How to choose a UPS

1. How to choose a UPS (UPS) At the moment of making a decision, it is difficult for an unprepared buyer to digest such a flow of information. Therefore, he turns to familiar lovers of computer electronics or acts at the behest of a store consultant. This material is for those who want to know how to choose a UPS on their own - the best in price and suitable in all respects for a specific task. So, let's begin. Purpose of Using the UPS The main task of any UPS is to provide reliable power to connected equipment that is not available in conventional electrical networks. This device performs two main functions: Protects equipment from short-term and long-term power surges, as well as other power failures. At the same time, some UPSs are also able to stabilize the power parameters in a given range. Check here for more details snapdragon mini pc Connects a backup power source (battery) when there is no voltage in the primary source - AC. In this way, UPS ensures the continuity of power supply. Uninterruptible power supplies usually use: In everyday life and office - when you need to protect equipment from power surges, preventing its possible failure. In the case of a PC, the device allows you to shut down its work without losing data during a power outage. In industry - to ensure the stability of technological processes. This is important because even a brief power outage without the use of a UPS can lead to a production stoppage. For security systems - when the possibility of continuous operation of the equipment after the main power supply is turned off, as well as protection of the system from overloads and short circuits is critical. Types of uninterruptible power supplies By purpose, UPSs are divided into three main categories: For a computer and monitor (household) - low power devices (usually up to 1000 VA) built on Off-Line (backup) or Line- Interactive (interactive) circuits. Such UPSs are quite enough to protect computers from power surges and prevent data loss during a power outage. An example of a widespread model of this level is −APC Back-UPS 500VA (BK500EI). For server hardware (server) - more complex devices on the Line-Interactive or On-Line circuit with precise voltage and frequency stabilization, bypass and power factor correction. Hot-swappable batteries are often available for these UPSs and external batteries can be connected to increase battery life. Server model example −APC Smart-UPS 1500VA RM (SMT1500RMI2U). For data centers and industry (high power) - secondary sources of power supply that provide protection for high power equipment for various purposes. Such UPSs are characterized by large size and rich functionality necessary for flexible equipment configuration.

2. An example of a solution of this level is −APC Symmetra PX 16000VA (SY16K48H-PD). The main criteria for choosing a UPS Uninterruptible power supplies differ in many parameters, the main of which are power and construction scheme. The first of them indicates what total load the device is designed for, the second indicates the degree of protection and compliance with the task. Both characteristics will be discussed in detail in this article. Also, when choosing a UPS, consider: Type of input connector for connecting the device to the main power supply. Most mass segment models are powered via IEC- 320 C14/C20 or a standard cord with protective earth (Schuko), for enterprises - via Hard Wire / terminal block. Type of output connectors for connecting the load. This parameter is selected for the connected devices. Most mainstream UPSs are equipped with multiple IEC-C320 C13/C19 output sockets or Schuko system sockets, enterprise solutions are connected via Hard Wire / terminal block. UPS transfer time to battery power. The smaller it is, the lower the likelihood that a reboot or other failure will occur at this moment. The characteristic is relevant only for interactive and redundant UPSs. Input signal voltage, measured in volts. This setting may be important for specific hardware. For mass uninterruptible power supplies, the input voltage is usually 230, less often - 220 V. In turn, the equipment of the older segment allows you to set the voltage in steps of 1-5 V. In addition to the main criteria, the presence of an LCD screen and interface ports (RS-232, USB, RJ-45), the ability to install SmartSlot monitoring and control cards, form factor, the ability to connect external batteries, and other criteria can play a role. UPS construction schemes The degree of protection provided by the device, the amplitude of the output signal, overall dimensions and, of course, the cost depend on this parameter. There are three main schemes for building a UPS: Reserve (Off-Line, Standby) - the simplest option, in which the load is powered from the mains, and the device only filters possible interference. When the voltage fails or goes out of the specified range, the UPS switches the equipment to battery power using an inverter. When the power supply from the primary source is restored, the load is switched back to the mains. Redundant UPS example −Powercom WOW 500VA (WOW-500U). Interactive (Line-Interactive) - a more complex circuit, which, unlike the backup, is equipped with a simple stabilizer. With minor disruptions to the mains, such a device can correct the output voltage without using a battery. In addition, online UPSs typically have faster transfer times to batteries than redundant models. An example of such a device isAPC Back-UPS 500VA (BX500CI). Interactive with a pure sine wave (Line-Interactive Sin) is an even higher class of UPS, which is suitable not only for devices with switching power supplies, but also for equipment using transformer power supplies and asynchronous motors (for

3. example, boilers). This technique is sensitive to voltage quality, which is why the use of a conventional line-interactive or standby UPS with an approximate waveform can damage it. An example of such a device isPowercom Infinity 1100VA (INF-1100). Double Conversion (On-Line) is the best, but also the most expensive solution for protecting critical and power-demanding equipment. The main advantage of such models is the absence of switching to the battery (the so-called "zero switching time"). Their batteries are constantly connected to the network, so the possibility of a failure when the power supply is turned off is completely excluded. In addition, double conversion UPSs produce a pure sine wave output, making them suitable for equipment with any power supply. Example -APC Smart-UPS SRT 3000VA (SRT3000XLI). What scheme to choose? The answer to this question depends solely on the application of the UPS. Redundant or interactive - the best option for a computer and monitor, the power supplies of which rectify and filter the voltage themselves. Accordingly, it makes no sense to pay more for UPS with a sinusoidal signal such as Line-Interactive Sin or On-Line. In addition, models on a standby or interactive circuit are compact and almost always silent, which is important in a home or office environment. Interactive with pure sine wave is a smart choice for protecting equipment with asynchronous motors, such as boilers. Such UPSs are not as expensive as On-Line, while providing the necessary characteristics. Double conversion is a solution for servers, workstations and any equipment that requires quality of the output signal. Such UPSs provide the highest reliability, however, they are several times more expensive than models of other types. output power This parameter determines what total load the UPS can withstand. It can be specified: In volt-amperes (VA, V A) is the total power, one part of which does work (active), the other is transferred to the electromagnetic fields of the circuit (reactive). In other words, it is the total power drawn from the network. In watts (W, W) - active (consumed) power, which is converted into energy or does work. It is she who is issued to the load. The question arises: why indicate the total power in volt-amperes? The fact is that the value of active power, that is, consumed by the consumer device, depends on its power factor (hereinafter - KM). Depending on the characteristics of the power supply, this indicator can have a value from 0.55 to 0.96. Multiplying the current-voltage characteristic by KM, we get the active power of the load in watts. In order not to complicate the choice for consumers and to establish some kind of minimum margin, UPS manufacturers usually consider KM equal to 0.6. In this case, about the 800 VA UPS, we can say that it is designed for a load with active power up to 480 W (800 * 0.6). However, for modern power supplies with KM correction (PFC), this characteristic may be higher. For example, 80 PLUS certified models have a CM of at least 0.9 at 100% load. In this case, you need to understand that two 480-watt PSUs - with

4. and without PFC - can have different active power ranging from 280 to 460 watts. Therefore, it is worth comparing only the active power of the UPS (VA * 0.6) and the load. We calculate the power To choose this parameter correctly, it is usually recommended to sum up the active powers of the devices connected to the UPS, then add 20-30% to the obtained value - this will be the optimal value in watts. In this case, you get a considerable headroom, which is useful in case of a possible increase in the load on the device or in a situation where all connected devices are operating at their peak performance. In the case of a standard computer and monitor, a UPS with a power of 500 to 1000 VA is usually chosen - its circuitry is designed for such a load (the battery does not count, about it in the next section). For servers, storage systems and entry-level networks - 1-5 kVA, for data centers, corporate networks and industry - from 5 kVA and above. UPS Runtime This parameter depends on the characteristics of the batteries and the power of the equipment connected to the UPS. In most cases, high performance is not expected from household models of uninterruptible power supplies - a few minutes are enough to shut down the PC. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates the approximate battery life of the UPS at the load for which it is designed. As an example, consider the popular modelAPC Back-UPS 700VA (BE700G-RS)with 12V 9Ah battery. Such a battery will provide power to a 200-watt load for 7-8 minutes. At the maximum allowable power (~400 W), the time will decrease to about 2 minutes. Selecting another model with two identical batteries will double the load power to 400W at the same 7-8 minutes, or increase the time to 17-24 minutes at 200W. What should be the minimum battery life of the UPS at its rated load? The correct answer is about 5 minutes. In this case, the device will be able to perform its function (allow the PC to shut down correctly when the power is turned off) even after a couple of years from the date of purchase. UPS Enclosure Types Uninterruptible power supplies are presented in different form factors, which are selected depending on the application of the device. Most popular options: Tower - a tower-type case that takes up a minimum of space on or under a table. As a rule, in such UPSs, the indicators / screen and the power button are on the front, the input and output connectors are on the back. An example of such a model isPowercom RAPTOR 600VA (RPT-600A). Brick - such UPSs are made in a case lying on a wide edge. They take up more space on the table, and are more convenient when you need to quickly connect or disconnect the device. In addition, some Brick form factor appliances are equipped with a wall mount. Example -APC Back-UPS 550VA (BE550G-RS). Rack - UPS designed for installation in a telecommunications cabinet or rack. Most of these models are server-based.

5. Example -APC Smart-UPS 750VA RM (SUA750RMI1U). Rack/Tower - universal models that can be installed in a rack or separately - in a vertical position. An example of such a solution isAPC Smart-UPS RT 1000VA RM (SURT1000RMXLI). What form factor to choose? For home and office, the best options are Tower and Brick. Any of them can be placed on the table or under it, the second one can be hung on the wall. For professional tasks, choose Rack or a versatile Rack / Tower, which can be used both in a rack and as a device located vertically and occupying a minimum of space. Battery replacement In any uninterruptible power supply, batteries gradually lose their properties. As a rule, the UPS itself notifies you of the need to replace the battery with a corresponding indicator. Depending on the model, this procedure can be performed by the user himself or by the service center of the seller's company - when disassembly of the device is required. In the second case, we recommend that you do not violate this operating rule in order to maintain the UPS warranty. Manufacturers According to the statistics of the IT Market Bestsellers publication, in Russia the largest suppliers of uninterruptible power supplies in the mass segment are APC by Schneider Electric, Powercom and Ippon. These brands account for most of UPS's Line-Interactive and Off-Line sales. In older segments, APC by Schneider Electric, Eaton, Delta Electronics and other companies, including little-known ones on the market, have high rates. They lead the way in sales of expensive and powerful models that go beyond the needs of home and office use. UPS of any of these brands can be safely recommended as reliable products from leading players in the power management market. UPS Rating We bring to your attention a brief overview of five uninterruptible power supplies, each of which deserves the right to be called one of the best for their tasks. Budget on the interactive scheme -Powercom IMPERIAL 525VA (IMP-525AP) This model is able to provide backup power for up to three devices with a total power of 315 watts. In addition, two sockets are provided to protect connected equipment from surges, overloads and short circuits. The use of an interactive circuit will provide voltage stabilization in a given range without switching to battery power. Inexpensive from the market leader -APC Back-UPS 500VA (BK500EI)

6. This is one of the simple models from the most famous UPS manufacturer. It is based on a redundant circuit and is equipped with four IEC-C320 C13 (computer) output connectors. The device will protect connected equipment with a total power of up to 300 W from power surges, overloads and short circuits. Available with double conversion -Eaton 9SX 1000VA(9SX1000IR) This tower UPS will provide high quality power for servers and critical telecommunications equipment with a total output of up to 900W. With support for external battery packs, the instrument can be easily upgraded, and the SmartSlot allows for more UPS management options. Universal Double Conversion -Ippon Innova RT 1500VA (621778) This UPS is designed for server and network equipment. It will provide backup power for up to eight devices with a total power of 1350 watts. External battery packs can be connected to the device, which will increase the battery life in the absence of power supply. The Ippon Innova RT 1500VA model can be used both in a rack (size - 2U) and separately, in a vertical position. For servers and sensitive equipment -APC Smart-UPS 1500VA (SMT1500I) This tower UPS will power up to 8 devices with a total power of up to 980W. The model is based on an interactive pure sine wave circuit, making it suitable for equipment that is sensitive to output waveforms. The device is equipped with a SmartSlot for more flexible control, and also supports hot-swap of the main battery. We hope this material has helped you understand the UPS materiel. Good luck choosing!