How to Choose the Right UPS System for Your Business Needs
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) offers convenient, clean power that is less susceptible to power surges, spikes, voltage drops, or other distortions that can impact operations and harm electronic equipment. These systems provide reliable power for your connected devices, reducing downtime, increasing productivity, and minimizing data and financial losses. However, there are several types of UPS systems, and finding the right one is crucial for meeting your business needs. Here, you can discover how to pick the right UPS system and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Your Business Needs the Right UPS
Given the likely high cost and critical importance of your electronic business devices, even minor power disruptions can negatively impact their functionality, jeopardize data integrity, or compromise their operation. To mitigate these unforeseen events, consider utilizing a UPS system. These systems offer a simple means of protection for any device connected to a standard power outlet, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Choosing a reliable UPS system allows you to:
Prevent downtime: Sudden power events can result in prolonged periods of inactivity without a reliable backup system. Whether harsh weather hits, a car accident impacts the power grid, or another unforeseen event occurs, a UPS ensures you can continue to use critical equipment to prevent operational downtime. Additionally, some backup systems, such as generators, can take minutes to power on, depending on their size and capabilities. This creates a brief span of time in which your operational equipment has unsafely powered down and must now be powered back on, potentially causing data loss and costing even more time. Alternatively, a UPS provides seamless and immediate access to reliable power.
Reduce data risks: Many businesses store customer, partner, and business information on computers. Other companies rely on devices to deliver services or products. In either case, disrupted power can result in compromised data and stunted services. These outcomes can cause strained customer relationships and impact your reputation, depending on the severity of the situation.
Minimize financial losses: Along with reducing data losses, a UPS can help minimize financial losses. The long-term benefits of protecting your equipment, ensuring business continuity, and enhanced productivity translate to significant cost savings. Furthermore, today’s more energy-efficient UPS systems can be up to 99% efficient and empower you to save thousands in energy costs annually.
How to Choose Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems
Choosing the right UPS system is important for both maximizing your investment and ensuring the best protection. As you consider different systems, make sure to evaluate these crucial factors:
1. Power Requirements
First and foremost, it is very important to understand your power needs and to know your electrical infrastructure. Selecting a system that is too small can result in overloads. On the other hand, implementing a system that exceeds your operational requirements might not be cost-effective, as well. To determine the correct amperage and voltage for your critical equipment, it’s best to use a power meter or consult the owner’s manuals and manufacturer specifications. Generally, it’s a good idea to choose a UPS with a little extra capacity to make sure it meets your current needs and can handle future growth.
Standby: These systems require an inverter to activate from electrical problems before supplying power. For some businesses, this delay could be a liability. However, the lag in power supply could make these systems suitable for noncritical devices.
Line-interactive: Line-interactive systems feature a rapid response design. This type of UPS is always active, charging the battery when the grid is at normal levels. These systems generate sine-wave output, which is ideal for sensitive electronic equipment such as computers.
Online Double Conversion: Data-dependent businesses and IT-heavy organizations benefit the most from online double conversion UPS systems. Online Double Conversion systems have no power-transfer time and activate instantaneously. These systems utilize a double conversion method to strip incoming power of imperfections that could damage electrical devices and components, while providing a cleaner, more efficient UPS output.
3. Runtime Needs
Arguably, when considering the size and type of UPS system, the most important thing to consider is how long you need your equipment to stay running during a power outage. Make sure the UPS can not only handle the power wattage draw of your equipment but also has enough battery capacity to allow for a safe shutdown. Keep in mind that the closer you are to the maximum capacity of the UPS, the less time the batteries will last.
4. Reliability and Brand Reputation
Your UPS provider is as important as the type of system you choose. A reliable distributor can deliver peace of mind regarding product quality and longevity. Additionally, an established provider can offer deep insights into their products and help you find the right model for seamless operations. Consider elements like provider testimonials, industry experience, and additional support services like maintenance and repairs to ensure you’ll have the support you need.
How to Choose UPS Specialized Features
Once you know what kind of UPS system you need and how much power your equipment uses, you may consider some extra features that can help optimize operations, including:
Automatic voltage regulation (AVR): AVR ensures consistent power delivery. This technology adjusts incoming voltages to ensure a stable output voltage. This process prevents equipment damage and can extend battery life by preventing voltage fluctuations.
External battery packs: You can expand runtime with external battery packs, which provide enhanced peace of mind and help increase the system’s lifespan, so you won’t have to invest in replacements as often.
Monitoring and management features: Some network cards and software solutions can enhance UPS utilization. For example, some UPSs include software for remote management, monitoring, and emergency power shutdown. They can provide insight into important factors like battery health and power usage to ensure you can address concerns before problems arise.
Surge protection and power conditioning: Implementing surge protection and power conditioning can further protect your system and devices. These solutions ensure clean power for your connected equipment, filter noise, and deliver other benefits for your system while prolonging the lifespan of electrical components.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing a UPS System
UPS systems support your mission-critical operations. Keep these tips in mind for selecting the right system, and avoid these common mistakes:
Undersizing your UPS and exceeding capacity limits
Ignoring runtime requirements
Overlooking future scalability and growth
Choosing unreliable brands or skipping maintenance plans
Neglecting the number of output receptacles available
Nationwide Power’s Solutions for Choosing the Right UPS
When you need uninterruptible power, trust Nationwide Power to help you find the right solution. Our team delivers top-quality services to eliminate defects and ensure efficiency and longevity, so your business can face power challenges with confidence. Connect with us to find the right power solution to keep you always on.
Have a question or need more information? Use our convenient online request for quote form or give us a call at 866-261-4108 and we will promptly respond to your needs.
