Power failures are common events that happen constantly across the country, with 93% being unplanned. These last anywhere between seconds to hours (and in extreme cases, days.) Power outages are not the only issues that a business may have to deal with but also from sags, surges and spikes, etc. that can affect the life and performance of electrical devices. Spikes, for example, are rapid voltage transitions which can be caused by lightning strikes or equipment switching heavy electrical currents. A complete loss of power is called a blackout, brownout conditions also exist. Brownouts are a drop in voltage and can be intentional or unintentional. They occur when the mains supply capacity is insufficient for its present load. Depending on the speed of the response, brownouts can last for several hours in exceptional circumstances. Blackouts and brownouts have the potential to cause chaos for companies, resulting in operational or economic and operational mishaps. The average business experiences 5.7 outages per year, so without power protection, it will cease to function during these periods.
Power protection products, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and generators can save companies thousands that would otherwise be lost in a power cut. A UPS is designed to sit between the A/C mains and the load (the electrical devices.) Not only does the UPS protect from blackouts but other power issues as well such as spikes and brownouts. A correctly specified and installed UPS system with matching generator units can protect businesses, maintaining automatic 24/7 power support for as long as is necessary. By turning to power protection products, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), companies can save thousands that would otherwise be wasted when a power outage, brownout, surge or spike occurs.
Power protection's role has become increasingly critical over the years, reflecting the rise in data centres and constant manufacturing practices. This is likely to be exacerbated as the UK power grid faces growing pressure. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), demand for electricity is expected to increase by 1% per annum until 2022/3. Projects to deal with the energy gap are challenged by several issues like the lead time for building new power stations, and the requirement for significant investment in an industry where wholesale electricity prices are expected to become more volatile, combined with the uncertain nature and size of energy demand.
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