AUTONOMY
The amount of time a battery can support the connected equipment during a power outage. Also called backup or run time.
BLACKOUT
A total loss of utility electrical power.
BROWNOUT
A prolonged period of low voltage from the utility power source.
BYPASS
An electrical pathway that routes power around the UPS.
Automatic Bypass: A UPS-controlled switch that engages during a fault to maintain power to the load.
Manual Bypass: A user-operated switch to completely bypass the UPS for maintenance or during a failure.
Static Switch: An electronic switch that instantly transfers the load between the UPS inverter and raw mains power.
DIFFERENTIAL MODE NOISE
Electrical interference or “noise” that occurs between the Live and Neutral wires.
DIP (OR SAG)
A short-term decrease in voltage.
DISTORTION
An unwanted change in the shape of the clean AC power sine wave.
EMI (ELECTRO-MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE)
Electrically induced noise or disturbances that can disrupt electronic equipment.
FILTER
A device that blocks or reduces unwanted electrical frequencies (noise) while allowing the desired power to pass through.
FLOAT CHARGE
A battery maintenance method that applies a precise, constant voltage to keep the battery fully charged and cancel out its natural self-discharge.
GROUND FAULT
Dangerous condition where electricity escapes its intended path and flows to the ground, creating a shock hazard.
HARMONIC DISTORTION
The distortion of the power sine wave caused by the presence of multiple harmonics.
INVERTER
The part of a UPS that converts battery power (DC) into usable power for your equipment (AC).
HIGH-FREQUENCY UPS
A modern, compact UPS design that uses advanced electronics to convert power at very high speeds. It is typically lighter, more energy-efficient, and smaller than a transformer-based UPS.
KVA (KILO-VOLT-AMPERE)
A measure of “apparent power,” representing the total amount of power a UPS system can deliver.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
A type of rechargeable battery known for its high energy density (lots of power in a small size), long life, and slow self-discharge. Common in modern electronics.
LOAD
Any electrical device that is powered by a source, like a UPS. The load is the total amount of power required by all connected equipment.
NOISE
Any unwanted electrical signal that interferes with the normal power signal.
OVER VOLTAGE
A sustained period of excessively high voltage that can damage connected equipment.
PHASE
Describes the timing of AC voltage waves.
Single-Phase: Common power for homes and offices, using one wave.
Three-Phase: A more powerful and efficient system using three overlapping waves, typically for industrial equipment.
POWER FACTOR
A measure (from 0 to 1) of how effectively electrical power is converted into useful work. A higher factor means greater efficiency.
PWM (PULSE-WIDTH MODULATION)
A technique for controlling power by rapidly switching it on and off. The width of the “on” pulse determines the average power delivered, like dimming an LED.
RECTIFIER / CHARGER
The part of a UPS that converts incoming AC power into DC power to charge the batteries and run the inverter.
RFI (RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFACE)
A type of electrical noise that can disrupt radio communications and sensitive electronics.
SINEWAVE
The smooth, wave-like pattern of ideal AC power. It is the cleanest form of electricity that sensitive electronics are designed to use.
SODIUM-ION BATTERY
A type of rechargeable battery that uses sodium instead of lithium. It is a cost-effective and stable alternative, often used for large-scale energy storage. A technology praised for it’s stability, faster charging potential, and better performance in cold weather.
SURGE
A brief, but extreme, spike in voltage.
TRANSFORMER BASED UPS
A robust UPS design that uses a heavy internal transformer for power conversion. It provides superior electrical isolation and is highly durable, making it ideal for harsh industrial environments.
THREE PHASE
An electrical system that uses three separate power waves, delivered 120 degrees apart, to provide smooth, high power for large loads.
UNDER VOLTAGE
A prolonged period of abnormally low voltage.
VRLA BATTERY (VALVE REGULATED LEAD ACID)
A sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid battery that does not require watering and is safe for use in office environments.
WATTS
A measure of “real power,” representing the rate at which electricity is actually consumed to do work, such as creating light or heat.
