Choosing the Right UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for Consistent Power
Essential Protection Against Power Fluctuations
In Canada, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is not a luxury; it is mandatory hardware to prevent data corruption and damage to sensitive equipment during power surges, brownouts, and brief outages. Choosing the correct capacity and type is crucial.
UPS Types and Selection
- **Standby (Off-Line) UPS:** The most affordable, suitable for single workstations and brief power cuts. It kicks in only when power fails, but there is a slight delay (transfer time).
- **Line-Interactive UPS:** Better suited for SMEs. It constantly monitors and regulates voltage, correcting minor fluctuations without switching to battery, protecting against the damaging effects of unstable voltage.
- **On-Line (Double-Conversion) UPS:** Best for server rooms and critical IT infrastructure. It provides continuous, clean power by always running the equipment off the battery/inverter, eliminating any transfer delay.
**Sizing:** Determine the total **VA (Volt-Ampere)** or **Wattage** requirement of all connected devices (servers, monitors, networking gear). Choose a UPS with at least 20–30% more capacity than your total load to allow for growth and maximize battery life.