Selecting a UPS System 101 The Fundamentals

Are you new to UPS (UPS) Systems? Think about the following UPS buying guide as your introduction to the basics of UPS Systems and the type best suited to your needs.

What is a UPS System?

A UPS, at its basic level, is a battery-backed power system that can supply sufficient power for your equipment to be shut down during a power outage. It can help prevent data loss and reduce the strain an unplanned shutdown puts on your electronic equipment.

It also acts as a surge protector, which protects connected devices from power issues such as power surges and abnormal voltages that could harm, decrease the life span or compromise the performance of electronic devices and equipment.

Why should I have a UPS System?

If there are blackouts, the UPS will immediately switch to battery power, providing the battery with continuous power for the duration that the battery is. Battery life can differ based on the system and will depend on the energy you utilize. Battery backups allow time to shut down equipment, servers or gaming consoles without losing data or progress. The different UPS systems offer specific levels of protection against other power-related issues that can occur.

What kinds are there? Are UPS systems there?

UPS systems come with three distinct topologies categories depending on the kind of protection you require. There are three types of topologies: Standby, Line-Interactive, and Double-Conversion.

What kinds of power issues can I expect to encounter?

Most people are aware of just one kind of power issue, which is blackouts. The power is cut off and remains for a short period, up to a few days. However, other more frequent power issues are also present.

What are the most frequent power issues?

Below are definitions of the most common power issues. If you’d like to know more about power issues, you can read our blog about preventing Common Power Problems.

For now, let’s define possible power problems you might experience:

Surge : A short but powerful surge in electricity typically resulting from lightning. Waves can destroy and damage electronic components, and the ensuing “spike in electricity” or rise in current and Voltage causes harm to circuit boards and electronic components.

Blackouts: Power outages that last from a few minutes to several days. Most often, they are caused by severe weather conditions, electric power shortages in the utility sector, accidents, and power grid malfunctions.

Brownout is an intentional or unintentional decrease in Voltage over a long period. In times of emergency, power companies can reduce the power’s Voltage to lessen the strain on resources and avoid a total blackout.

Voltage Sags: A sag is also a kind of Voltage; however, unlike a brownout, it’s quick and short.

Voltage occurs when the incoming voltage is higher than usual and lasts longer than a spike but isn’t enough to qualify as an event of a point or surge.

The name line noise: also knows as Frequency Noise, and frequency noise may cause disruption or decrease in the efficiency of circuits by introducing anomalies in the systems.

Frequency Variation: Not an issue if power supply stability is maintained. However, it may occur when generators are used and power frequency fluctuations are more frequent than desired.

Harmonic Distortion : A deviation from the perfect electrical signal for the power source.

What kind of UPS Do I need?

Create a list of the most frequently encountered power issues by using the definitions above, and then use the following chart to determine the most suitable topology to solve your problem.

How big does my UPS Need to be?

To ensure that your UPS work efficiently, your UPS needs the sufficient capacity to accommodate all the equipment connected to it. It is essential to determine your UPS capacity. Capacity refers to the power the UPS system can supply (measured as Watts). The greater its ability, the greater the electronic equipment and devices it will handle. To determine your UPS capacities, you have to choose the Load. The Load is the sum of the power that all the devices use.

To determine the Load, you need to create an inventory of the equipment, including the total amount of watts every piece of apparatus requires to function correctly. Include all appliances that the UPS must accommodate. Only consider the wattage for ONE power source if an item comes with a redundant power supply.

If you need clarification on the number of watts your machine requires, refer to the power supply manufacturer or specifications in the user’s manual.

Here’s an example of an equipment list that can be used to confirm the Load:

Once you’ve estimated your Load, you can count how many power cables you intend to connect to the UPS. The UPS system needs to have enough outlets to handle the power cords.

How long do I require electricity when the power goes off?

You’ve already determined the UPS’s topology and what size it should be. Now, you must consider what you’d like to accomplish using the battery’s power if there is a power issue. Do you want to concentrate on shutting down all your devices that are connected to it safely? Do you wish to keep your TV and DVR functioning during the power issue? Do you need to finish the game that you are in or simply save where you are?

It is now time to determine the runtime. Runtime is the hours a UPS system can supply the connected devices with electricity in the event of a blackout. A minimum running time is how long it takes to finish the system shutdown.

If you’re looking for the runtime, you’ll be looking at how long the batteries inside the UPS can provide support to equipment during power interruptions when the supply is down. Be aware that the number of watts that can be supported will affect the duration of time run: the lower the Load’s wattage, the more time the batteries will last. The greater the Load in watts, the lower the running time will be.

To calculate runtime, we need to find an acceptable range. Please start with the amount of time it takes to complete the complete shutdown of your device and create a reasonable degree of duration. The more extensive your range of options, the greater the UPS systems you can have.

Do I require an output on sine waves from the UPS?

Utility power provides electricity by way of sine waves that alternating current. If the UPS operates in the normal state, it sends the same electrical sine wave signal to the connected devices. If the UPS is switched to batteries, it generates sine wave or sine wave electricity to power your electronics.

Here’s one illustration showing a sinewave and an actual sine wave.

The simulation of sine wave outputs has a power gap every cycle. In some cases, this power gap can stress the power supply for delicate electronics, causing harm to the electronics.

You’ll need a UPS that uses sine wave technology in case you would like to connect one of these:

Apple iMac Computers

Computers and other equipment with Energy Star(r) and 80 PLUS(r) effective systems that utilize active PFC power supplies.

Electronic equipment powered by Active PFC power supplies may be shut down suddenly when using a simulated UPS equipped with sine wave output that results in the loss of data or damage to equipment. UPS systems that provide sine wave output can prevent sudden shutdowns and damage to electronic stress.

If you need assistance finding out if your device is equipped with PFC Active circuits, you can get in touch with the device manufacturer.

What should my UPS appear like?

UPS systems come with shape factors. The shape factor of a UPS determines the shape as well as the size enclosure. The three most popular kinds of UPS are:

• Compact or desktop
• Mini-towers or towers
• Rackmount

When selecting the design, you must first consider where you plan to put it. A small or desktop UPS could be hidden in a desk and go unnoticed. A mini-tower or tower will feature a pleasing aesthetic, making it a great alternative to be placed on top of a desk or table. Rackmount UPS can be found in server rooms.

How do I choose the UPS systems I have?

You have now made an inventory of the things you require from your UPS. Check out the Battery Backup Selector to help you decide on the CyberPower UPS system that best suits your requirements. If you need assistance, you can reach our UPS experts via sales@myliontech.com or toll-free at +86 15601782817.

If you’re interested in a deeper look into selecting UPS systems, check our blog: Selecting the right UPS System:MYLION MINI UPS.