Advantages of using a UPS

• Protection against power grid faults: A UPS protects your devices from voltage fluctuations, overvoltages and undervoltages caused by irregular power supplies.
• Continuity of work: They secure the power supply in the event of power failures and harmonics, minimize work interruptions and ensure the continuous availability of networks and applications. UPS systems not only protect against power failures, but also compensate for frequency deviations in the power grid.
• Data integrity and protection: They protect against data loss and corruption. This is particularly important in data centers and environments where important data is handled.
• Hardware damage prevention: They stabilize the power supply in the security, communication or entertainment sector, protect hardware from damage and thus extend the service life of the devices.
• Cost savings: UPS systems minimize repair, data recovery and downtime costs by preventing damage and delays.

Technical features and functions of modern UPS systems

1. bypass function for maximum availability:
   A high-quality UPS system has a bypass circuit that ensures the power supply directly from the mains in the event of maintenance work or an internal failure. This ensures that the power supply to your devices remains uninterrupted and stable.
2. compatibility with ATX power supplies:
   Thanks to modern technology, many UPS systems are specifically designed to meet the requirements of ATX power supplies, which are widely used in servers and workstations. This ensures an optimum power supply without compatibility problems.
3. transfer time and response speed:
   A decisive factor for the efficiency of a UPS is the transfer time, i.e. the time it takes to switch to battery operation in the event of a power failure. With high-quality models, this is almost zero, which protects critical systems from data loss.
4. highest standards through VFI classification:
   UPS systems with VFI classification (Voltage and Frequency Independent) guarantee a constantly stable voltage and frequency, regardless of disturbances in the power grid. These devices are ideal for use in environments that place the highest demands on power quality.
5. network management via Ethernet:
   Thanks to their Ethernet interfaces, modern UPS systems offer the option of centrally monitoring the operating status and energy consumption and carrying out remote maintenance. This is an indispensable feature, especially in large IT infrastructures and data centers.

The 3 classes of UPS systems

UPS systems have different requirements and are therefore divided into 3 different classes: Standby/offline UPS, line-interactive/grid-interactive UPS and continuous converter/online UPS. You can find out more about online UPSs in our blog post “3-phase UPS for protecting demanding networks - IT-Planet”.

	Standby/offline UPS	Line-interactive/ grid-interactive UPS	Continuous converter/ online UPS
Protection	Protection against brief power failures and voltage dips	Protection against voltage dips, overvoltages and short-term voltage peaks	Continuous supply and protection against all types of power failures
Area of application	Best for smaller devices or home computer use	Well suited for PCs, smaller servers and networks	Ideal for large servers, data centers or critical systems
Mains filter function	no	yes	yes
Switchover times	up to 10 ms	up to 4 ms	none
Maintenance and monitoring	Simple maintenance, no monitoring functions	Extended monitoring possible, regular maintenance recommended	Advanced monitoring, automated maintenance, more complex care
Energy efficiency	Low energy losses, as only active when required	Better efficiency, but slight losses due to continuous control	Higher energy losses due to continuous conversion, but maximum stability
Price-performance ratio	Inexpensive, but with limited functions	Medium price, good ratio of function and cost	Higher price for comprehensive protection and advanced technology

Use in different environments

UPS systems are essential in hospitals, data centers and offices to ensure a continuous power supply and are often combined with emergency power systems. Depending on the area of application, there are specific requirements and suitable solutions:

Server rooms/data centers

• In server rooms and data centers, online UPSs with double conversion technology provide reliable protection against power fluctuations and minimize the risk of data loss.

Industrial plants

• Robust online UPSs protect against extreme conditions and stabilize the power supply in industrial environments with additional cooling and protective enclosures.

Retail and office equipment

• Line-interactive or offline UPSs provide cost-effective basic protection for smaller offices and retail outlets to ensure a reliable power supply.

Hospitals

• In hospitals, online UPS systems are ideal as they ensure an uninterrupted power supply for vital equipment and reliably compensate for power fluctuations.

Installation and maintenance of UPS systems

Careful installation and regular maintenance are crucial for the reliability and efficiency of your UPS. This will extend its service life and prevent breakdowns:

Installation

• Choice of location: Well-ventilated room, constant temperature (20-25 °C), easily accessible for maintenance
• Earthing: Earth the UPS correctly to avoid faults
• Safety regulations: Fire protection measures, smoke detectors, fireproof doors; installation by electrician
• Cable management: route cables neatly to improve airflow and minimize overheating

Maintenance

• Inspection intervals: Check offline UPS annually; line-interactive and online UPS quarterly; also observe battery maintenance
• Temperature monitoring: Use temperature monitoring devices to prevent overheating
• Battery maintenance: Test batteries regularly, replace if necessary; use BMS (Battery Management System) for monitoring
• Warning signals: Respond quickly to acoustic/visual warnings to prevent damage

There are various factors to consider when it comes to UPS connection types. In our blog post “UPS connections explained: Everything about plug connections and connectors”, you will find comprehensive information on the different plug types and connections.

Making the right choice

As UPS systems serve as a backup power supply, it is important to make the right choice. There are many aspects to consider when choosing a UPS and you should define the systems for which the UPS will be used in your company. The output power of the selected UPS should be 20 - 25 % higher than the total power consumption of the connected systems. However, the more systems that are connected to the UPS, the shorter the bridging time, i.e. the period during which the UPS can continue to supply the systems evenly in the event of a power failure. Therefore, only the most important systems should be connected to the UPS.

Our recommendation:

• If you want protection for private use, home office or entertainment, an offline UPS is sufficient, as these are quite inexpensive and offer basic protection.
  
• For small companies with several networks or computers with high performance, as well as many storage devices, a line-interactive UPS is the right choice. These are very efficient and reliable and offer greater protection than offline UPSs.
  
• If there is power up to 20KW, i.e. for large server rooms and data centers, you should opt for an online UPS. This also applies to sensitive devices that require a continuous power supply.

This is just a recommendation when choosing a UPS. If you are unsure which UPS is the right one for your application, you can contact us. We will be happy to advise you in detail and help you make the right choice.

Brands and their UPS solutions: APC, Eaton, CyberPower and multimatic

Now that you know the different types of UPS and their requirements, the question is which brand best suits your needs. APC, CyberPower, Eaton and multimatic offer a wide range of solutions - from rackmount UPS systems and tower UPS devices to modular UPS systems that reliably protect your IT infrastructure. Here we present our partner brands in the power supply sector:

APC: Reliable UPS solutions for businesses

APC is a leading provider of UPS systems for various applications, from small offices to data centers. The Smart-UPS series offers reliable protection with flexible runtimes, while the Smart-UPS On-Line with double conversion technology and scalable autonomy is particularly suitable for demanding applications. APC attaches great importance to energy efficiency, which reduces operating costs and protects the environment.

Eaton: Powerful UPS solutions for industrial applications and data centers

Eaton offers reliable, high-performance UPS systems that are particularly suitable for industrial applications. With integrated monitoring and control solutions, Eaton ensures a stable power supply, even in demanding environments. These UPSs reliably protect against data loss and system failures and are ideal for both workstations and large data centers.

CyberPower: Efficient UPS solutions for small and medium-sized businesses

CyberPower offers cost-effective UPS solutions for small to medium-sized businesses and home users. The GreenPower UPS technology ensures reduced energy consumption and extended battery life, while the devices impress with quiet operation and an intuitive LCD display. CyberPower offers an efficient, environmentally friendly solution to protect your devices and data.

multimatic: Flexible and robust UPS systems for IT and industry

Multimatic offers modular UPS systems that can be flexibly adapted to different IT and industrial requirements. With user-friendly monitoring options and a robust design, the UPSs are particularly suitable for demanding environments. The long service life and extended warranty options make multimatic the ideal choice for reliable protection in various applications such as data centers.

Batteries and battery life

UPS systems are designed to continue running without interruption in the event of power failures - the batteries play a central role here. Their service life depends heavily on optimum conditions such as a constant temperature and a stable mains supply.

In a UPS, accumulators are used to store energy to ensure the power supply in the event of a power failure. They are constantly charged during normal operation so that sufficient energy is immediately available in an emergency. In the event of a power failure, the stored direct current (DC) from the battery is converted into alternating current (AC) via an inverter. This allows the connected devices to continue operating without interruption.

VRLA batteries (valve-regulated lead-acid batteries), hydrogen cyanide batteries (closed or open) and lithium-ion batteries are usually used in UPS systems. VRLA batteries are low-maintenance and compact, while open hydrogen cyanide batteries offer a longer service life but require special safety precautions and more maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly efficient and space-saving and require little maintenance. Find out more about batteries in our blog post: “UPS batteries: Selection, maintenance and replacement - Everything you need to know”.

When do you change UPS batteries?

• Note the service life: VRLA batteries every 3-5 years, lithium-ion and open lead-acid batteries every 10-25 years.
• Check the temperature: Ideal operating temperature 20-25 °C for longer service life.
• Keep an eye on charging cycles: Frequent discharging and charging accelerates wear, so avoid if possible.
• Regular maintenance: Check the battery and charging capacity every 6-12 months; top up open batteries.
• Visible damage: Replace damaged batteries immediately to ensure UPS function.

How to change UPS batteries safely?

1. Prepare: Switch off the UPS and disconnect it from the power supply, put on protective clothing if necessary.
2. Remove the old battery: Open the battery housing, carefully disconnect the cable, remove the old battery.
3. Insert new battery: Insert new battery, connect cables correctly (observe polarity).
4. Close: Close housing, switch on UPS and check function. Dispose of the old battery properly.

! Note: Replacement by trained personnel if possible!

Our selection of UPS batteries

Secure power for your IT: find the right UPS system now

We hope that this article has given you the information you need about UPS systems. In our store you will find a large selection of UPS systems that are perfect for your company - including models from well-known brands such as APC, CyberPower, Eaton and multimatic.

Still unsure about the UPS class? We would be happy to help you choose the right UPS system. Let our experts advise you - either via our inquiry form or our contact form for an individual consultation.

Not sure whether it's worth buying a UPS system? In our blog post on “Power failure and overvoltage”, you can find out more about how you can protect yourself with a UPS or other options.