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On the face of it, A UPS is a battery backup power system that provides power facilities long enough for a piece of equipment or device to correctly shut down when the main power fails. It helps limit the loss of valuable data & work while simultaneously minimising the pressure a hard shutdown can cause on electrical equipment. A UPS also carries out the functions of a surge protector. It protects inter-linked devices from power issues caused by surges or abnormal voltages, which can eventually hinder the life-span and functionality of a device. While choosing a back-UPS for one’s home, it is critical to keep some pointers in mind.

Number of Outlets Required

A UPS only has so many outlets. That’s why it is critical to determine the number of devices that need to be plugged in. For small or home office needs, the devices which require UPS connections are generally a router, modem, and – occasionally – a mini server. Conversely, for larger businesses that require an industrial UPS, the need for electric support might be much greater. As a general consensus, it is a smart idea to buy two more than the actual requirement, as that provides additional support.

Amount of Power Required By The Devices

 If the devices mandate the need for more power than the UPS can generate, then the device will not operate, in spite of the fact that the battery has excessive amounts of energy remaining. It is similar to a computer’s power supply – if the wattage is lower than what the computer needs, it is an issue.

Amount of Time the Battery Will Run 

While it is important to estimate the amount of power required, it is equally essential to analyse the amount of time a user is expecting his/her UPS to operate for in the case of a blackout or power failure. Some users only require a back-UPS for just a few minutes, simply in order to save some critical work and then effectively shut the system without it being damaged. On the other hand, some users require the system to operate throughout during the duration of the power outage. This is why it’s important for a user to understand their own requirements before looking to install a back-UPS.

 Features

 There are a wide variety of back-UPS options to choose from, all of which offer different features. Even the most basic consumer-level models offer features such as disconnecting battery notifications, USB connectivity, and a software suite that can be controlled via a computer to personalise settings while viewing power usage.

Warranty

 A UPS in normal conditions lasts as long as its internal battery – and generally, that can be estimated to be about two to three years. The reason attributed to this is that batteries normally deteriorate over time, especially when fully charged. And UPS batteries – in their default state – are charged the whole time. Nearly all warranties are around the three-year mark – the perfect time period to cover the lifespan of the battery. However, in a few special cases, some UPS’s provide insurance above and over a 3-year warranty.

Whether for a home, small office, or large-scale corporate organisation, investing in a reliable and efficient back-UPS is a crucial aspect that one should focus their attention on. After all, only after evaluating a host of factors can one genuinely consider purchasing a device.

The post What Are Some Key Features to Understand When Choosing a Back-UPS? appeared first on Schneider Electric Blog.