Electricity plays an essential role in modern life and industry. That is why a UPS has become one of the best ways to keep power stable when the grid fails and to avoid serious losses. So what exactly is a backup UPS? What does it do? And which UPS brands are the most popular today? In this article, TechConnect Vietnam answers these questions for you.
What is a backup UPS?
A backup UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a device that stores reserve electrical energy, so it can keep supplying power to equipment and network systems when the mains supply fails, flickers, suffers sudden voltage surges or sags, or short-circuits…
A UPS delivers stable power for a set period so that equipment keeps running until the grid returns to normal. As a result, it is widely used across many sectors and industries and brings users a wide range of benefits.
How a backup UPS works
A backup UPS works by storing electrical energy in one or more batteries. A circuit board then converts the direct current from the batteries into alternating current suitable for the connected equipment.
A UPS operates as follows:
- The UPS batteries charge while the mains supply is stable.
- As soon as the grid fails, the direct current in the UPS batteries is instantly converted into alternating current, so the equipment keeps receiving stable power without interruption.
- Once the grid is stable again, the alternating current passing through the UPS is rectified back into direct current to recharge the batteries.
Benefits of using a backup UPS
A backup UPS is an important device that is used more and more widely across many sectors. Its key benefits include:
- It supplies power instantly when the grid fails, so equipment keeps running without interruption and losses such as data loss, production stoppages and the cost of restarting lines and machinery are kept to a minimum.
- It protects electrical equipment when the grid fails suddenly. Equipment receives stable power from the UPS, which prevents short circuits and fires and extends its service life.
- A UPS delivers clean power thanks to its built-in automatic voltage regulation (AVR), which maintains a 220V/50Hz supply and keeps the electrical system safe.
- A UPS provides effective lightning protection, so users need not worry about lightning strikes damaging equipment or causing fires.
Common types of backup UPS
Offline UPS
The offline UPS is one of the most popular backup UPS types on the market today thanks to its relatively low price.
It has a maximum capacity of around 2000VA and powers equipment with modest power requirements. In an offline UPS, power from the mains passes through a transfer switch before reaching the load.
When the grid fails, the offline UPS automatically switches over via a relay and draws on battery power to keep the equipment running steadily. Offline UPS units do not provide voltage regulation.
Online UPS
The online UPS is widely regarded as the best backup UPS on the market today, with many standout features that overcome the limitations of the other two types.
Online UPS units use Online Double Conversion technology, which eliminates all mains disturbances: the input voltage is conditioned before it is supplied to the load.
In this design, mains power does not feed the equipment directly. Instead, it is converted into direct current to charge the batteries. When the grid fails, the online UPS inverter converts the direct current from the batteries into alternating current to power the load.
Online UPS units are usually designed for high capacities and offer many options for extending backup time with internal or external batteries. This makes them suitable for a wide range of equipment, such as office equipment, computers, servers, data centres, control systems and pumps.
Line-interactive offline UPS
A line-interactive UPS works on much the same principle as an offline UPS. However, it also has a voltage regulation circuit that keeps the output voltage supplied to the load stable at all times.
Line-interactive UPS units are well suited to areas with an unstable power supply, although they cost more than standard offline units.
Everyday applications of UPS units
Backup UPS for camera systems
Security cameras are now common in homes, offices, government agencies, factories, banks, hospitals and more. Because camera systems depend on electricity, a backup UPS is the leading solution for keeping cameras powered continuously when the grid fails.
Backup UPS for computers and servers
In today’s digital age, computers and servers are indispensable and play a vital role in storing a company’s critical data. Fitting a backup UPS for servers is therefore essential to maintain a stable power supply and avoid data loss or equipment damage when the grid fails.
Backup UPS in industry
Factories, plants, export processing zones and workshops all need a continuous power supply to run machinery, production equipment and lighting. Power cuts or an unstable supply disrupt production, efficiency and schedules, causing heavy losses for the business. An industrial UPS is therefore the best way to maintain a stable power supply for production.
Backup UPS for homes
Homes today rely on more and more electrical appliances, such as TVs, fridges, washing machines, cameras, computers, cookers and roller shutters. Installing a home UPS keeps the power flowing if the grid fails.
Top 3 UPS brands worth buying today
Cyber Power UPS
Not sure which backup UPS is best? Cyber Power is the answer for anyone asking the same question.
Cyber Power is the world’s fourth-largest UPS brand and ranks second in the North American market. In Vietnam, its UPS units won First Prize at the GATES ICT Industry Excellence Award 2019.
Cyber Power UPS units feature automatic voltage regulation and supply stable power to equipment when the grid fails. They are also compatible with many operating systems and highly energy efficient.
Hyundai UPS
Which backup UPS is the best? Hyundai UPS is one option worth considering.
Hyundai is a well-known and highly trusted brand in South Korea, now available in most countries around the world. In Vietnam, its products are popular for their modern design and affordable price, and they deliver a stable, safe and efficient power supply.
Hyundai UPS units are currently an excellent choice for industrial systems and production lines in factories and plants.
APC UPS
APC is a leading American UPS brand with many outstanding advantages: a modern, slim design, multiple features, high durability and excellent energy storage.
APC UPS units are made with advanced German technology on modern production lines that strictly follow quality standards, so customers receive the best possible quality. The products are highly rated for durability, service life and safety in use.
Tips for using a UPS safely and efficiently
To use a backup UPS safely and efficiently, keep the following in mind:
- Install the UPS in a dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight, and avoid damp areas to keep it safe and durable.
- Clean the UPS regularly to prevent dust build-up, which reduces its performance.
- If the UPS is rarely used, discharge it once every 2 months: run it down to about 10%, then recharge it.
- Switch the UPS off when not in use, and avoid leaving it on charge continuously, as this shortens battery life.
- Check the batteries regularly to prevent problems
- When buying a UPS, do not choose one rated below the total load of the connected equipment, as overloading will damage it.
- Keep an eye on the batteries and recharge them before they run completely flat; letting them drain fully shortens their life.
How to choose the right UPS
To choose the best backup UPS for your needs, consider the following tips:
Consider the power rating of your equipment
Before choosing a UPS, determine the power rating of the equipment you use. Then choose a UPS with a higher rating to allow a margin for surges during grid failures and losses in operation. A higher-rated UPS also runs more reliably and avoids overloads that could damage equipment.
Battery capacity
Another key point when choosing a UPS is battery capacity. If you need longer runtime to back up data or shut systems down properly, choose a UPS that supports battery expansion.
Choose well-known brands
Which backup UPS should you buy? Our advice is to choose a UPS from a well-known brand. Buying from a reputable brand gives you peace of mind about quality, performance and service life.
Popular, trusted UPS brands include Cyber Power, Hyundai, APC, Santak, Eaton and Emerson.
Warranty and maintenance
Another important consideration when buying a UPS is the warranty and maintenance terms. Regular servicing keeps a UPS running reliably and extends its service life.
As a rule, a UPS used in a home or small business should be serviced every 6 months, while large businesses should service theirs every 3 months.
If you need design and installation of a home UPS system, please contact TechConnect Vietnam for expert advice and support.
TechConnect Vietnam Engineering and Trading Co., Ltd.
- Address: FLC Garden City Urban Area, Dai Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Hotlines: 0988 883 961/ 0987 989 822
- Email: techconnect.mepf@gmail.com
- Website: https://techconnectmepf.com/en/
