FAQs

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are designed to provide an alternative source of power to electrical equipment in the event of an irregularity or failure of the mains power feeding the equipment. The input power requirements and the task of the equipment concerned will largely determine what type of UPS protection is needed.

In general terms:

• Off line uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) monitor the power supply and provide temporary battery power if the quality of the supply moves outside an acceptable level, or if there is a power cut.
• Line interactive uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) correct power inequalities within a suppression range as well as providing temporary battery back-up if power fails.
• On line uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) condition and regenerate the power supply at all times, correcting all irregularities, including enabling longer-term battery power if the supply fails. On-line uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are very reliable and are amongst the most advanced UPS’s available.   

When choosing a UPS the first consideration must be to decide the level of protection that will be required.

Typically, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) has a VA rating and there are two quick ways in which the necessary VA rating can be assessed. If the power demand of the equipment to be protected is expressed in Watts, the VA rating of the required UPS can be calculated by dividing the number of Watts by 0.7.

Alternatively, the VA rating of the required UPS can be calculated by multiplying the power input requirement of the equipment expressed in amps by 230. The amps input is shown on the equipment’s CE Mark plate.

Battery autonomy or back up run times of approximately 10 minutes are typical of most user requirements, however in some applications, such as telephone switch boards, longer run times are often required. These longer run times can be achieved by adding additional battery cabinets to the existing battery sets inside the UPS.

UPS battery testing is critical to ensure the UPS battery is functioning correctly. A battery will generally start to get tired after three or four years of normal use. Heavy usage, or failure to fully charge a battery at least three or four times a year, can shorten battery life. UPS battery testing should be undertaken at least every 2 years.

With a UPS, the user is able to remove the threat posed for sensitive electrical equipment by unreliable power quality.

Severe winds can cause damage to overhead power lines. Trees brushing against an electricity line can damage it. Wind-borne debris or trees falling on power lines can pull them down. Water can get into underground electricity cables and damage the cable & Lightning can damage power lines and equipment.

When digging in the ground or working near overhead power lines occasionally people do damage electricity cables. For example someone could accidently cut through electricity cables when digging.

Have you ever noticed your lights flicker or seen your TV picture change size, had to reset your broadband router or your digital TV receiver. This is because the amount of electricity coming into your home is lower than normal. Over time small fluctuations can damage electronic devices and in time cause them to fail completely.