equipment from battery power 100% of the time. Available utility power is only used to charge the battery.