UPS

A UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, is a device that provides emergency power to electronic equipment during a power outage. Unlike generators, which take time to start, a UPS delivers instant power by switching to its built-in battery. This ensures that devices remain operational without interruption, even during brief power disturbances.

Key components of a UPS include:

  • Battery: Stores energy to provide immediate power during an outage.
  • Inverter: Converts battery-stored DC (direct current) power into AC (alternating current) power used by most devices.
  • Surge Protector: Shields connected equipment from power spikes or surges.

UPS systems are widely used to protect critical devices like servers, workstations, modems, and routers, minimizing the risk of data loss, hardware damage, or productivity downtime. They are particularly essential in environments where uninterrupted operation is critical, such as data centers, hospitals, and financial institutions.

UPS devices are classified into three types:

  1. Standby UPS: Basic protection for small devices, activating only during power failure.
  2. Line-Interactive UPS: Adjusts voltage fluctuations and provides better stability.
  3. Online UPS: Delivers continuous power by always running off the battery, ideal for sensitive equipment.

UPS systems also give users time to shut down systems safely during prolonged outages, preventing abrupt shutdowns that could damage hardware or corrupt data.