How to choose the UPS power supply that suits oneself?

Protecting one's own or company's information and electronic devices (computers, servers) is essential. There are different brands and models of UPS (uninterruptible power system), but with so many choices, it may feel a bit lost. I'm not going to choose a better option, or worse, the wrong UPS system application that you need; That's why we have prepared a guide to these 10 key questions to choose a UPS system that suits you.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply System) is a device that, due to its battery, can provide limited time power to all connected devices during power outages, which leads to the first issue.

1. How critical is the load (device) to be protected?

There are three types of UPS:

UPS backup: Power supply takes approximately 5 milliseconds. Up to 1.2kVA, recommended for home use only

Online interactive UPS: Power supply takes 2-4 milliseconds. Up to 3kva, recommended for home or office use

Dual conversion online UPS: online at all times, providing immediate power supply in case of malfunction. It can reach over 1000kva and is suitable for households, enterprises, industries, hospitals, etc.

2. What level of protection do you want your electronic devices to have?

UPS backup: provides necessary protection against power outages, momentary low voltage, and voltage peaks

Online interactive UPS: Provides professional protection against power outages, momentary low voltage, voltage peaks, prolonged low voltage, and prolonged overvoltage.

Dual conversion online UPS: provides comprehensive protection against 9 of the most common electrical faults (power outage, low instantaneous voltage, low sustained voltage, high instantaneous voltage, high sustained voltage, voltage peak, frequency variation, electrical noise, and harmonic distortion). Perform dual conversion of electrical energy, converting it to continuous and then to alternating current, always providing regulated voltage (+/-1% of nominal voltage) to its equipment; In addition, in case of overload or internal issues, it has an automatic bypass to always ensure the supply of the load.

3. How many watts of actual power and phase does your device require?

To calculate power demand, add up the power (in watts) of each device, which can be assisted by the device's nameplate or manufacturer's documentation. If it is ampere, multiply it by the rated AC voltage used by the equipment, and calculate the power in watts.

The stages of the device can be 1, 2, or 3 (to ensure the correct identification of the number of stages).

Important note: It is recommended not to connect devices that exceed 85% of the total load of each UPS model; By keeping your UPS operating below its maximum capacity, you increase its lifespan and provide better protection for critical loads.

4. What is the voltage of the power supply?

Please note that the UPS plug matches your power outlet. Depending on the key application (home, office, industrial), there are different voltages and electrical contacts to ensure that you know exactly what you are looking for.

5. How many power sockets and what type of power sockets does UPS need to be connected to?

It is important for UPS to have more sockets when purchasing to ensure future growth space, and equally important to consider what kind of sockets UPS needs.

Important reminder: Remember not to overload the UPS and keep in mind that its utilization rate does not exceed 85% of its capacity.

6. How long does it take for UPS protection equipment to be backed up?

All UPS factory programming, standard backup time is 5 minutes; Please note that if your device requires more time, you will need to consider purchasing an external battery pack.

7. Where will UPS be installed?

UPS comes in various sizes and shape factors. Therefore, we must ensure that the location where UPS is installed is prepared to meet all the required space and environmental requirements

Desktop model: Compact, suitable for placing on a table, taking care of computers and peripheral devices.

Tower models: They are perpendicular to the ground and are used for network workstation applications.

Rack installation model: Can be installed in a standard 19 inch cabinet, typically used for servers and network applications.

Larger models: These can even support data centers, ATMs, and more.

Important note: Please remember that if you plan to install a UPS with a battery pack, please consider the required space.

8. Does your device require a pure sine wave?

All that waveform sensitive electronics need is a smoother and cleaner input source, to avoid device connection to the system UPS overheating, operational failures or premature failures, and to ensure effective system operation, which helps to reduce energy consumption and save electricity costs.

9. What is the efficiency of UPS that you would like?

The more efficient the UPS power supply, the higher the cost. If you don't know what to choose the appropriate UPS, you can also refer to my previous article to answer.

10. Do you have any growth plans for the future?

If there is a growth plan, there are two methods:

Regarding the size of UPS.

Purchase modular equipment that can increase capacity as needed.

Remember to consult qualified experts when making the final decision. This guide is applicable to homes, offices, or data centers. For industry, other measures such as energy analysis should always be taken with the support of experts.