AC Utility Power
The power supplied by a standard wall outlet. Alternating Current (AC) is the common form of electricity.
Active PFC Compatibility
A feature of UPS systems that delivers sine wave output to prevent unexpected shutdowns or component stress for connected devices with Active PFC power supplies.
Advanced Power Strip (APS)
An advanced power strip or APS stops electronic devices from drawing power when not in use or in standby mode. Computers operate in a standby modes when idle which make them convenient to power up quickly but then use significant amounts of energy when no one is actually using them. A television is in standby mode when it is plugged in and powered off making the available for the remote control to turn them on.
Alarm Silence Button
Silences an audible alarm during extended outages.
Alternating Current (AC)
The direction of an electric charge that is flowing in a circuit which is constantly being reversed between positive and negative. In the U.S., the direction of AC reverses 60 times per second.
Amp (Ampere)
The standard unit of measure for electrical current. Defined as the amount of electrical flow equal to one coulomb per second.
Apparent Power
The product of the applied voltage and current in an AC circuit. Apparent power is measured in VA (volt-ampere).
Audible Alarms
Identify conditions which may affect operation, such as overloads and low battery.
Automatic Event Notifications
Provide immediate updates about power events via email, SMS text, or SNMP traps.
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
Provides clean, consistent AC power by automatically regulating low voltages and over voltages, within defined tolerances, when incoming utility power has minor fluctuations.
Basic Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Battery Emergency Functionality
Activates emergency battery capacity.
Battery Backup
Supplies power long enough for equipment to properly shut down when utility power fails. Helps prevent loss of data and minimizes the component stress caused by a hard shutdown.
Cord Management System
Keeps cords neatly organized. Such a system may include brackets and/or trays.
Buck/Boost
Full automatic voltage regulation in a UPS stabilizes low voltage (boost) and high voltage (buck) to maintain nominal 120V power without resorting to battery power when minor power fluctuations occur.
Blackout
A power failure in which line voltage drops to zero.
Boost
The AVR function of a UPS which increases voltage when the utility power approaches the low voltage threshold.
Brownout
A drop in voltage for an extended period of time.
Buck
The AVR function of a UPS which reduces voltage when the utility power approaches the high voltage threshold.
Capacity
The current battery charge, expressed as a percentage of a full charge.
Cisco Compatible
Means that a product meets the standards set by Cisco, a global leader in IT.
Cold Start Functionality
Restores emergency power to the load after the installation of a new battery.
Communication Interface
Alarm Telemetry to an optical network terminal or a connected device. Contact closure alarm with NC normal state.
Configurable Mounting Brackets
Allow for installation of a PDU in the following configurations: 0U (vertical, under counter, and wall mount), 1U (horizontal, vertical, under counter, and wall mount), and 2U (horizontal and wall mount).
Converter Mode
Provides the flexibility to set the output frequency, regardless of the input frequency, to match connected equipment by selecting 50Hz or 60Hz output on the LCD control panel.
Cord Retention Brackets
Secure power cords, keeping them organized and accessible. Help cords stay plugged in.
Current
The flow of electric charge measured in amps.
Data Line Protection
Prevents power surges that travel through telephone, coaxial, and/or Ethernet lines from causing damage to electronics.
Digital Display
Provides easy-to-read information about amperage, voltage, kilowatts, IP addresses, and other PDU information.
Direct Current (DC)
The unidirectional flow of an electric charge.
Double-Conversion Topology
Provides consistent, clean, and nearly perfect power, regardless of the condition of incoming power. Systems with this technology operate on isolated DC power 100 percent of the time and have a zero transfer time because they never need to switch to battery. Double-Conversion UPS systems are designed for high-end system components, corporate servers, lab equipment, and other sensitive electronic devices.
Durable Metal Housing
Protects internal components and resists damage from impact or abrasions within challenging industrial environments. Also extends the life of the product.
ECO Mode
Is an energy-efficient, user selectable feature for some surge-protected outlets. When the computer is off or is in sleep mode, the UPS automatically cuts power to computer peripherals connected to any outlets in ECO mode.
Efficiency / Energy Conversion Efficiency
The ratio between the amount of apparent power and the amount of true power used by an electrical device. The closer the true power value is to the apparent power, the more efficient the device.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Commonly referred to as line noise, these interference signals can disrupt or degrade the performance of a circuit by inserting abnormalities into the system. Also referred to as radio frequency interference (RFI) when in high or radio frequency.
Emergency Cold Start
Allows starting of the battery backup unit with AC Mains still failed, but with a fresh or replacement battery installed.
Emergency Power Off (EPO)
Allows the UPS to be shut off in the event of an emergency if the EPO port is connected to an EPO switch.
Energy-Saving Outlets
Automatically shut off power to attached devices, saving energy, when the master outlet is triggered.
Extendable LCD Control Panel
Displays UPS statuses and customizable operating settings from up to ten feet away (with optional cable).
Extended Battery Modules (EBMs)
Use Fast Charge Technology to quickly restore full backup power to a UPS system to extend runtime.
Fast Charge Technology
Allows UPS batteries to return to full capacity more rapidly by using a built-in charger inside of each EBM.
Fireproof Technology
This feature protects against electrical fires so that your home and family are safe from house fires.
Frequency
The number of AC power cycles in a given time period and measured in Hertz.
Generator Compatible
Provides stable sine wave output (free of harmonics and distortion) without switching to battery mode when running on generator input power.
Ground
An electrical system connection that serves as a conduit between the circuit and earth.
Half-Load
The midpoint in the maximum load capacity for a UPS.
Hardwired
High amperage devices that require installation by a qualified electrician to be directly wired-in instead of simply being plugged in to an outlet.
Harmonic Distortion
Regularly appearing distortion of the sine wave whose frequency is a multiple of the fundamental frequency. Converts the normal sine wave into a complex waveform.
Harmonics
A sinusoidal component of an AV voltage that is multiple of the fundamental waveform frequency. Certain harmonic patterns may cause equipment problems.
Hertz (Hz)
The unit for frequency, defined as the number of alternating cycles per second.
Hibernation
A state in which a computer will save data to the hard disk and turn off the monitor and hard disk. When the computer wakes from hibernation, all open files and running programs are restored from the hard disk.
Horizontal or Vertical Mounting
Allows a PDU to be installed horizontally or vertically for rack/tower versatility with other equipment.
Hot-Swappable Batteries
Eliminate power-related downtime and ensure maximum power availability. All potential UPS maintenance, including complete power module exchange, can be performed without powering down connected equipment.
Impact-Resistant Casing
Ensures maximum durability and prolongs the life of the unit.
Impedance
A term used in electronics, audio, and electrical circuitry. Impedance is the general term for the ratio of voltage to current; it is measured in Ohms and is affected by both inductance and reactance in a circuit. It is similar to electrical resistance, in that it is a measure of the opposition to the flow
Industrial-Grade Metal Housing
Prolongs unit life with rugged casing made of impact-resistant material for maximum durability.
Input Voltage Range
The voltage range when a UPS operates within normal mode and does not require battery power.
Isolation Transformer
The isolation transformer eliminates the physical path that electrical current can flow between two systems, yet still allowing them to exchange power.
Joule
A measure of electrical energy. One joule is defined as the energy needed to pass one ampere of current through one ohm of resistance.
Kilovolt Ampere (kVA)
One thousand volt-amperes. Common measurement of equipment capacity. An approximation of available power in an AC system that does not take power factor into account.
Leak-Proof Casing
Protects the sealed lead-acid batteries and prolongs battery life.
LED Indicators
Light to signal a model’s operational status. Indicators vary by product line and model.
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Line Interactive Topology
Exists when a line interactive UPS has an autotransformer that regulates low voltages (e.g., brownouts) and over voltages (e.g., spikes) without having to switch to battery.
Load
The amount of power consumed by an electrical device on a circuit. Load capacity is a critical factor in selecting a UPS or surge protector.
Local and Remote Outlet Control
Switches PDU outlets on/off and can be used to reboot connected equipment locally or remotely.
Long Input Power Cord
Reaches distant power sources, allowing a PDU to be placed where needed.
Lost Communication / Loss of Communication
A condition that occurs when a serial or USB cable is not connected securely.
Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) Technology
Allows normal current to pass through the device, while diverting any surges/spikes through the ground circuit, to safeguard connected electronics and the surge protector.
Metered Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Network-grade power distribution plus load meters (amps) to safely optimize load levels and prevent overloads.
Monitored Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Network-grade power distribution with remote monitoring through an SNMP network interface and local management via a digital meter display to prevent downtime due to overloads or other power events.
Multifunction LCD Panel
Displays immediate, detailed information about the UPS battery and power conditions, alerting users to potential problems before they can affect critical equipment and cause downtime.
Network-Grade Plugs and Outlets
Are highly durable and enhance the efficient distribution of power to servers, equipment, and connected devices in performance-demanding IT/industrial environments.
Over Voltage
Occurs when incoming voltage is higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as a surge or a spike. (Also known as over-voltage and overvoltage.)
OVP/OCP Reset Functionality
Provides automatic over-voltage protection (OVP) and over-current protection (OCP) for the battery backup unit and optical network terminal (ONT).
Plug-and-Play DC Connectors
Allow for daisy-chaining additional EBMs to a UPS system.
Power Distribution
Delivers AC power to servers, equipment, and connected devices via a power distribution unit (PDU).
Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
Delivers UPS, generator, or utility AC power to servers, network/telecom equipment, and connected devices.
Power Factor (PF)
The ratio of real power (watts) to apparent power (VA), expressed as a number between 0 and 1. Watts divided by VA = Power Factor.
Power Factor Correction
Controls the incoming power to a power supply in order to bring the power factor as close to unity power as possible.
Power Management Features
Include network-grade plugs and outlets, an AC power cord, and a cord retention tray to enhance safety, efficiency, and performance.
Power Surge
A sustained over voltage that generally subsides after a few seconds.
Q.931
Q.931 (also called Q931) is a signaling protocol for Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) communications, that is used in voice over IP (VoIP). The Q.931 protocol is involved in the setup and termination of connections. Q.931 and TCP/IP work at different layers and share few features. Q.931 has reliable layers but does not provide retransmission
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
Quadrature amplitude modulation, also know as QAM, is a method of combining two amplitude-modulated (AM) signals into a single channel, thereby doubling the effective bandwidth. QAM is used with pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) in digital systems, especially in wireless applications.
Rack/Tower Versatility
Allows a model to be installed horizontally (rack) or vertically (tower).
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
See Electromagnetic Interference.
Real Power
The amount of power being drawn by a system, measured in watts. Real power is a function of apparent power (volt-amps) and the power factor.
Remote Management
Provides unsurpassed control and protection of the UPS, connected equipment, and network devices.
Remote Management (RMCARDS)
Allows administrators to control and configure the UPS, without being onsite, via a standard web browser or network management system (NMS).
Removable LCD Panel
Displays UPS statuses and customizable operating settings from up to ten feet away (with optional cable).
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Resettable Circuit Breaker
Interrupts an electric current in a circuit when the current becomes too high.
Rotatable Multifunction LCD Screen
Displays immediate, detailed information on the UPS battery and power conditions, alerting users to potential problems before they can affect critical equipment and cause downtime. The rotatable screen is easily readable whether the UPS is rack mounted or standing as a tower.
Runtime
The length of time that a UPS will support a given load while running on battery during a power outage. The maximum period of time that battery power is output from a UPS to its connected devices during a power interruption. Runtime is dependent upon the total load of all connected equipment.
Safe-Fail Protection
This feature cuts power to connected equipment when the surge protector cannot provide protection anymore.
Sag
A sudden, brief power undervoltage.
Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries
Supply high surge currents, provide robust power-to-weight ratios, and are cost-effective.
Simulated Sine Wave Output
Uses pulse wave modulation to generate a stepped, approximated sine wave to supply cost-effective battery backup power for equipment that does not require sine wave output.
Sine Wave
A smooth, repetitive oscillation of AC power.
Single Phase Power
Refers to the distribution of alternating current electric power using a system in which all the voltages of the supply vary in unison.
Smart Battery Management
Uses a three-cycle charging mode that improves battery life and reduces generated heat.
Spike
A spike is a sudden, brief over voltage.
Standby Topology
Ensures that when incoming power drops below or surges above safe voltage levels, the UPS switches to DC battery power and then inverts to AC power to run connected equipment.
Surge Protection
Diverts excess voltage away from sensitive electronic equipment during an AC power surge or power spike to prevent damage.
Tamper Resistant (TR) Outlets
Prevents accidental electrical shock by blocking foreign objects from entering the open spaces with internal shutters.
Tamper-Proof Power Button
Minimizes the chance the UPS can be accidently turned off.
Telemetry Interface
Provides alarm conditions to the optical network terminal.
Thermal Dissipation
The process of dissipating heat from an electrical system via air or liquid cooling. Also, a term for the amount of heat a device can emit.
Three-Cycle Battery Charging
Reduces heat and improve UPS battery life up to five years with the Smart Battery Management (SBM) charging system.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
A calculated measure of the distortion in sine wave clarity caused by higher wave frequencies.
Transfer Time
The time it takes UPS to switch from AC power to battery power.
Transformer
A device that converts AC line voltage to a higher or lower value.
Transformer-Spaced Outlets
Accommodate large transformer-based plugs without compromising the access of other outlets.
Twist Lock Plug
Secures an outlet by twisting and locking into place to prevent accidental disconnection.
U
The standard unit of measure for rack-mounted equipment. Equal to 1.75 inches in height per U. A device measuring 1U is 1.75 inches high. A device measuring 2U is 3.50 inches high.
Ultra Quiet Design
Minimizes noise during operation for a quieter work environment.
Under Voltage
Occurs when voltage is lower than normal for an extended period of time without recovering, but not so low that the electronic device will not function. Two types of undervoltages are brownouts and sags. (Also known as under-voltage and undervoltage.)