How to choose an uninterruptible power supply to protect equipment from power surges and not overpay?

We have collected useful information on choosing uninterruptible power supplies and explained everything without complex terms.

 

What is an "uninterruptible power supplies"?

 

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are batteries for the home during a power outage: they are constantly charged from the network, and when the network goes down, they power the devices connected to them.

 

They are used as protection against a sudden blackout, and some models can protect against power surges. For example, to have time to save important documents, watch an important match on TV, or have time to finish a session on the console with friends.

There are different types of uninterruptible power supplies: according to the principle of operation, battery modularity and purpose. Now let's figure it out.

 

What you need to know about UPS before buying?

 

Start selecting UPS by way of operation. There are only 3 types of them:

1. Standby.

2. Linear.

3. Inverter (online).

 

A standby UPS saves you from power outages by switching the input current to the battery. To power an office computer - it may be enough. But if you have a gaming PC with expensive components, it's better not to risk it. Switching to battery power is very slow - 5 milliseconds. Powerful devices may have time to turn off.

 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Will not save from a long blackout
Suitable for PC, laptop (if used as a PC)or game consoles	Quickly ruins your own battery
	It is risky if powerful equipment is connected: a gaming PC with two monitors, electronic musical instruments, etc.

 

The line-interactive UPS is an improved version of the redundant one. Switching is faster and a voltage regulator has been added to the input. Now the battery receives exactly as much energy as it needs. Which increases its duration.

 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Slightly more expensive than a backup	Still slow switching
Handles interruptions better

 

The inverter UPS switches to autonomous power instantly, therefore it is suitable for any technique. Completely filters all interference in the network, copes with power surges and produces the so-called "ideal sine wave" - this is the quality of switching from direct current (the one in the mains) to alternating current (the one that is needed for electrical engineering).

 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Instant switching	Costs more
Durability
Suitable for heating boilers, electric stoves and other household appliances

 

What you need to know to buy the right UPS?

 

We will not advertise specific models. But we will tell you how to choose an uninterruptible.

 

Power. The cost largely depends on the power of the UPS. In order not to overpay and not miss the required power, simply connect the voltage of electrical appliances and add + 10-20% on top for a reserve. For example, if you want to buy a new PC, console, buy a powerful graphics card or a large TV.

 

Number of outlets. For example, if in addition to a PC you also need to power a TV, a second monitor and a game console, everything needs its own outlet.

 

Battery. The UPS is permanently connected to the network. Too powerful consumes more electricity: for which you still have to pay, even if the power reserve is not used. A weak device may not be able to handle the load. In order not to overpay, it is useful to calculate their capacity: for 1 hour of operation at a load of 100 W, you need about 11 ampere-hours.

There are models where you can put additional modules or replace worn-out ones yourself.

For example, let's figure out how to choose a UPS for a PC. It is necessary to take into account the period of operation at maximum load. For a PC, 5-7 minutes is enough to save all applications and turn off the computer.

 

Which UPS to choose for the correct operation of GPON technology?

 

Briz subscribers connect via GPON to use the Internet, regardless of the network, simply by feeding the terminal and router using a generator, power banks or the same UPS.
Understanding which uninterruptible power supply to choose for the Internet is not difficult. It is necessary that the UPS battery can withstand several hours of operation of the terminal and router. By themselves, these devices are not very gluttonous to electricity: usually, you need from 5 to 12 volts to work.

 

Results

 

To pick up a UPS, you do not need to understand the electrician or know how it works. It is enough to understand the following:

 

- what devices need a UPS: PC, laptop, household appliances;

- choose power for equipment, and not just choose more;

- pay attention to the modularity of batteries: is it possible to replace the battery without a trip to the service.

Determine what you need: power outage insurance or a continuous source of electricity with a battery for several hours of operation