Uninterruptible Power Supply

Get the right uninterruptible power supply for your company
By Christine Emmick 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.
   

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.