Buying an Uninterruptible Power Supply?
The ageing power grid, coupled with increasing thunderstorms and the slow transition to nuclear and renewable energy, is causing a rise in power outages, which pose a threat to electrical equipment and stored data. A UPS system can protect businesses by ensuring safe equipment shutdown and data preservation during power interruptions, even brief ones, preventing business disruption and data loss. Additionally, homes can also benefit from a UPS to safeguard their plugged-in electrical equipment from power fluctuations.
It is important to consider the following factors when deciding or buying a UPS, which UPS best suits the power protection requirements of a home or business owner:
- Energy Efficiency - UPS devices with high-efficient charging systems and automatic voltage regulators reduce power consumption. Some also have eco-friendly features like power-saving outlets that shut off when peripherals are inactive.
- Enhance Connectivity - They enable remote management and reliability of the home network by monitoring the network connection and automatically resetting a frozen modem or router by cycling power to the appropriate outlet. This eliminates the need for users to physically restart the device by unplugging it, even when they're not at home.
- Load - The load on a UPS refers to the number of devices connected to it and the amount of power they consume. An increase in the number of devices means a higher demand for power stored in the UPS batteries.
- Runtime - The runtime of a UPS refers to the duration it can provide power to connected equipment in the event of a power failure. This can range from a brief period sufficient to safely shut down a computer system to avoid data loss, to a longer period until power is restored. It depends on the load on the UPS. Smaller loads may be sustained for longer periods with the batteries alone, while larger loads may require a generator for extended runtime.
- Size and Weight - UPS systems come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and their size and weight are primarily determined by the load and runtime requirements. Once these have been determined, it is easy to find a UPS that fits your needs.
- Storage Medium - The batteries inside a UPS provide backup power during outages. Currently, lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used in homes and small offices, but Lithium-Ion batteries are gaining popularity due to their lower cost and compact size.
- Price - The cost of UPSs for homes and small offices can vary widely, from under 100 pounds to several thousand, depending on the requirements and specifications. There are many brands of UPS available in the market, and it is important to keep in mind that the price reflects the quality. While it may not be necessary to go for an expensive UPS for a small business or home, it is advisable to avoid the cheapest options. Choosing a UPS based solely on price can be risky as it may have low-quality internal components that fail to protect the equipment. At Computer Power Protection, we only offer quality products and have connections in the industry to help find the best UPS for you.
Hopefully you feel more confident and in the know-how when buying a UPS. Either way, come Contact Us and we can help you further.