Summary: UPS devices that can be placed by your PC on your desktop are the most commonly used ones as they fit conveniently and will give power to the PC in the event of a power failure. The ideal protection against brownouts and spikes, however is not provided by this. This is the reason why you need to have a proper UPS system that can supply energy as well as shield your PC.
An UPS system is basically an on-line system that has the ability to transform AC power from the main source to DC power to be stored in the battery and back to AC power to be supplied to connected equipments during an unexpected power failure. This type of UPS system not only is able to provide an uninterrupted power supply but can give complete security against spikes and brownouts.
UPS systems generally refer to more than one UPS working in conjunction with another UPS, thereby providing superfluous energy and better security to equipments. The most common batteries used to store the power in the UPS system are the lead acid batteries; these can last between 4 to 5 years.
The capacity of these UPS power supplies is determined by the usage requirement that can be evaluated by the number of equipments that will ultimately use its power source. It is essential that the systems are serviced and maintained appropriately as they are support vast numbers of equipment; scrutiny of the system is therefore needed.
However, the UPS systems cannot provide unlimited power and maybe restricted to a provision of energy for say a few days or probably a week. A generator is therefore a necessity for backup purposes. Safeguarding your equipment from brownouts and spikes is essential. These two work together supplying a vast number of pieces of equipment uninterrupted power supply and is something you should consider not being without.
There are three types of UPS systems available that include on-line, line interactive and standby UPS systems. The standby UPS is the least expensive and can provide protection for up to 20 minutes. However, it only offers the very basic attributes which are surge defence and backup energy. This makes is extremely vulnerable to any sudden unexpected collapses in the system, as it does not have the ability to monitor or self-test the potential of the battery. They cannot hence be considered a reliable option for your equipments.
The line interactive UPS is more or less like the standby UPS but for the fact that it consists of an autotransformer that can plus or minus power coils and in turn control the output electrical energy of the transformer. It can keep back high voltage surges and low voltage brownouts. Due to the fact it has a more powerful charger and an advanced cooling system, the on-line UPS is more costly than the other two UPS systems, although similar in technology.
The standby and the line interactive UPS systems are not rated as highly as the on-line UPS system. This is due to the fact that it offers a protective electric firewall between the inward bound energy and the vulnerable equipment. If you are considering buying a UPS system, then this is a more feasible option.
