In the realm of computers, UPS may ship computers, but a UPS is an Uninterruptable Power Supply. Very often we hear customers say, “Why do I need a UPS?” or “I have a surge protector. That’s good enough.” While a UPS is not required for a computer, it is one of the best add-ons to purchase.
Many people think a UPS is a surge protector with a battery that kicks in when the power goes out. Generally, this is a UPS’ primary function, but a UPS offers more than just backup power.
A UPS has 4 functions
1) Surge Protection
2) Battery Backup
3) Power Regulation
4) Power Conditioning
Surge Protection – A UPS will try to protect your devices from electric surges and spikes.
Battery Backup – UPSs are rated by VA (or W). Many start as low as 200VA (most home UPSs are 300VA or higher) and they can go up to thousands of VA. The higher the number, the more battery capacity the UPS has. Generally a home user wants a UPS with 350VA or higher, which will give the typical user 10-15 minutes of backup power. This should be enough time for one to shut down their computer. Newer UPSs and newer computers allow the UPSs to communicate with the computer, so the computer will automatically shut down if the power goes off and the backup battery power goes below a specific level.
Power Regulation will allow the UPS to adjust the current for spikes and dips in electricity. This is excellent for old houses with old wiring. This is also good if your home draws a lot of power. For example the lights dim when your refrigerator compressor kicks on or when someone is using the vacuum.
Power Conditioning adjusts negative conditions in the power lines such as “line noise” or “harmonic distortion”. We won’t go into the technical explanation of this feature, but it is very important. We have seen computers turn off because of issues with their building’s power lines that were resolved with a UPS.
Individually, these functions are important. Together they offer a complete solution to power related issues.
WHAT IS A UPS?
In the realm of computers, UPS may ship computers, but a UPS is an Uninterruptable Power Supply. Very often we hear customers say, “Why do I need a UPS?” or “I have a surge protector. That’s good enough.” While a UPS is not required for a computer, it is one of the best add-ons to purchase.
Many people think a UPS is a surge protector with a battery that kicks in when the power goes out. Generally, this is a UPS’ primary function, but a UPS offers more than just backup power.
A UPS has 4 functions
1) Surge Protection
2) Battery Backup
3) Power Regulation
4) Power Conditioning
Surge Protection – A UPS will try to protect your devices from electric surges and spikes.
Battery Backup – UPSs are rated by VA (or W). Many start as low as 200VA (most home UPSs are 300VA or higher) and they can go up to thousands of VA. The higher the number, the more battery capacity the UPS has. Generally a home user wants a UPS with 350VA or higher, which will give the typical user 10-15 minutes of backup power. This should be enough time for one to shut down their computer. Newer UPSs and newer computers allow the UPSs to communicate with the computer, so the computer will automatically shut down if the power goes off and the backup battery power goes below a specific level.
Power Regulation will allow the UPS to adjust the current for spikes and dips in electricity. This is excellent for old houses with old wiring. This is also good if your home draws a lot of power. For example the lights dim when your refrigerator compressor kicks on or when someone is using the vacuum.
Power Conditioning adjusts negative conditions in the power lines such as “line noise” or “harmonic distortion”. We won’t go into the technical explanation of this feature, but it is very important. We have seen computers turn off because of issues with their building’s power lines that were resolved with a UPS.
Individually, these functions are important. Together they offer a complete solution to power related issues.
Feel free to Contact Us with any questions.
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