Homes, hospitals, businesses, clinics, airports – the list of places that depend on a steady supply of electricity is long, varied and weighted. But the storm season doesn’t discriminate. Thunderstorms can hit any spot and cause a power outage. And even a single minute without electricity can translate to interruption of business, threat to secure data, damage to equipment or chaos. Therefore, it behoves to be proactive.
A straightforward and inexpensive method of preparing for the incoming weather is Uninterruptible Power Supply. A UPS is a reliable source of power that is entirely affordable and offered in a variety of option. It is the safest method of protecting assets, investments, equipment, and data. A UPS:
- Supplies a consistent flow of power to devices
- Keeps in check the spike or fall in electricity and safeguards technology
Awareness of the benefits a UPS delivers to a business or home is not enough. It is essential to know the right kind of UPS that fits the requirements of the building and the technology it contains. Illuminated below are practical counsels for selecting the precise UPS for a residence or commercial place.
- Categories – Recognise Them All
For mobiles, there are tens of brands with hundreds of models within each. Any product present in the market has endless options, and UPS is no different. Just like while purchasing any technology, gathering data on it is crucial before buying a UPS it is vital to know about all the categories. Be aware of every system offered by different companies and the features of it. Randomly purchasing a unit from one of the socomec ups dealers nearby is not the right solution because each UPS has its own specialities.
For example, a useful UPS for a home PC would be a standby UPS. They work offline and are ideal when power cuts are small and infrequent. On the other hand, a data centre that wants protection against hackers should invest in a line-interactive UPS. Not every UPS can support every gadget. Do due diligence on the possibilities available to you.
- Runtime – Know Power Backup Period
Let’s say a clinic necessitates a power backup up to 60 minutes but the UPS installed renders a steady supply for just half an hour. Such a power backup is a useless entity because it fails to do its job. A APC UPS has one primary responsibility – to provide continuous power in the event of load shedding so that the equipment doesn’t switch off.
Thus, it is imperative to be aware of the runtime of a unit before buying. Know the total backup period of the UPS you are considering purchasing. Factor in the need:
- Is the UPS wanted for a short duration so that data can be saved & gadget shut down?
- Are the UPS required for the complete length of the outage?
- Performance – Do Level Inspection
A UPS that is incapable of bearing the load of the system it is linked to is impractical. The basic guideline is that the UPS should give 25% more power supply than that needed by all the devices and gadgets connected to it. Two steps should be taken to check if UPS will perform as expected:
- Calculate the total power that will be needed to operate all the equipment when there is a power cut. Add 25% more to it.
- Compare all the UPS models you have shortlisted and inspect which one caters to the power level required.
Make an informed decision based on these calculations. Additionally, ensure that the UPS can balance out any electricity surges and overloads.
- Outlets – Count The Number
This pointer may seem like common sense, yet few individuals take the time to check it. A UPS that needs to power 4 computers requires at least 4 outlets. Buying a unit that comes with just 2 is redundant. The tip is to pay attention to the number of power outlets and not just the price point of the UPS. Furthermore, make sure that every outlet is powered directly by the battery. There are many models that come with eight outlets, but only some of them are connected to the battery.
- Warranty – An Essential Tip
There is no machinery on the planet that is not prone to issues and wear and tear. It is, hence, vital to have a warranty which incorporates a majority of the problems that may arise. Always identify the duration of the warranty offered with the UPS and what factors it includes.
Last Decisive Recommendation
To prevent dire consequences, power management has become a vital thread for all organisations. Blackouts, especially during extreme weather, are usual and sudden. The only strategy to avoid disasters is to invest in a robust, dependable and excellent UPS that does not hamper the smooth functioning of the systems that are linked to it.
