How to Select a UPS System

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HOW TO SELECT A UPS SYSTEM

HOW TO SELECT A UPS SYSTEM UPS CLASSIFICATIONS SINGLE-PHASE SYSTEMS THREE-PHASE SYSTEMS

1. Defining the Capacity of a UPS System

You need to ensure that the UPS supporting your server room is sufficient to support current and future business growth. Saving on a UPS installation during the server room design phase might turn into a greater replacement project later-on. For a future-proofed solution, making the right decisions at the beginning allows for enhancements and maintenance to be less complicated and more cost-effective for the lifetime of the product. Another important point is to make sure adequate working space is provided for access, replacement and all electrical equipment.

2. Offline, Line-Interactive or Online UPS?

UPS Solutions only recommend Line-Interactive and Online UPS Systems. The Line-Interactive UPS topology protects against five of the nine main power issues and is suitable for networking and server equipment. For total protection, we recommend an upgrade to the On-line UPS topology. The On-Line system is the most common UPS system used, it completely isolates mains power and consistently supplies clean power to vulnerable equipment.

3. Additional UPS Battery Packs?

A UPS typically has its own internal battery packs to support the Load (approx. run-time is 4-10 minutes). However, most new UPS systems offer the ability to add extra battery packs to increase the run-time. Please note, adding additional battery packs does not increase the capacity of the UPS in terms of providing more power, the extra battery packs will simply extend the battery run-time, typically each extended run battery pack will provide an extra 20-30 minutes run-time each. Statistically, in Australia the typical power outage is less than 5 minutes. The number of outages is normally from 10 to 30 per year. If your server room is not located in a particularly electrically unstable region, in a typical year, you can anticipate approx. 3 mains power failure that will last longer than 5 minutes.

4. Should you Install a Bypass Panel?

We would definitely say yes. For all critical equipment, even small loads, serious consideration should be given to implementing a bypass panel. The bypass panel allows you to switch over to mains power in the event of UPS system maintenance or failure. Unless there is a redundant UPS solution implemented, this is highly recommended to ensure the business can still function in the interim while awaiting repair or replacement.

5. In addition to a UPS, would we need a Surge Protector?

A UPS provides essential surge protection, however, additional surge protection is suggested to use in conjunction with all UPS units. A good quality surge device will prevent up to 15x significant surges, one of the leading causes of hardware failure. The surge protection device does not eliminate UPS issues altogether, but will prevent incoming power surges destroying expensive electrical infrastructure.

6. Do we need Software to Manage our UPS?

A UPS will provide battery back-up even if no management software is installed, but in today’s IT environments communication between the UPS and connected devices is essential. Some of the functions that UPS software provides:

Automatic systems shutdown (graceful shutdown) if power outage exceeds a certain period of time
Display power consumption data
Restart equipment after mains power has been restored
Send alerts based on certain triggered thresholds and alarms
Provide battery status information

7. What is Hardwiring?

Generally, smaller UPS systems connect directly to 10Amp or 15Amp power sockets (screw type captive plugs is recommended for all 10Amp and 15Amp UPS installations). UPS systems 5000VA and above, hardwiring of the UPS is necessary. Hardwiring involves running a dedicated electrical cable from the switch board to the Input of the UPS system via a bypass or isolation point. It’s necessary to use a licenced electrician for all hardwiring work. The right cable size and circuit breaker must be used for proper operation and to ensure that the installation meets Australian electrical safety standards. The size of the cable and circuit breaker depends on the size of the UPS system.

8. UPS Outlets and Power Distribution Units

Most of today’s smaller UPS systems have a number of IEC Outlets at the rear of the UPS, typically 4 to 10 IEC Outlets. When additional outlets/outputs are required, a Power Distributions Unit (PDU) can be connected to the UPS to increase the number of outlets. For larger 3Phase UPS systems where the output is hardwired, PDU’s are connected to captive GPO’s in the flooring or ceiling to distribute power to the racks. The most common PDU’s are basic, monitored and switched.

Basic PDU - Multiple power outlets that mount horizontally or vertically in the rack to power the connected equipment.
Metered PDU - Adds amperage metering to the PDU. An LCD display and network interface allows you to monitor the power consumption of the equipment in the rack.
Switched PDU - Adds amperage metering to the PDU and allows each individual outlet to be switched on and off remotely using a network interface. Outlets can also be locked, which gives greater control of power distribution in the rack. A switched PDU is an ideal solution to recycle power to a device in a remote location.

9. Is UPS Maintenance Needed?

Ensure the reliability of your UPS system by putting the UPS under a preventative maintenance contract. Regular UPS maintenance will ensure proper use over time and prolong the life of your valuable investment. There is a long list of technical tests that are performed during a maintenance visit, however, here are some of the fundamental points when it comes to preventative maintenance:

Eliminate Downtime and Maximise Business Continuity

Strengthening your Core Business Infrastructure

Reducing the Total Cost of Ownership

Peace of Mind

Apart from the above, it’s not uncommon during a routine maintenance visit for our electricians to find unsafe and dangerous electrical wiring that do not meet Australia electrical safety standards and requires intervention for compliance.

10. Why UPS Solutions?

Diligently working over the years, we have implemented and are constantly improving specialised techniques designed by our engineers and solutions experts to provide The right solution, every time.

UPS Solutions are now one of the longest established, and nationally recognised, Power Solutions providers in Australia. Our long term vision is to design and constantly improve the Australian economy with more efficient power quality.

Our company values are based on two simple words “Customer First”. We regard customer service as the most important focus of our business. Providing partnerships in projects of any size or scale, ensures our customers’ needs and requirements really do come first.

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