UPS GUIDE

WHAT IS A UPS

 

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system protects electronics and other vital equipment, infrastructure and machinery from unexpected power issues as well as provides short-term emergency backup power during disruptions to the mains electricity supply.

Clean, continuous power is essential in our daily lives, with diverse sectors such as banking, utilities, manufacturing, transportation, security, retail, healthcare, and entertainment all relying on complex computer and communication technologies. Unexpected power disruptions to sophisticated, mission-critical electronics can cause damaging downtime and data loss, costing businesses hours of lost productivity. UPS systems mitigate these risks and are a fundamental part of any organization’s continuity planning.

HOW DOES A UPS SYSTEM WORK?

 

A UPS system differs from other standby power systems by using energy stored in batteries or supercapacitors to maintain power to the electrical load during mains supply disruptions. The battery runtime of most UPS systems is relatively short, often just a few minutes. This backup time allows either the connected equipment to safely shut down, minimizing the risk of damage or data loss, or for an alternative power source, such as a backup generator or hybrid PV solar system, to take over.

In addition, our online UPS solutions can correct a wide range of common power problems, including:

  • Power surges: a sudden increase in voltage caused by an event such as a lightning strike or restored power after a power failure.
  • Brownouts: a drop in voltage level over a period (several hours or even days)
  • Power failure: a complete drop in power supply.
  • Harmonic current: load variation and distortion from atmospheric disturbances.
  • Electrical noise: where the power oscillates at a frequency other than 50 Hertz or has electromagnetic interference.
  • Spikes: sudden bursts of energy on the power line.

WHAT DOES A UPS PROTECT US AGAINST?

Power Surges

A sudden increase in power flowing through to your device is typically caused by something like a lightning strike. This leads to a sudden increase in power followed by a drop which causes damage to equipment.

Overvoltage

Overvoltage is when the power being supplied is greater than the power required and can cause overheating and damage. Unlike with a power surge, this power is over a sustained period and causes different problems.

Undervoltage

Also known as a brown-out, Undervoltage is what occurs when the power supplied is less than is required. This could be from a sudden demand for power in other areas or a problem with the grid, the lack of flow leads to damage and active data loss.

Power Outage

A complete disruption of power, either short or long term. There can be a number of reasons that you might be subject to a power outage but the results can be severe with data loss and system downtime being the major contributors.

UPS Warehouse supplies high quality products with various warranty options on our UPS and inverter range. However, battery lifespan / autonomy times are out of our control as noted in our terms and conditions.

With the number cycles and duration of deep discharges which batteries are subject to during load shedding, battery life span and backup times cannot be guaranteed. This is as a result of lack of time between load-shedding events for batteries to fully recharge.

UPS Warehouse is not a manufacturer of batteries but a supplier and as such is subject to the terms and conditions of the manufacturers and suppliers of batteries.

We have received calls regarding battery performance levels. Unfortunately, this issue is across all makes and brands of lead acid batteries.

As the severity of load shedding escalates, batteries are constantly discharging and recharging which in turn affects lifespan.

The cost of running a battery-based power solution is not dissimilar to running a generator, when the fuel runs out, it requires re-filling.

When batteries experience a number of cycles, they require replacement.

CONTACT US

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Email Address

info@upsw.co.za

Website

www.upswarehouse.co.za

Phone Number

087 655 5877

Johannesburg Office

19 Drakensberg Drive

Big Sky Factory

Long Meadow Business Park

Modderfontein

Gauteng, 1609

Phone Number

011 608 1221

010 110 1331

Cape Town Office

Unit 3

Point Business Park

Marinus Street

Marconi Beam

Cape Town, 7441

Phone Number

021 110 0321