What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?

Electronic systems such as computer networks, building management systems and security systems are an essential tool to ensure business continuity and keep your organisation running smoothly and efficiently. Without adequate UPS power protection most organisations grind to a halt, resulting in lost information, productivity and profit. The easiest way to safeguard your mission critical systems and bottom line is to invest in UPS power protection. 

What is a UPS?

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a system capable of supplying high-quality electrical power without interruptions.

A generator cannot be considered a UPS because, in the event of a power disturbance, there will always be an interval between the power failing and the standby generator firing. This break in power may result in significant financial losses and explains the need for a UPS.

UPS not only provide protection against all types of power supply failure but are also capable of filtering a vast range of disturbances found in the mains power supply thus providing more sensitive loads with a clean power supply.

In summary, the Masterguard range of uninterruptible power supplies perform two functions:

• To filter disturbances from the mains power supply
• To supply power to the loads in the event that the mains power supply fails

How does a UPS work? A UPS is an item of electrical hardware that is positioned between the incoming mains power supply and selected items of electronic equipment, referred to as the 'load'. It has a battery or power source to provide electrical power in the event of a power cut. The length of time that the load can be supported (autonomy) depends on the size of the UPS battery. It provides time to shut down essential computer systems in a safe and orderly manner to prevent data loss/corruption. When the mains power fails, the UPS switches to the batteries, ensuring a clean, unbroken power supply is immediately available to keep the load fully operational. It also protects computers and data from an assortment of power problems. Depending on its size, the UPS can be plugged into a 13-amp socket or hardwired by an electrician into the mains supply board. A UPS is a tool to ensure business continuity.

Impact of power problems

Disturbances to the electrical power supply, such as loss of electrical power (black out) a reduction in the mains voltage (brown out) or electrical 'noise' (surges, spikes, transients) can affect the performance of electronic devices, so it is important that the electricity supply is stable and clean. Electrical noise except in its worst cases is typically an ‘unseen’ event, but results in the largest threat to the operating capabilities of electronic equipment and contributes to the premature ageing of electronic components.
 

Power problems can cause:

Power problems can be traced to one or more sources:

Up and running – business continuity

Business continuity is the objective and to meet this, a Masterguard UPS comes with a wealth of features and capabilities that create a communications interface between the UPS and the load, plus allow the user to monitor UPS and battery performance. User friendly software means that you can customise your UPS to meet specific requirements, including setting up automatic load shutdown procedures. Built-in advanced battery care will optimise battery performance and maximise operating life.

For more detailed information on how a UPS works please visit our consulting section.