How To Choose Uninterruptible Power Supply

by DNM Digital April 10, 2024

Today, so many businesses in Australia rely on having a reliable, uninterrupted power supply in order to thrive. From data centres, to healthcare facilities, even a minor power outage can cause significant disruptions, data loss, and financial repercussions. Which is why choosing the right UPS system is so important!

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the ideal uninterrupted power supply in Australia…

Understanding Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

A UPS acts as a safeguard against power fluctuations, blackouts, and surges. It also provides a consistent and stable power source for your critical equipment, thus ensuring seamless operation during such power disturbances. Here's a breakdown of the functions of an uninterrupted power supply:

Normal Operation: During normal power conditions, your UPS acts as a bridge between the mains power supply and your equipment. It regulates incoming power, filtering out spikes and dips, whilst delivering clean & consistent electricity to your devices.
Power Outage: In the unforeseen event of a power outage, your uninterrupted power supply seamlessly switches to its internal battery backup system. This ensures that your equipment continues to function uninterrupted, thus allowing for a graceful shutdown or continued operation for a predetermined period of time.

Key Functions of Uninterruptible Power Supply

Understanding the core functions of a UPS will help you appreciate its immense value proposition:

Power Conditioning: An uninterrupted power supply regulates incoming power, filtering out electrical noise and voltage fluctuations. This protects your sensitive equipment from damage and establishes optimal performance.
Battery Backup: A UPS has an internal battery that provides temporary power during a power outage. The battery backup capacity determines the runtime (the duration of which your equipment can continue to operate in the absence of mains power).
Surge Protection: It’s no secret that power surges can damage delicate electronics. Fortunately, an uninterrupted power supply can safeguard your equipment against these damaging voltage spikes.
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Voltage fluctuations are common, and a UPS with AVR can automatically adjust the output voltage to maintain a consistent level, thus protecting your vital equipment.
Self-Diagnostics: Modern UPS systems come with built-in self-diagnostic features that monitor battery health, system performance, and potential issues, allowing for preventative maintenance.

Selecting the Right UPS for Your Needs

Choosing the ideal UPS system for your Australian business hinges on the following crucial factors:

Power Requirements of Your Equipment: First, identify the total wattage of the equipment you need to protect. This is because a UPS with insufficient capacity won't provide adequate backup power.
Desired Runtime: Next, consider how long you need your equipment to function during a power outage. Modern systems come with varying uninterrupted power supply battery backup capacities, ranging from a few minutes to several hours!
Physical Space Constraints: UPS systems come in all shapes and sizes. So, assess your available space and choose a UPS with a footprint that suits your needs.
Features and Functionality: UPS systems offer a diverse range of features, such as remote monitoring capabilities and communication ports. As such, be sure to select a UPS with features that align with your specific requirements and budget.

Evaluating Uninterrupted Power Supply Batteries

The battery is a critical component of a UPS system. Here are some key considerations when looking for a suitable uninterrupted power supply in Australia:

Battery Type: The most common UPS batteries are sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries. They offer a good balance of performance, cost, and lifespan.
Battery Replacement: UPS batteries have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically – so don’t forget to consider the ease and cost of battery replacement when choosing a UPS system.
Extended Runtime Options: Some UPS systems allow for additional battery packs to be connected, thus extending the overall runtime capabilities.

FAQs: Choosing Your Uninterrupted Power Supply in Australia

Q: What Are the Essential Features to Look for in a UPS?

Adequate Power Capacity: Ensure the prospective UPS can handle the total wattage of your critical equipment.
Desired Runtime: Choose a UPS system with a battery backup capacity that meets your operational needs.
Form Factor: Select a quality UPS with a physical size that fits your space constraints.
Essential Features: Consider features like remote monitoring, communication ports, and ease of maintenance.

Q: How to Determine the Right UPS Size for Your Requirements?

A: The ideal UPS size depends on the total wattage of your critical equipment and your desired runtime during a power outage.

If you’re unsure, consult a qualified UPS specialist like UPS Solutions to determine the optimal solution for your needs.

Conclusion

A UPS system safeguards your critical equipment from power disturbances and ensures business continuity, thus minimising downtime. As such, it is paramount that you take your time, do your due-diligence, and choose the perfect UPS system for your business.

If you’re unsure where to even begin, rest assured that UPS Solutions is a leading provider of high-quality UPS systems and services in Australia.

We offer a comprehensive range of UPS solutions, from expert advice and system design, to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Simply contact UPS Solutions today for a free consultation and we’ll discuss how we can help you achieve a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for your critical business operations!