Here are some popular questions we get asked about Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Why are UPS systems important?
UPS units are important as they provide uninterrupted power during a power outage.
How much do UPS systems cost?
It all depends on the type and size of UPS, smaller units can cost anything from a couple of hundred pounds, as the units get bigger and the battery sizes increase, the price goes up.
What kinds of UPS are there?
There are three main types of UPS.
- Online – is a double conversion unit, this means it rectifies AC to DC to charge the batteries, then inverts DC back to AC to provide the AC output to the essential load.
- Line-interactive – this type of unit supplies power to the critical load via the bypass line in normal operation, when a power cut occurs it switches to inverter.
- Standby – this type of unit provides basic protection from power interruptions, when the power fails it switches to battery operation but there is a slight delay (usually milliseconds). This type of unit is advise to be used on less essential pieces of equipment
Can a UPS stay plugged in all the time?
Yes! It can stay plugged in for as long as you need back up power
How long will UPS last without power?
That depends on how long the client has requested. A UPS can last from as little as a minute or hours and hours, this is decided during the site survey period.
Which device should not be plugged into an UPS?
Devices with inductive loads are recommended not be connected to a UPS, these devices tend to have a high start-up currents. These are mainly pieces of equipment with compressors or motors built in (like air conditioning units).
Does a UPS run out of battery?
Yes, a UPS like any other equipment powered from a battery can fully deplete. This will all depend on how much back up time the UPS has and how long the power cut is.
