An uninterruptible power supply is a critical resource for a lot of businesses. In medical or other emergency-related fields, large UPS systems ensure backup power. In office buildings, UPS devices protect valuable equipment from power spikes or shortages. Often, a UPS device is a stand-alone piece of hardware connected at the electrical source of a network.

Managers who buy and use uninterrupted power supply systems might also want to look at purchasing some basic supplies for keeping the unit running and in good condition, as well as optimizing space and minimizing wear. Buyers of uninterruptable power supply units might look for:

1. Stands and setups to keep the office or industrial uninterrupted power supply unit out of the way of traffic and safe from accidents in a busy area.

2. Cabling for ongoing use, where specific units from different uninterruptible power supply companies need particular wires or accessories.

3. Protective covers that shield industrial uninterruptible power supply units from dust and debris.

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Get helpful tools for keeping uninterruptable power supply units away from traffic

In fast-paced offices, leaving a piece of hardware like a UPS unit near the ground or around flying elbows is not a good idea. A simple box, rack or frame will keep the hardware in its own space and quietly doing its job.

I recommend: Get open frame racks, enclosures and more from American Power Conversion, a seller of various installations for dealing with items like UPS units. Get more racks and organizers from Rack Solutions.com.

Get cabling and supplies for uninterruptible power supply units

Occasionally, UPS models available from uninterrupted power supply companies will require replacements on small accessories, from cables connecting to the electrical source to replacement batteries for backup power sources. Find these from online vendors dealing in hardware solutions and get your replacements shipped to keep uninterruptible power supply systems running.

I recommend: Find power supply cables and accessories at the comprehensive All Products site. Get UPS batteries at Power Pros for outfitting uninterruptible power supply systems.

Look for dust protection solutions for uninterruptable power supply systems

Another issue with a UPS unit is maintenance. Dust in UPS ventilators can clog the air flow and cause problems over time. Think about getting some dust covers that are open-fit to limit dust while still allowing the machine to 'breathe.'

I recommend: Find low priced hardware dust covers at CompuCover. Look at more in-depth solutions at Dust Free PC for getting servers, PCs and UPS units enclosed to limit dust.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before hooking up systems from uninterruptible power supply manufacturers for long-term use, consider the compatibility of your buy to the network you have set up. UPS models come in all shapes and sizes; consult with your vendor to determine the best type of UPS unit for your area.

Uninterrupted power supply companies make UPSs for a wide range of voltages and applications, from simple computer processor only backup to UPS that keep entire buildings running. As you can imagine, the prices on these systems vary as greatly as their usage, so it's imperative that you get the right power supply for the job.

While not every system needs an uninteruptable power supply, it certainly helps save valuable production time on computer systems and assembly lines. In a medical facility it can literally mean the difference between life and death. Here are some things you'll need to do to choose the right uninterruptible power supply system for your applications:

1. Define what systems need an uninterrupted power supply.
2. Determine how much power each of these systems would draw in a complete power failure, as well as brown out conditions.
3. Decide which options are most cost effective for your situation.
   

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Define what critical systems need an uninterruptible power supply

To determine which equipment requires an uninterrupted power supply simply assess what happens during a power outage, spike, sag or brown out, which is an extended low voltage situation. All of these conditions can cause equipment failure such as motor burnout, surges that destroy electrical components and, of course, data loss.

I recommend: The American Power Conversion Corporation has an online UPS Selector to analyze your power backup needs for workstation, server and telecommunications applications. The eXtreme Power Supply Calculator gives you a more comprehensive look at your power supply needs and is available for free in a "lite" version of the software. The "pro" version is downloadable for a nominal fee.

See what is available from uninterruptible power supply manufacturers

Many specialty applications require a custom built uninterruptable power supply. If your manufacturing facility or health care establishment needs something special you may need to search out manufacturers that custom build UPSs for specialty applications.

I recommend: Newegg is a great place to find a wide variety of wattage needs for your business computer network. They carry manufacturers like Antec, Corsair and In Win, and carry UPS up to 1250 watts. But if you need a custom built UPS for industry, go to Ensign Power Systems. They specialize in creating a custom solution for your power supply needs, but also have a list of product offerings as well.

Have one of the uninterruptible power supply companies assess your needs

Power issues can be tricky. Using one of the UPS power supply companies available to help you assess your needs is a good idea, especially if you have systems that simply must not loose power, for instance in a hospital or manufacturing setting.

I recommend: Energy Technologies is one such company that develops custom solutions as well as carries a wide range of products. They pride themselves on helping you develop the system with the lowest TOC, or total ownership cost.You might also want to visit Sure-Power.com, which provides certified and insured installation and a comprehensive UPS service, including battery disposal and custom power protection design.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not all uninterruptible power supply manufacturers are the same. Some offer attractive low prices while providing poor quality product. Check product listings and ask suppliers which UPS manufacturer they recommend.

An uninterruptible power supply or UPS system provides battery backup and electrical protection to systems that are powered by electricity. They are typically used in data centers and server rooms and on individual computers or electronic equipment. They can also be used to protect whole buildings.

UPS systems vary by features, load and setup. Many offer advanced features like software that shuts down servers before power is lost or long-term power resources. It's important to choose a UPS system with the features you need that can support the necessary load. Because of the complications of choosing and setting up a UPS, some uninterruptible power supply education and training is needed for anyone who works with them, including:

1. Tutorials, buying guides, and overviews of uninterruptible power supply manufacturers for end users and purchasers;

2. Product training for support staff;

3. More advanced, accredited training for electricians and system technicians.

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Consult a buying guide and overview when choosing among uninterruptible power supply companies

Even if you don't need advanced training in uninterruptible power supply systems, you'll need an overview if you plan to purchase one. Choosing the right UPS can be tricky; you need to calculate the load that will be placed on it and other factors.

I recommend: Most manufacturers provide UPS selection tools on their websites. For a more general overview, check out the buying guide from Technology Galaxy. Their store, UPS Galaxy.com, sells UPS systems from a number of manufacturers. Tech Soup provides a comprehensive overview and buying guide for UPS systems. While the company serves non-profit organizations, anyone can read and benefit from the guide.

Check out a tutorial when using an industrial uninterrupted power supply

A tutorial provides an overview that will help plan and install a UPS. It will also give an understanding of how they work.

I recommend: Penton Electronic Design provides a comprehensive UPS tutorial. Ametek Solidstate Controls offers a UPS planning and installation guide.

Get specialty training from a UPS manufacturer

Manufacturer training addresses installation and troubleshooting features unique to the specific type of UPS. While most companies offer a product manual and website resources, many go beyond those tools with advanced training for end users and technicians.

I recommend: Eaton offers training courses to users of Powerware, Exide Electronics, IPM, Lortec, Best Power and DC power equipment. Courses include factory, on-site and custom designed courses. MGE UPS Systems provides training for customers, sales representatives and field engineers, including online training and on-site courses.

Get advanced training on industrial uninterruptible power supply systems

IT staff and electricians can benefit from advanced courses. Options include on-site training, CD- and Internet-based training and videos. Courses range from a single session to full-length accredited programs.

I recommend: Online courses from eLearners include online and CD-ROM IEEE accredited courses. The AVO Training Institute offers a training video module that demonstrates UPS safety steps. General Electric offers a wide range of training, including UPS support. Courses are taught at several locations or can be customized on-site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Training for uninterrupted power supply companies and products is also included as part of advanced degree programs. Courses for electrical engineers or electricians normally include UPS systems.

An Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS is a handy resource for all kinds of businesses. Though today's power grid is pretty reliable, all kinds of interruptions can still happen, depending on the location of a business. Commercial UPS designs ensure that when the power goes down, regardless of who is around to help out, backup battery systems will keep things running smoothly. Knowing about some of the key terms for types of UPS and design will help business leaders figure out what kind of UPS they could best use to safeguard their own business operations against power grid failures.

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Power protection

One aspect of electrical setups that UPS units are meant to help with is power protection. Power protection is the process of hedging electrical systems against spikes, sags, brownouts and other fluctuations in a constant electrical current.

I recommend: See more on power protection at this guide from GenesysMicro.

Shutdown software

Some types of UPS have automated shutdown features for handling situations where the regular power has been off for a while.

I recommend: See more on shutdown software (3:01) for UPS at this UPS FAQ.

Continuous UPS

One type of UPS is a continuous or 'online' setup in which the system continually draws power through the battery apparatus or other feature and not through the direct electrical line.

I recommend: See more on the continuous UPS and how it works, as well as comparisons to other UPS types, at this guide from Kerchner.

Standby UPS

Another very different option for UPS is a standby UPS unit. Standby UPS is when the power usually comes in directly from the source. When the system detects some kind of problem, the power switches over to the UPS system.

I recommend: See more on the standby UPS type at this page from PC Guide.

Line interactive UPS

For another option, there's the line interactive UPS model, where a portion of AC power charges the battery as the system 'regulates' the line using bi-directional technology to integrate the power components.

I recommend: See more on the line interactive UPS model, as well as others mentioned above, at Lazar's Power Electronics Guide.

Delta and double conversion

Double conversion and delta conversion are two different models for providing efficient UPS systems. They are often evaluated as part of a discussion on design.

I recommend: See more on both double conversion and delta conversion at this page from APC Media.