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An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is basically a battery with sophisticated electronic control circuitry which switches to battery power when the mains power fails. So power to the computer or other equipment stays powered up without a break; work can continue uninterrupted and data is not lost. To use a UPS, simply plug it into the mains, then plug the computer or other devices into the UPS.
In the event of long power cuts, the UPS warns when the battery charge is nearly exhausted to allow work to be saved and systems shut down. Auto-shutdown software is included for unattended protection of servers. Most users can expect to get 15 to 30 minutes of battery power - long enough to work right through many power cuts. Extra battery packs are available to give longer run times and if you absolutely must keep going, generators can be specified too.
Delta Computer Services supplies Powerware UPS, one of the most highly acclaimed and technologically advanced ranges of UPS available. Powerware is part of the Invensys group.
If you have ever lost data or wasted time during a power cut the reasons will be more than obvious to you. But if you have been lucky so far, or if you feel you cannot justify spending the money on a UPS, here are some additional reasons why now is a better time than ever to buy a UPS.
Although the UK has a relatively reliable power supply by international standards, equipment being installed by some electricity companies will actually result in more power cuts, although they will be shorter!
This is due to lightning protection systems which detect when a lightning strike is likely and activate circuit breakers to isolate that section of transmission line, thus power to consumers is cut. When the danger has passed the circuit breakers close again, restoring power after only a short break.
You should think of your UPS like insurance: you pay some money up front and get protection from damaging events should they occur. You would not run your company car without insurance so why leave your business, its computer systems and data at risk from power problems? In fact a UPS is better than car insurance: the one-off premium gives many years of protection - and there isn't a no-claims bonus to lose!
Without any drama, your UPS is actually working for you all the time. It filters the mains, protecting against spikes, sags and surges in voltage. See the Power Problems page for more details. This is where the different UPS technologies are particularly relevant.
Choose “off-line” or “standby” technology for low-cost protection of non-critical equipment. This technology simply switches to the battery if the mains power fails. In addition, Powerware Series 3 models provide protection against power surges and sags.
Choose a line-interactive model for an enhanced level of protection at a modest cost. Series 5 models provide all the protection of Series 3, plus protection against brownouts and line noise. Series 5 RM models are specifically designed for rack mounting.
On-line (also called "double-conversion") models provide the finest protection available. The battery acts as a reservoir, at all times isolating your equipment from the vagaries of the mains. Series 9 models use on-line technology and are the choice for critical equipment such as servers, routers, hubs, modems etc. Series 9 is also the choice if your area suffers spikes and sags due to switching of heavy loads nearby as it protects against all nine power problems.
Series 9 models can be used with extra battery packs for extended run times.
Beware of some manufacturers who use confusing terminology such as “on-line performance” to describe their line-interactive units.
The Powerware ranges of UPS have won numerous awards and accolades in independent, comparative surveys, including
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This site established 1996-05-31. This page last updated .