Today, with the unreliability of the power grid, uninterrupted power supply is crucial to ensure the seamless operation of critical equipment and systems. Whether you’re a small business or a manager in a large enterprise, purchasing a new Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) requires careful consideration. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to ask yourself the right questions before investing in a single-phase or three-phase UPS unit. We’re here to provide expert UPS guidance. In this article, we cover 5 questions you should ask before investing in a new UPS system.
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Before buying a UPS, it’s essential to assess your power consumption needs. Determine the total load that the UPS unit will support. This includes all connected devices such as computers, servers, networking equipment, and any other critical appliances. For larger setups, such as data centers or industrial facilities, a three-phase UPS might be necessary due to higher power demands. Calculating the load capacity accurately helps avoid overloading the UPS and ensures a reliable power backup solution.
Pro Tip: Never load your UPS greater than 80% so factor this in when calculating your total load and total UPS capacity needed.
While you’re calculating your estimated capacity and load, you need to think about the future growth of your power needs. Will you be adding more equipment to your setup? If scalability is a concern, opt for a UPS system that allows for easy expansion. Single-phase modular and three-phase UPS units are preferred for larger setups that require scalability due to their inherent design that supports higher power demands.
Consider how long you need the UPS to provide power during an outage. UPS units have batteries that provide power for a certain duration. Determine the minimum runtime required for your critical systems to shut down properly or for a backup power source to kick in (like a generator). Keep in mind that higher-capacity UPS units often offer longer runtimes but may come at a higher cost. It’s a balance between runtime and budget considerations.
Pro Tips:
If you have a generator, you still need a UPS because generators can take a few seconds to turn on and if you don’t have a UPS, you will drop your load within those few seconds. The industry standard runtime, if you have a generator, is 15 minutes.
If you don’t have a generator the industry average is 30 minutes of runtime, while more runtime can be gained – it can increase the complexity and cost of the solution.
Consider the physical space available for the UPS installation. Single-phase UPS units are generally smaller and more suitable for limited spaces, and mounted inside a rack space or freestanding in a tower style. On the other hand, single-phase modular and three-phase UPS units are larger and designed for larger installations. Also, take into account the environmental conditions in which the UPS will operate. Some units are designed for specific environments, such as industrial settings, and offer enhanced protection against dust, moisture, and other factors.
We hear it every day, Customers call us with power concerns including power loss, system hard shutdowns, and their current UPS configuration providing issues. We always ask the question, how critical is the infrastructure you’re supporting with your UPS? IN most cases the systems being supported are critical to the operation of the organization and cannot go down, meaning 100% uptime is required. In these cases, we would recommend a dual redundant system. Whether that means two single-phase UPS (split 40/40), a modular N+1 redundant single-phase system, or a redundant 3-phase system. In order to remove fail points within their facility a dual redundant system – can achieve this.
At PTI, we take pride in being your dedicated UPS partner, offering a comprehensive range of services to cater to your backup power requirements. Our commitment goes beyond just providing equipment – we are here to guide you through every step of the process. From the initial design phase to meticulous investigation of your power needs, we ensure a tailored solution that aligns perfectly with your specific demands. Our emphasis on education empowers you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. With our expert project management, rest assured that the implementation will be seamless and efficient. At PTI, we don’t just deliver a UPS; we deliver a turnkey partnership and expert UPS guidance that guarantees the right backup power solution for you.
Purchasing a new UPS requires a thoughtful evaluation of your power needs, available space, budget, criticality of your systems, and future scalability. By asking these vital questions, you can ensure that the UPS you choose is the right fit for your specific requirements, whether it’s a single-phase, modular, or three-phase unit. Investing time in understanding your needs will lead to a more reliable and efficient power backup solution in the long run.
We’re proud to partner with the best in the industry backup power partners. The three manufacturers below are always our first choice for customers, but we have a larger group of other manufacturers for specialty applications. Our years in the industry have built strong partner relationships and our knowledge guarantees you’ll be getting expert UPS guidance no matter what stage of your UPS buying process you’re in.
This buying guide will help you:
Also known as a voltage regulator, a power conditioner protects sensitive electronics, such as computers, lab equipment, home theaters from voltage fluctuations and power surges. It also removes electromagnetic and radio interference from the AC line so amplifiers, radios and other audio/video equipment perform at their best.
Nominal voltage is the name given to a range of voltages. In North America, nominal voltage is 120V, but for a variety of reasons, you will rarely get exactly 120V from the outlets in your home or office. Power companies try to maintain actual voltage within ±5% of the nominal voltage (114–126V in North America, 228-252V elsewhere) but more significant over- and under-voltages can occur.
When the power supply to a device falls out of the service voltage range, the device may shut down, malfunction, or suffer damage to its circuit board. Poor power quality over an extended period may cause premature failure of the device. Power conditioners with Automatic Voltage Regulation will trim or boost voltage to maintain the service voltage range.
These are some of the more common causes of voltage fluctuation.
Changes in demand for electricity in the power company's system due to factors such as weather or time of day
The distance of an outlet from the meter or from the meter to the power company's transformer (power pole)
Proximity to a factory or other large consumer of electricity
Starting or stopping common household appliances, such as a refrigerator or vacuum cleaner, especially on an already overloaded circuit
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) – Stabilizes incoming AC power by boosting low voltages and trimming high voltages so connected devices get the voltage they were designed to use (nominal 120V or 220-240V, depending on your country). Voltage regulation is sometimes called "buck and boost".
"Let-Through" Rating – The let-through voltage rating refers to the average amount of voltage the power conditioner "lets through" to connected equipment following a surge or spike. The lower the let-through rating, the better the surge protection. The UL rating levels are 330, 400, 500 and 600 volts.
Joule Rating – A power conditioner's joule rating indicates how large a power surge it can absorb without failing. You should choose a joule rating based on the value, importance and sensitivity of the equipment that will be connected to the power conditioner. For more sensitive or costly equipment, such as computers, televisions, lab equipment and audio/video equipment, select a power conditioner with a rating of at least 1,000 joules.
Line Noise Filtering – Line noise is the result of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or radio frequency interference (RFI) and is typically caused by other equipment operating on the same electrical circuit (e.g. fluorescent lights or a vacuum cleaner). You may experience line noise as a buzz or hum from your speakers or radio transceiver, or "snow" on a television picture. Line noise filtering removes noise from the incoming AC power and is expressed in decibels (dB), with a higher dB rating indicating better noise suppression.
These five questions will help narrow down your choices.
To estimate power capacity requirements, add up the wattage of the devices you plan to connect to the power conditioner. Refer to the nameplate or manufacturer's documentation for each device to find its wattage. If output is listed in amps, multiply by the nominal AC voltage to estimate wattage (e.g. 3 Amps x 120 Volts = 360 Watts).
The AC input voltage of the power conditioner should match the voltage of the equipment connected to it. For homes and offices in North America, the voltage is typically 120V and the input plug type is NEMA 5-15P, which is the familiar grounded power plug used in most households. In Europe and elsewhere, nominal voltage is typically 230V and the plug type will vary from country to country.
Count the number of devices that you plan to plug into the power conditioner and choose one with at least that many outlets. Also pay attention to the input and output plug types. The power conditioner's input plug and outlets should match the plugs on the equipment you'll be connecting.
Plug Type: NEMA 5-15PTower - A tower power conditioner is shorter in width than height (or roughly the same) and typically has outlets in back. It can be placed on the floor behind the equipment it is protecting, or on a desk or shelf.
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Rack Mount - A rack-mount power conditioner is specially designed to be mounted inside a standard 19-inch rack enclosure or open frame rack (almost all racks use the 19-inch standard). The power conditioner's rack height tells you how many vertical rack spaces it will require. One rack unit (abbreviated to 1U) is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) high. Outlets are typically on the back of a rack-mounted power conditioner.
Wall Mount - Some power conditioners come with mounting "ears" so they can be securely attached to a wall or bench, saving floor-space and preventing accidental disconnections.
The value of the equipment you want to protect is the most important consideration when choosing a power conditioner. Devices that are critical to work/home life and those that are otherwise costly or fragile require a greater degree of protection.
A power conditioner's job is to regulate voltage and to absorb the brunt of power surges and spikes so your equipment doesn't have to. This will take a toll over time. In addition to AVR and good Joule rating, look for models that come with insurance to repair or replace any connected equipment damaged by power surges (USA, Canada and Puerto Rico only).
C14 Outlets - C14 to C13 power cables are a popular way of connecting a server or switch to a power source in a server room or network closet. A power conditioner with a mix of NEMA 5-15R and C14 receptacles provides options for connecting and placement of devices.
LEDs for Power Monitoring - Real-time diagnostic LEDs indicate if your incoming voltage is being boosted or trimmed. They can also detect common wiring faults in wall outlets, such as loose wiring or improper grounding.
Input Breaker - A resettable breaker protects the electrical circuit from excessive current draw. If the breaker trips, you can remove some of the equipment plugged into the power conditioner and reset the breaker.
Physical Size - Most tower line conditioners are small, but extra-small models are available for especially tight spaces, such as a shelf or behind a piece of equipment.
An isolation transformer transfers electricity from a primary circuit such as the AC power supplied by an outlet, to a secondary circuit such as a medical device or lab instrument, without a physical connection between the circuits. The electrical isolation protects against electric shock and suppresses electrical noise that can interfere with sound quality.
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The main job of a surge protector is to protect connected equipment from power surges above the surge protector's "let through" voltage. Some surge protectors also filter out line noise from incoming AC power supply.
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A UPS with AVR does everything a surge protector or line conditioner can do, plus it includes a battery that allows equipment to remain powered through short-duration power failures. Like power conditioners, many UPS systems have voltage regulators that keep voltage in an acceptable range.
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What is an acceptable voltage range for a 120V circuit?
In the United States, National Electric Code article 210-19 FPN No. 4. suggests a 5% maximum combined voltage drop on the feeder and branch circuits to the furthest outlet "will provide reasonable efficiency of operation." The Canadian electrical code also requires no more than a 5% drop between the meter and outlet. Applying the 5% tolerance gives a nominal 120V range of 114V to 126V.
Can I use a power conditioner with my generator?
Yes, a power conditioner will stabilize the voltage from a generator. However, it will not convert the modified sine wave produced by some generators to pure sine wave, making those generators unsuitable for sensitive electronics.
How to Choose the Best Power Conditioner for a Guitar Amp
See https://blog.tripplite.com/https/blog.tripplite.com/how-to-choose-the-best-power-conditioner-for-guitar-amp
Should I use a power conditioner with my laser printer or copier?
Yes, but not with the printer itself. Printers and copiers use a hot roller called a fuser unit to bind ink toner to the paper as it passes through the printer. Periodically, the printer needs to reheat the fuser unit to the required temperature, and this requires a lot of electricity. To prevent a power sag (under-voltage) from impacting computers and other sensitive equipment on the same circuit as the printer, use a power conditioner with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR).
Connecting a printer to a line conditioner may prevent the printer from getting the voltage it needs. A better approach would be to have a qualified electrician check the capacity of the existing line and add a separate circuit for the printer if necessary.
What is the difference between voltage fluctuations and a power spike or surge?
A power or voltage spike is a sudden increase in voltage, ranging from a few hundred volts to tens of thousands and lasting between 1 and 30 microseconds. A power surge is like a spike but lasts longer. Voltage fluctuations are normal and do not typically harm equipment connected to an outlet. Over- or under-voltages occur when the voltage reaching powered devices falls out of the normal service range.
Why does my power conditioner make a clicking sound?
As a power conditioner corrects high or low input voltage, it will make a gentle clicking sound. The frequency of the clicking will depend on the quality of the utility power in your area. The clicking is normal, and no action is required on your part.
Does a power conditioner improve sound?
A power conditioner can potentially improve sound quality by providing a cleaner and more stable power supply to audio equipment. Power fluctuations and electrical noise can interfere with the performance of audio equipment, leading to degradation in sound quality. By conditioning the power, a power conditioner can reduce the amount of electrical noise and provide a stable voltage, which can result in improved sound quality.
However, it is important to note that the effect of a power conditioner on sound quality can vary depending on the equipment and the specific electrical problems being addressed. In some cases, the improvement in sound quality may be minimal or not noticeable, while in other cases it can be significant.
Is a power conditioner a surge protector?
Not all power conditioners are surge protectors, but some include surge protection as part of their functionality.
A power conditioner is an electrical device that improves the quality of the power supplied to an electrical load by regulating voltage, reducing noise, and filtering out electrical disturbances. The goal of a power conditioner is to protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage caused by power fluctuations and electrical noise.
A surge protector, on the other hand, is specifically designed to protect electronic equipment from damage caused by power surges and spikes. It accomplishes this by diverting excess voltage away from connected equipment.
Some power conditioners include surge protection as part of their functionality, effectively combining the two functions into a single device. In these cases, the power conditioner can improve the quality of the power supply while also providing protection against power surges and spikes.
Should I use a power conditioner or isolation transformer with my guitar amp?
If improved sound quality is your primary goal, an isolation transformer is the best choice. Microphones, instruments and amplifiers can pick up unwanted hums or buzzes if they are plugged into the same circuit as items such as fluorescent lights, air conditioners and dimmer switches. If your band is playing in a bar, even the bartender's blender is a potential source of interference!
An isolation transformer uses two coils of copper wire, wound so that the primary coil connected to incoming AC power induces a current in the secondary coil powering connected devices. Since there is no direct connection between the coils, musical instruments and recording equipment attached to the secondary coil are isolated from audio frequency noise on the power line.
We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.
The company is the world’s best supplier of power quality solutions supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.