UPS guide: How to find the right UPS system for your requirements

Written by: 
Linda Fritzler
Last updated on: 
15. November 2024

To protect against power failures, voltage fluctuations and unexpected interruptions, the purchase of a UPS system is essential. A UPS (uninterruptiblepower supply) ensures stable voltage in your IT network and intervenes immediately if problems are detected in the power grid to prevent damage and outages.

This guide will tell you everything you need to consider when choosing the right UPS system. We offer you a comprehensive overview of the different types of UPS and their areas of application so that you can find the system that best suits your devices and individual requirements.

Table of contents

A UPS reliably protects your technical devices from faults in the power grid by immediately switching to battery power when required. Particularly in the event of brief and often unnoticed power failures or voltage fluctuations, the UPS intervenes automatically, keeping your IT systems stable and protected. Due to the frequency of such incidents, a UPS is an important component of IT security.

UPS systems are divided into three categories:
Online UPS, Offline UPS and Line-Interactive UPS. They usually consist of one or more battery modules. If a UPS only has one battery module, this remains continuously active to ensure protection at all times. In UPS systems with several battery modules, an optimized load distribution is used: some of the modules remain on standby and are only activated when there is a higher power demand. In this way, the UPS not only provides reliable protection, but also ensures efficient and long-lasting use of its components.

Advantages of using a UPS

  • Protection against power grid faults: A UPS protects your devices from voltage fluctuations and failures caused by irregular power supply.
  • Continuity of work: You secure the power supply in the event of failures, minimize work interruptions and ensure the continuous availability of networks and applications.
  • Data integrity and protection: They protect against data loss and corruption. This is particularly important in 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.

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

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 network cabinets, 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 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

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.

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.

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.

Matching blog posts

31. May 2024

UPS connections explained: Everything about plug connections and connectors

Unexpected power failures can cause major damage. UPS systems (uninterruptible power supply), which protect your electronic devices from sudden power failures, can help to prevent...
1. March 2024

Regulations for the maintenance of UPS systems

To ensure that power flows continuously, companies rely on UPS systems that guarantee an uninterrupted flow of energy. These systems are used in locations where...
28. August 2023

3-phase UPS for protecting demanding networks

Power failures, network fluctuations, under- or overvoltage … these are all real dangers that every network is exposed to on a daily basis. The resulting...

Frequently asked questions

Despite similar battery technology, small and large UPSs differ in their handling. Smaller systems often only require one battery, which simplifies maintenance. Larger UPSs, on the other hand, may require multiple battery strings, which means more complex monitoring.

According to the IEEE, a battery is at the end of its service life when it delivers less than 80% of its original capacity. As soon as this limit is reached, the condition deteriorates more quickly. It is then necessary to replace the battery.

Recharging the battery takes approximately ten times the discharge time. For example, a 40-minute discharge requires approximately 400 minutes of charging time.

The service life of unused batteries decreases if they are stored without intermediate charging. As lead batteries discharge automatically, they should be recharged every 6 to 10 months. If the batteries are stored at 10 degrees Celsius or lower, the storage period can be extended without recharging.

Batteries function for around 100 discharge and charge cycles. After about 10 discharges, however, the batteries show a noticeable reduction in capacity. Batteries with a lower capacity provide less runtime. Batteries with a high capacity deliver stable performance and a longer service life.

Warning: Undefined array key "insert_type" in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/oxygen/component-framework/includes/acf/oxygen-acf-integration.php on line 793
Linda Fritzler
Hi, I'm Linda Fritzler. I've been working at IT-Planet since 2023 as a content creator for IT topics, graphics and web design and dive deep into the world of IT by dealing intensively with various topics on our blog. With my growing expertise, I share valuable insights into information technology here. As an author, I present my knowledge in informative articles and practical tips, which I regularly publish on our blog. My aim is to explain complex concepts in an understandable way and help you to expand your technical skills. I am particularly interested in the latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence and sustainable IT technologies.

Wie hilfreich war dieser Beitrag?

Klicke auf die Sterne um zu bewerten!

Durchschnittliche Bewertung 0 / 5. Anzahl Bewertungen: 0

Bisher keine Bewertungen! Sei der Erste, der diesen Beitrag bewertet.

Service Hotline
+49 (0)391 5054420
Mon-Thu, 9 am - 4:30 pm and Fri, 9 am - 3 pm
(at the German landline rate, mobile phone prices depend on the respective mobile phone provider)
calendar-fullmagnifiercrosslistchevron-right