UPS stands for uninterrupted power supply. This means that a UPS system is designed to keep the power running at all times, like when there is load shedding or power failure.
The UPS is also a surge protector that protects connected devices from power problems, which can damage, reduce lifespan, or affect the performance of electronic equipment and appliances. The UPS can come in many shapes and forms, from small plug-in UPS to fully installed UPS’s.
Why do I need a UPS System?
In case of load shedding or power failure in your area (often seen in farming communities), the UPS switches over immediately to battery power to provide a continuous power source for the length of the battery.
Battery life can vary from system to system and depends on how much power you use and how long the power is needed. Customers who have a hard-wired ups installation do not see any difference when the power switches over from municipality to UPS.
What does a UPS protect you from?
Surge – A brief but intense spike in electricity commonly caused for an intense “spike in electricity” or spike in voltage and current harms circuit boards and components.
Load shedding – A power outage lasting anywhere from seconds to hours. These are caused by utility power shortages.
As mentioned before, devices and appliances that are switched on and off due to load shedding can be damaged over time. With a UPS installation, appliances can be protected.
How big must my UPS be?
To identify the load, make an equipment list, including the total watts each piece of equipment requires to run correctly. Again, this is specific to your needs.
If you are unsure how many watts your equipment requires, consult the manufacturer, supplier, or power supply specifications.
At Dorman Projects, customers often want their lights on the backup and some plug circuits such as TVs and Wifi. UPS sizing will be different as each customer will have their own set of needs to be put on
How long will the UPS run for?
When shopping for runtime, you will be looking at the length of time the batteries in the UPS can support equipment through power outages when utility power is unavailable. The number of watts supported affects runtime: the smaller the wattage load connected, the longer the batteries will last. The larger the wattage load, the shorter the runtime will be.
Consider this UPS information guide as your introduction to the basic concepts behind UPS Systems and whether a UPS will work best for your requirements.