Are you planning to install a UPS or just want to replace the current one but don't know how to go about the process? Okay, it can be challenging more so if you don't know the path to follow.
Picking the most appropriate UPS system for your needs begins by analyzing the amount of load you intend to run, knowing the stability of your power source, and understanding the sensitivity of your electrical appliances, among other things.
In this piece, you'll learn the procedure for selecting a UPS unit. You'll also discover how to calculate things like your total electrical load and how to use the results to select the ideal UPS for your needs.
But First: Why Even Install a UPS?
Whether for domestic, business, or industrial purposes, integrating a UPS into your power supply can prevent a lot of really bad things from happening and keep your services active despite outages.
Besides maintaining a reliable power supply to your home or business premises, UPS systems regulate the incoming voltage from the utility grid, thereby ensuring your appliances are immune to surge-related damages.
More advanced UPS units also support the addition of more batteries, making them not just mere backups but an alternative you can rely on for extended periods. Such systems also refine the mains supply and ensure that the current reaching your devices is smooth and ideal, even for the most sensitive ones.
Choosing The Ideal UPS System
A UPS system that can't adequately address your power needs isn't worth spending money on. Therefore, to succeed, this section will show you what to look into and the necessary steps to follow from the beginning to the end. Let's get deeper into the details.
Examine The Kinds Of Appliances You Have
First, you should understand that even though electrical appliances might seem quite similar, they vary largely in terms of their power requirements. For example, the power quality demanded by sensitive electronics such as computers, audio/video systems, and induction devices like motors is completely different from what light bulbs might require to perform optimally.
In terms of sine wave technology, UPS systems are available in two types. Some are pure sine waves, while others are modified sine waves. Pure Sine wave UPS units generate more refined power with excellent characteristics, making them the option to go to if you want to power more sensitive appliances such as computers, X-ray machines, electric motors, etc.
On the contrary, the power from a modified sine wave UPS isn't of high quality. While it can get the job done, you ideally don't want the power anywhere near your sensitive electrical appliances because it will compromise their performance and eventually damage them.
Modified sine wave UPS units are, therefore, your most appropriate option for less critical applications such as lighting bulbs during outages.
Know Your Minimum Power Requirement
The minimum power requirement is the same as the total load of all the appliances you want the UPS to run. To get the total load, you should first make a list of every device that will be running on the power from the UPS. Then, check and record the respective power ratings of your devices.
Not everyone knows how to or where to get the information about the individual power ratings but it's nothing to get you worried. You just need to check the casings or the plugs and you should be able to see the power ratings either in Volt-Amperes (VA) or Watts (W). If the values are quite significant, they can be expressed in thousands as Kilo-Volt-Amperes(KVA) or Kilowatts (kW).
To get the total expected load, you'll sum up the individual ratings. Now with the total load at your fingertips, selecting the right UPS is very straightforward. However, don't pick a UPS that produces the exact amount of power your appliances require. For efficiency, it's good to exceed by 20 to 30% of your total load.
For example, if your total load is 1300W, you can add 30%(390W) extra to get 1690W. That means you would go for a UPS that can supply at least 1690w of power to your home or office. Buying a UPS system that cannot meet your total load requirements can be a waste of time and resources. So, you don't have any other option but to take your time and calculate the values accurately.
The Anticipated Backup Duration
Also, ask yourself how long you would like your UPS to run. It's obvious there's a reason pushing you to install a UPS, and that's power that is unstable and keeps going off. That means you know the average duration it usually takes to get fixed.
You cannot settle on the best UPS system if you don't know the average duration of outages in your area. For instance, someone looking for a backup system to prevent interruptions as the generator kicks in definitely doesn't need a UPS with many or big batteries.
Going for extra storage when the backup will run only for a few seconds would be a waste of resources. Therefore, if you consistently experience short blackouts or have a backup generator, you don't need a UPS with multiple or bigger batteries. Just a single power storage unit should be enough.
For lengthy outages, you may want a UPS with more reliable storage. In such a case, go for a system that has battery extension capabilities. Selecting such a unit will enable you to purchase and install extra batteries to store enough power for longer backup durations.
Consider The Scale Of Installation
The scale of installation is another crucial consideration when choosing the ideal UPS for your needs. So, one of the questions to answer is, how big or small is the facility where you want to install the UPS?
We suggest this because some UPS systems are optimized for use in small places like at home, while others are perfect for business settings. But that's not all. You’ll discover that we even have UPS systems designed to provide backups for industrial purposes.
Domestic Use
If you intend to install an Uninterruptible Power Supply at your home then a standby (offline) UPS system might serve you better. Standby UPS systems are generally cheaper as they don't offer robust protection to appliances. They're just a basic power backup solution to keep your home appliances operating if a blackout occurs.
Medium-Sized Businesses
Your medium-sized business needs to remain powered even if the mains supply is gone, and the ideal option for this category is the Line-Interactive(LI) UPS system.
LI UPS systems are relatively more advanced than their standby counterparts. They come with reliable safety protection mechanisms such as surge protectors. LI UPS systems prevent the equipment in your business premises, such as computers, local servers, and network routers, from switching off when the utility grid goes off.
Industrial/Medical/Critical Appliances
If not for use at home or in your small business, you may need a UPS unit to power highly sensitive and critical electrical appliances such as medical equipment or computers in a data center.
So, for highly demanding industrial or medical facility applications, you need nothing other than online/double conversion UPS systems. Presently, online UPS backups are the most sophisticated and advanced options on the market.
An online (double conversion) UPS also produces the best quality power. The current from such units has minimal electrical noise, thus making them the most recommended for use in more critical applications and environments. Moreover, ODC UPS systems offer more protection against voltage surges or fluctuations but have a much higher initial cost than the first two options.
The Reputation Of The Manufacturer
Considering the manufacturer's reputation is instrumental not only when dealing with cars but also UPS systems. That means you will want to do some extensive research online on the leading UPS system manufacturers before deciding to pick any given demand.
While conducting your research online, you should focus on the reviews section to see what various past buyers are saying about their experience with a particular product. In addition to the online reviews, seek recommendations and ideas from friends and family to help identify the best UPS brand for your needs.
Buying a reputable UPS system brand opens opportunities for many other after-sales deals. For example, you'll always enjoy top-notch customer services, quick response in case of any issues with the product, and an extended lifespan, among other things.
Affordability
It's not just about choosing what will meet your demands but also about selecting something you can afford to buy. That's where pricing comes in. All we can say regarding affordability is that you should go ahead and buy a given UPS, provided that it meets all your other demands and the price range is within your limits.
Parting Shot!
You should know how to identify the perfect UPS system for your needs. Having the knowledge allows you to buy a system that will meet all your specific needs and serve you long enough.
The process begins by analyzing your appliances and then selecting the UPS unit that can match their unitary specifications. While doing so, remember to consider the cost of the product and the reputation of the brand you're taking with you.
