PacB Group // A UPS Can be Invaluable Until it Requires Repairs

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A UPS Can be Invaluable Until it Requires Repairs

The problem of keeping things running when the electricity supply is interrupted is one that has two possible solutions. For example, one could make use of an in-house electrical generator to produce the required current when it is needed. Alternatively, backup power could be sourced from a battery that has been previously charged while the mains supply was still operational. The latter option is the basic principle behind a device known as an uninterruptible power supply or UPS. However, while it can be a life saver during an outage, it may occasionally require some repairs.

Although all serve to provide a source of backup power when required, how this is achieved differs according to the design of the device and the precise function it is required to provide. Although not the only application by far, one of the most common uses for an uninterruptible power supply is to ensure that computers continue to function in the event of a mains power outage. In banks and other financial institutions, an outage could lead to lost or corrupted transactions with serious consequences.

As a result, both a UPS and someone who is qualified to perform repairs to the device, should this prove necessary, have become essential features of businesses in which the integrity of digital data may be crucial.  So, what are the main types of uninterruptible power supply in common use and how do they work?

Even for the small business and the home user, protecting data can be important and, where this is the case, all that is really necessary is a device that is able to provide current for the few minutes needed to power down a computer safely. In other circumstances, however, a UPS could be required to operate for several hours to avoid the need for repairs to specialised systems or vulnerable electronic equipment.

Of the three main types, it is the standby or offline models that are the least expensive and ideal for the type of short-term backup support needed in the home and small offices. In the event of a voltage surge, spike or sag, a frequency difference, or a power failure, the supply line switches automatically from mains to battery power, which is output as A/C via an inverter. The switch to UPS takes around five milliseconds or less, and could save the user costly repairs. A variation of this principle sees the equipment running continuously on power from the battery/inverter setup, which is kept charged by the mains supply. If the power fails, the battery continues to provide power without the need to switch sources.

Online models are more costly, as they utilise a double conversion process in which the A/C mains power is first converted to D/C, then travels to the battery and is re-converted to A/C, thus ensuring that the equipment always receives clean power. Following an outage, the UPS will continue providing clean power and eliminating the need for repairs for several hours.

Finally, the line-interactive models provide users with a possible compromise. Cheaper than online models and providing more protection than offline units, they are able to correct for mains voltage fluctuations and are generally considered to be an affordable but effective option for use in data centres.

Like any machine, a UPS may sometimes require repairs. In addition, it is important to choose the most appropriate type of uninterruptible power supply for the task at hand and, once a selection has been made, it will be just as important to ensure that the unit is installed correctly. All of this means that it is important to obtain both the equipment and the relevant backup services from a dependable source.

Known throughout South Africa for innovative power solutions and world-class equipment, such as diesel generators, solar systems, and various types of UPS, PacB Group’s engineers also provide expert installations, maintenance, and repairs.