Guide to Online & Offline UPS Systems

by Isaac Prakash January 19, 2022

Uninterruptible power supplies are key for mitigating unwanted downtime, blackouts, and serious system failure. There are two primary options available to protect your business: online UPS or offline UPS.

But how do you choose between offline and online UPS systems, and what are the major differences between the two?

The type of solution you choose to use is dependent on a few factors, namely your industry, size, and equipment needs. In this article, we are going to explore both online and offline UPS systems, and discover some of the pros and cons of using each.

What is an online UPS?

An online UPS system supplies power to the AC load by funnelling electricity through a rectifier and inverter combo. Because the power is always on and flowing, there is no gap in time between power failure and online UPS function. Its continuous power draw may reduce the lifespan of your batteries, but it's nonexistent time delay makes it a very attractive USP option for business owners.

What is an offline UPS?

Unlike online UPS systems, an offline UPS directly sends power to the AC load by using an inverter on the DC battery. Offline UPS systems do not drain batteries continuously, allowing for a longer lifespan. They also create smaller heat sinks, which dramatically reduces the cost of the system.

Even if these systems don’t continuously drain battery power, business owners should still replace their battery every 5 to 7 years to keep their offline UPS working properly. UPS Solutions offers a free battery finder to help locate the right model for you.

UPS online vs offline — the pros and cons

Both online and offline UPS systems offer a unique set of benefits (and drawbacks) for business owners to consider. There are several pros and cons to each:

Offline UPS are more economical than online systems.
Online UPS systems do not require power system switches.
Offline UPS systems are often considered to be more reliable.
Online UPS systems have a zero downtime capacity.

If you’re thinking about replacing your USP with a new online or offline system, get in touch with the team behind USP Solutions.

Offline vs online UPS — which is better?

Ultimately, there is no such thing as a ‘better’ UPS solution — it’s just a case of the one that works best for your business. Government bodies, transportation organisations, pharmaceutical companies, education facilities, financial organisations, and other serviced industries should rely on a set of IEC guidelines to determine the proper solution for their business.

To learn more about the type of UPS system that may work best for you, don’t hesitate to get connected with UPS Solutions.

Contact USP Solutions to discover your perfect system

As one of Australia’s leading providers of USP systems, USP Solutions is the country’s foremost name for high-quality power protection systems. More than 18 years of government accredited service has allowed us to serve tens of thousands of customers with USP maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation.