What kVA & kW Means
Computer Power Protection is here to guide you through one of the most crucial factors - The size by kVA
UPS systems are typically rated by their kW or kVA size (kilowatts & kilo-volt-amperes)
To make sure you get the right amount of power, you need to understand UPS terminology. UPS systems are rated by kW or kVA. Manufacturers list a "power factor" to calculate the maximum wattage a UPS can handle. For instance, our 1kVA UPS from N1C has a power factor of 0.9 and can power up to 900 watts of connected equipment. If you still feel unsure please contact us and we can help find what you need.
Using more than 900 watts on a 1 kVA UPS can cause it to short circuit and fail, making it useless during power outages and surges. To maximise the UPS's battery runtime and lifespan, it's better to use less wattage, like 450 watts, which operates at 50% power and needs less maintenance and repairs.
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To determine the maximum load capacity for your UPS, add up the watt usage of each device you're connecting and leave a 20% margin for error. This means only running the UPS at around 80% capacity to allow peaks in watt usage, like when electrical devices are first turned on and require a spike in watts. By doing this, you'll avoid overloading the UPS, ensuring it functions properly even during peak conditions.
To Summarise
If you anticipate needing to run a full 900 watts through a UPS system, it's recommended to invest in a 2kVA system instead. This will allow you to operate the UPS at 50% load capacity, leaving extra room for potential maximum loads. In contrast, a 1kVA system with a 900-watt load would operate at 100% capacity from the start, leaving no wiggle room and causing undue stress on the system. By investing in a 2kVA system, you can ensure that your UPS will function optimally and avoid early burnout.
UPS Runtime
When it comes to protecting your equipment, you want to make sure you're covered from all angles - even if that means considering the battery runtime requirements of your UPS. Imagine this scenario: you've got critical equipment located on a different floor or in a far-off location. A power outage occurs and you need your UPS to kick in and keep your devices running. But what if the battery runtime isn't long enough to keep everything operational until power is restored? That's where the importance of battery runtime comes in. And if you're lucky enough to have a building generator that kicks in right away during an outage, you may be able to get away with less runtime. So, when it comes to protecting your equipment, don't forget to factor in battery runtime requirements - it could mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster.
The rating of the UPS is here to guide you
Suppose you use the 1kVA UPS from N1 Critical Technologies with a 900-watt load, you will have 11 minutes of runtime. However, if you opt for the 2kVA UPS from the same manufacturer and run it at 50% load with the same 900-watt load, you can get 24 minutes of runtime. Running a 3kVA UPS with the same load would yield more than 30 minutes of runtime at 33% capacity.
Upgrade your power protection game with N1 Critical UPS systems featuring lithium-ion battery packs! Unlike traditional lead-acid systems, our lithium-ion technology delivers longer runtimes in a compact and efficient design. With more power stored in a smaller space, you can trust our UPS units to keep your critical devices running during extended outages. Don't settle for less when it comes to power protection. Choose N1 Critical for the ultimate reliability and performance.
With the extended runtime offered by lithium-ion battery packs, users can gain added flexibility during power outages. Whether waiting out an outage or traveling to an off-site location, these extra minutes can be critical. That's why lithium-ion batteries are the future of energy storage in UPS applications, offering users reliable and efficient backup power.
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