While not all UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) are created equal, the real question you should be asking is not ‘which is best?’, but ‘which is the best for you?’ In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Definition of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
In a nutshell, an uninterruptible power supply is an electrical system that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails/is interrupted.
Why a UPS is important for commercial office use?
A UPS is invaluable in a commercial office setting for a number of reasons, namely:
If you want to remain consistent and reliable in your work no matter what, a UPS is an excellent addition.
Factors to consider when choosing a UPS
So, which factors are most important when choosing the best UPS for your requirements?
Power capacity
You need to calculate the power required by each device that you will be protecting before settling on your UPS. Doing so can help you determine the necessary power capacity.
Runtime
How much time do you need in the event of an emergency? For example, if you have a backup generator on-hand, perhaps 5-minutes of runtime from your UPS will be sufficient enough to fire up the backup generator?
Number and type of outlets
Think about how many different devices you will need your UPS to support and then ensure that your UPS will have enough to meet both your immediate needs and facilitate future growth.
Form factor and size
Another commonly overlooked factor is form. Do you need a tower model that sits on the floor or a desk? Or will a rack-mounted UPS be more appropriate for your setup?
Battery type and lifespan
And of course, what type of battery do you need? Would you favour more backup power in the same space, or a similar capacity in a smaller space? The type of battery you opt for will determine this.
Additional features (e.g. software, LCD display, USB ports)
Finally, you’ll need to think about which additional features you can benefit from. Do you want LCD screens displaying critical info such as battery health and current power conditions? What kind of software will you be using to maintain your UPS?
Top Uninterruptible Power Supply brands
There are many UPS manufacturers on the market today, but the following three are almost certainly the current leaders:
APC
APC by Schneider Electric has some awesome smart UPS systems that are worth exploring…
Eaton
Eaton is a power management titan whose products can be found in over 175 countries. You can view Eaton’s product range here…
Vertiv
Vertiv has gone through many evolutions over the years, arriving at their impeccable power management products today. You can view the full product range here…
Best Uninterruptible Power Supplies on the market
Everyone claims to have the best uninterruptible power supplies on the market. Again, what you need to do is determine which UPS is best suited to your requirements. You can view our full catalogue of UPS products here.
FAQs
Below are some of the more frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us today and we’ll gladly assist you.
What is the difference between a UPS and a surge protector?
While a UPS does provide second-level protection against surges, it isn’t considered a ‘primary surge protection device’. As such, having a UPS and a surge protector installed together is often recommended.
How long can a UPS power my devices during an outage?
This depends on a wide variety of factors, however, the average UPS can provide around 5 to 10-minutes after a power outage. Again, if you need more time you will have to choose your UPS system accordingly.
Can a UPS be used with any device?
Yes. While UPS systems are typically used for computers in a commercial office setting, they can be used for other hardware such as printers, photocopiers, routers, medical equipment, and any other devices that are deemed as ‘essential’ and must continue operating with a power source in the event of a power outage.
Do I need to replace the battery in my UPS?
Yes. Eventually, you will need to replace your UPS’ batteries (whether you’ve relied on the UPS often or not). The average lifespan is some 3 to 5-years.
How do I choose the right size UPS for my needs?
A rule of thumb is to simply tally up the overall wattage of every device that you plan to connect to your UPS system—which will give you your load. Following that, multiply the load by 1.25 and voila, you will have determined your UPS capacity requirements.
Can a UPS protect my devices from lightning strikes?
Unfortunately, not. Lightning carries such a large amount of energy so quickly, that surge protectors and UPS devices are unable to protect against them.
