A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system has undeniable benefits. These devices will help in case of power interruption. You can power essential appliances like your light or computer during an emergency.
Also, these systems will help protect your gadgets from sudden power outages. See our article on the benefits of UPS systems. But what size of UPS is best for you?
How to Know What Size of UPS You Need
Calculate the total power consumption (in watts) of the connected devices. Then, add a 25–30% safety margin. The result is the UPS power capacity for you. Such capacities will give you enough time to safely shut down your gadgets and prevent damage or data loss.
What should you be checking for when choosing the correct UPS size? This article will answer that question. We will consider the factors that can help you decide on the UPS size for you, whether it's for business or personal use.
What Is UPS Capacity?
UPS capacity is the maximum load a UPS can manage after a power outage. The unit for this quantity is Watts (W) or Kilowatts (KW). This capacity also decides how many devices you can power at once and for how long.
Factors that Can Affect UPS Capacity
These factors will impact the power capacity of your UPS device:
Power Rating
A UPS battery is rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (KW). This is how much load or appliance the UPS can support. It is smart to buy a UPS system with more capacity than you need. This will ensure it accommodates all your appliances.
Battery Capacity
This is how much energy your battery can store. This measure is linked to your battery's power. The unit of measurement is watt-hour (Wh) or ampere-hour (Ah). A UPS with large capacity is often heavier and coslier.
Runtime Requirements
Runtime is the time needed to safely shut down your devices during an outage and to switch to an alternative power source. Expected runtime should affect the type of UPS you buy. Devices that require a longer runtime need a higher capacity UPS to ensure continuous operation.
Assessing Power Requirements
Proper assessment helps to avoid overload and provides reliable backup during power outages. To be sure you do this correctly, list all the devices you wish to connect at home or in the office. Ensure the power of the UPS can carry the load. In essence, you should know your power needs when buying a UPS.
Check the Power Needs of Your Devices
Before selecting a UPS for your needs, verify how much power your devices need. You can follow the below steps to do so:
- Identify Critical Devices: What device must be on always? List them out. They could be computers, networking hardware, and other essential devices. Even if the power rating on the device looks small, ensure to include it on your list.
- Estimate the Power Need of the Devices: Find out how many watts (W) each device uses. Usually, the manufacturer will include this information in the guide or on the pack.
Calculating Total Load on the UPS
After gauging your power needs, you are ready for the next steps:
- Add up the Power Needs of all the Devices: What amount of wattage can carry your load? Add the power needs of all the devices that you have selected.
- Make Room for Potential Power Spikes: During a power spike, a device may use more power. So, we recommend you shop for a UPS that is just over your power needs by 25%. This will accommodate any power spikes when using your appliances at a high capacity.
How to Select a UPS Size
What type of UPS should you buy? This section will help you decide when you go shopping.
Match the UPS Capacity to Your Power Needs
The UPS power capacity should at least meet your needs. Better still, it should be a little above your power needs. Here is how this will help you:
- Ensure the UPS Capacity Is More Than Your Load: This will give you enough time to turn off the devices. Or you may simply switch to a different power source. When the UPS is not carrying too much load, the battery life will last longer. And as a bonus, the money you will cough out for maintenance will be less.
- Accounting for Future Expansion: You most likely will be interested in expanding your setup in some month's time. If your current UPS capacity exceeds its total load, you won't have to worry about an immediate replacement with a new one.
Types of UPS Systems
There are 3 major types of UPS. Each type offers unique features and varying levels of protection. Knowing their specifics will help you make an informed decision for your needs. They are:
Standby UPS: Also called the offline UPS. It provides basic power backup and surge protection. It takes a short break to switch to battery power when the main supply fails.
Line-Interactive UPS: This model has a shorter transfer time than the standby model. It also regulates voltage. Thus, it protects against power fluctuation and surges much better.
Online (Double Conversion) UPS: This model provides the highest level of protection. It constantly supplies power from its battery. So those devices that are plugged in will be unaffected by a power outage. The online UPS is perhaps the most appropriate for systems that need uninterrupted power.
You are now aware of UPS types. Remember, you can buy the perfect UPS device for your needs from GoldenMate Energy. We give our customers their money's worth.
Considerations for Specific Applications
Where will you be needing a UPS? This can help you buy the right device.
Home or Small Office
Some common devices you will find here include printers, routers, monitors, computers, and other small office equipment. They typically require light power and may range between 50W to around 500W, depending on each device's complexity. You can buy our 800W-rated UPS for this purpose.
A UPS with a capacity between 500W and 1500W would be ideal for a home or small office setup. But if your setup requires a larger capacity, you should consider a higher unit.
Enterprise or Commercial
Complex network setups and server rooms:
In a commercial setting, devices used are usually complex IT infrastructure. These may include servers, networking equipment, and storage devices. So these setups typically require a higher UPS capacity unit. This often ranges from 5kVA to hundreds of kVA. It could also be higher, depending on specific requirements.
Redundant UPS systems should be considered in environments that can't tolerate even a brief power interruption. A redundant UPS is multiple systems that are linked as one. Such systems can offer continuous power during prolonged power outages. You can shop for high-quality batteries when setting up this system.
Importance Of UPS Runtime
Runtime is important in choosing and maintaining a good UPS system because it determines how long your devices can keep running during a power outage.
Defining Runtime in the UPS Context
This is how long your UPS can keep connected devices running after the main power supply fails. Your UPS runtime can be affected by the total load it carries, the UPS capacity, and battery size.
Decide the Runtime Needed for Critical Operations
Check the gadget setup at home or work. Figure out how an interruption will last. Minor interruptions will need a shorter runtime. Also, you may decide to put off the gadget if the outage lasts too long. Or you can choose a UPS system that offers a longer runtime.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Power Outages: Study the frequency and duration of power outages in your environment. If it is frequent and short-term, a UPS with moderate runtime might do the job. However, if it is prone to long-term power outages, a UPS with longer runtime will be advised. You might even need a UPS which can add backup battery packs.
Criticality of Devices and Operations: The importance of runtime varies according to the types of devices connected and the operations they carry out. For example, devices used in the medical field may require longer runtime to ensure continuous operation. Other mission-critical systems like data centers and servers may require longer runtime to ensure a safe shutdown.
If you want a UPS with an extended runtime, we have high-quality options for you right here at GoldenMate.
Additional Features and Considerations
In the use of a UPS, many additional features and considerations can enhance performance and reliability. Here are some important ones to keep in mind:
Surge Protection
Surge protection shields connected devices from power strikes, surges and other electrical disturbances. This prevents damage and extends battery life.
Monitoring and Management Capabilities
Like the dashboard in a car which can show car health, some advanced UPS have built-in monitoring capabilities. They track the power usage, battery health, and other important parameters. Some versions include remote management functionality. This allows you to check and control your UPS from a local place.
Battery Maintenance and Replacement
You can get the most value from your UPS through regular maintenance. So, you should follow the maker’s guide when using or replacing the battery. For example, keep the UPS device clean and store it in a cool place at home or work. Remember that dust or water can damage your UPS when they get inside through the cooling holes.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed important factors to check when deciding on a suitable UPS size. The load of connected devices and the runtime required to shut systems down safely or finish an operation are some factors that determine what size of UPS you need. Ensure your UPS size exceeds the total load by 25% - 30% for maximum efficiency.
After you get your UPS from GoldenMate Energy, we encourage good maintenance practices. This will extend battery life, save money, and guarantee an easy time with your UPS. So, follow the guide that comes with your system.
