Continuous, uninterrupted power supply is essential for working from home and online learning as much as for playing video games. However, due to the increasing energy demand, a power outage or overvoltage can cause greater problems than ever before in our devices and their operation. With an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), we can protect against data loss and device failure simply and cost-effectively. Eaton’s experts summarized the advice in nine points, which are definitely worth following in order to find the device that best suits our needs.
- Let’s determine the devices to be protected!
With UPS solutions, we can provide protection for all our equipment – from computers through routers and game consoles to home theater systems and security equipment – whether at home or in a small office environment. Remember that even a momentary overvoltage can cause serious damage to sensitive electronic equipment. The UPS keeps our devices running even in the event of short-term power outages or malfunctions, so we don’t have to worry about losing the work we’ve done up until that point, and we can also prevent data loss.
Helpful Hint: Do not connect laser printers directly to the UPS. Due to low voltage levels, the UPS switches to battery operation too often, causing the battery to discharge prematurely. Instead, it is better to use surge protected output sockets.
- Let’s consider what level of protection is required!
Different types of UPS provide different levels of protection against power supply problems. Standby or offline UPSs provide surge protection and switch to battery mode in the event of a power failure, making them ideal for equipment such as LED monitors, docking stations, modems and routers. Line-interactive UPSs regulate the output voltage by increasing or decreasing the mains voltage as needed, making them suitable for high-end computers and other valuable, sensitive electronic devices in areas where the power supply is unstable or storms are frequent.
- Let’s get to know our energy supply needs!
When choosing a UPS, it is important to understand the relationship between watts (W) and volt-amperes (VA). The watt value represents the actual power available. And the volt-ampere value for most home and office UPS is between 450 and 2200 VA. In order to avoid overload in the event of a power failure, the UPS must support the maximum total power of the connected devices. Therefore, if possible, choose a UPS with an output capacity (VA) 20% greater than the total estimated power demand of the connected equipment.
Useful tip: Never load the UPS to more than 80% of its capacity. In this way, we can ensure a small reserve when the peak value is reached, and we can also slow down the normal wear and tear of the battery.
- Let’s check the number of sockets!
Make sure your UPS system has enough outlets for all your equipment. The recently improved Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS, for example, has 6 and 8 output outlets, half with surge and battery protection, and the other half with only surge protection. Some models even have separate USB connectors so that we can charge our mobile devices even in the event of a power outage.
Helpful Hint: Avoid connecting too many devices to a single UPS power strip, as this may overload the device.
- Consider your own noise tolerance level!
Some UPS systems can be surprisingly loud, especially those designed for racks, server rooms, and industrial environments. If you need a quiet environment for proper concentration or for conducting conference calls, be sure to check the UPS’s audible noise data (measured in dBA). Certain UPS models, such as the Eaton 3S Gen2 and the Ellipse ECO, are famous for their very quiet operation. The 5E Gen2 UPS is a fanless UPS up to 1200 VA, which can also be a good choice if quiet operation is important.
- Let’s think about the installation!
A UPS system needs enough space to properly dissipate heat, so don’t install it in a narrow or closed space. If space is an issue, consider installing an elegantly designed UPS with surge protection, such as the Ellipse ECO. Thanks to its narrow design, it fits easily even in small spaces, and can also be used as a tower or desktop monitor stand.
Useful tip: High temperatures can significantly affect the life of the battery, so make sure that the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is properly ventilated.
- Get quick access to the status of the UPS!
If it is important to have immediate access to critical information, you should think about getting a UPS with an LCD display. On these displays, you can easily read the most important data about the operation of the UPS system, such as the bypass time of the battery, and we can monitor power outages. There are also models such as the Eaton Ellipse PRO UPS that allow the user to configure the output voltage, beep and input sensitivity.
- Let’s find out about the warranty options!
When comparing different UPS models for home use, it is also worth considering the warranty conditions. How long is it for? Do you cover UPS and batteries as well? Does it include shipping? Are the batteries user replaceable? Eaton products have a comprehensive warranty that covers both the UPS unit and the batteries. The manufacturer also offers extended warranty packages that include hotline support in addition to the standard replacement and repair of electronic components and batteries.
- Let’s increase protection with software!
A UPS protects connected equipment from power failures and serves as a backup power source in the event of a power outage. If, on the other hand, the power failure lasts longer than the battery bridging time, the UPS is not able to provide additional protection (power supply). Eaton UPS and it Eaton UPS Companion by using the software together, we can avoid data loss. The software allows easy configuration of shutdown parameters and provides user-friendly access to UPS settings.
Source: www.technokrata.hu
