• Powerful UPS. How does the UPS work? When is a UPS needed?

    Upon purchase personal computer for home or office, more user attention is paid to the characteristics responsible for high performance, but the stability of work does not come into view at all. And only when there is a voltage drop in the network or a power outage does anyone ask the question “how to protect yourself from such situations in order to be able to quickly save important documents.” But it is possible. The source will help users with this uninterruptible power supply- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

    Classification of UPS devices

    Without going into the complexities of electromechanics, computer UPS manufacturers have adopted a division into three basic types.

    1. Filter device. This UPS allows you to filter the incoming voltage to the computer. By setting the required range (mostly within 190-230 volts), you can expect that the device will only work if the set voltage thresholds are violated. Such devices are the cheapest on the market.
    2. Battery device. When the power goes out, the UPS takes over the computer, ensuring its autonomous operation within a few minutes, which is enough to save information and complete work.
    3. Interactive filter-accumulator. The device can not only support the computer’s power supply, but also protect the system from voltage surges. It is this UPS that will be discussed in the article.

    Justification for choosing an expensive device

    In the 21st century, most users give their preference universal devices. This is evidenced by numerous reviews and testimonials. This choice fell on the UPS, whose task, especially in the post-Soviet space, is to maintain electrical supply in case of disconnection. As well as equalizing the voltage in the network, which “walks” in multi-story buildings due to heavy loads and weak electrical wiring. Naturally, two devices with different functionality will cost the buyer more than one universal equipment.

    The price of an uninterruptible power supply for a computer depends on only three factors:

    1. Manufacturing company. It is clear that the more famous the brand, the more expensive the device. However, well-known brands provide the user with excellent functionality. This supports remote control and works with all known operating systems.
    2. Uninterruptible power supply power. A device for an office PC with low power consumption will cost much less than a UPS for a gaming computer.
    3. Functionality. Number of connected devices, protection computer network, fine tuning response thresholds, etc.

    Greeted by clothes

    You should not choose an uninterruptible power supply for your computer based on its appearance. Never a nice color and beautiful view will not relieve problems associated with a fall or power outage. Yes, manufacturers always want to please the user, but often, in an effort to provide a competitively priced product on the market, they distract the buyer’s attention from functionality and reliability with flashy and unnecessary additions.

    First of all, the buyer's attention should be focused on power, functionality, warranty repair and service. Only after making sure that the UPS meets all the initial requirements can you begin to select appearance among the selected models. Many devices are equipped with information displays, all this is good, but it is worth noting that many people place a UPS for a computer under the table; naturally, the panel indication will be of little use in operation, and therefore there is no need to overpay for its presence.

    UPS functionality

    Each manufacturer tries to provide its device with additional features that will provide the user with ease of use. You can do without additional functions, but sometimes there are situations when during work you need to connect additional equipment or fine-tune.

    1. Possibility of connecting multiple devices. A UPS for a computer has two 220V outputs by default. One for the system unit, the second for the monitor. Sometimes there is a need to connect lighting, speakers, a router, but there are no free connectors. You can buy a power strip in the market that can be connected to a UPS and satisfy your needs.
    2. Opportunity remote connection. The UPS can be configured so that, through a special interface cable, they can correctly shut down the PC in the absence of power, in the absence of the user, which is quite convenient. Also remote control allows you to independently adjust response thresholds during voltage surges.
    3. Availability of a cooling system. The built-in transformer tends to heat up, and accumulated dust over the years can lead to overheating of the device.
    4. Battery calibration. The ability of the device to customize batteries allows you to buy Chinese fakes, which are an order of magnitude cheaper than the original ones.

    UPS power calculation

    The main mistake of users is that when buying a UPS for a computer, they do not understand how to choose a device so that the battery capacity is enough to operate for a long time without electricity. Sellers are happy to try their best, offering devices with maximum power, the price of which approaches the cost gasoline generator. This is the wrong approach. The main task is to purchase an inexpensive UPS that allows uninterrupted operation for a few minutes, which is enough to save important information and shut down the computer correctly.

    The main criterion is the power of the UPS. If you are not planning to upgrade your computer, data can be taken from the characteristics of the monitor and PC power supplies. For a reserve, you can add 10-20%. When purchasing, many users recommend using “Moore’s law”: adding up the current power consumption, the result is multiplied by two - for the future. A 220V uninterruptible power supply without exceeding power consumption will always provide the user with the opportunity to complete the work correctly and save.

    Strange power markings on the UPS

    Many users, when purchasing UPSs, are faced with incomprehensible markings on the devices. Unscrupulous sellers convince buyers that 600VA is nothing more than 600 W and is quite suitable for running a gaming computer. After all, the law of physics from the fifth grade textbook states that power is equal to the product of voltage and current. But the effective load factor is overlooked.

    Without going into the details of physics, every user needs to know that when purchasing any equipment, the figure marked VA must be multiplied by the effective load factor. For lighting and heating elements it is equal to unity. A rotating tool, such as a hammer drill, has a coefficient of 0.8. But the marking indicator for all electronics must be multiplied by 0.65. Accordingly, a PC UPS labeled 600 VA will have an effective power of 390 W. All bona fide IT equipment manufacturers indicate not only the effective load factor on their devices, but also provide complete information in the form of a sticker on the case, where the full and active power. It is also considered good practice to specify the nominal output voltage values ​​and input voltage ranges without switching to the battery.

    Cold start

    Judging by reviews from UPS owners, the “ Cold start", which allows you to turn on the equipment in the absence of power, transferring the entire load to charged batteries, is useless for PC operation. Who would be interested in running a PC for a couple of minutes? For some, the operating system takes much longer to load. But craftsmen have found a slightly inappropriate use for this function.

    Cold start will be useful for people who have frequent power outages. The weakest uninterruptible power supply for a computer allows you to charge phones and tablets repeatedly. By connecting a portable fluorescent lamp to the UPS, you can get illumination for more than one day. Even a small LCD TV will have enough power for several hours. True, many owners will have to sacrifice silence, because not all UPSs turn off the high-frequency speaker, which every 5 seconds loudly reminds that the device is running on battery power.

    Which brand should you prefer?

    There is a huge selection of UPS devices on the market. Each seller guarantees that by choosing any uninterruptible power supply for a computer, the user will receive the object of his desires with greater functionality and high performance. And how many UPSs, whose brand name you can’t pronounce the first time, are all capable of satisfying the user?

    If the buyer does not have a specific UPS model in mind, you should entrust your choice to a brand that has been on the market for decades. For a manufacturer who has his own website supporting hundreds of languages, service center in the regional city and the availability of " hotline» technical support services. It is impossible for a well-known brand of UPS to be produced for only one segment. A serious manufacturer will take care of all price niches, including the corporate segment. The names of these brands are APC, General Electric, LogicPower, Powercom and Sven. Even if the price of UPS from some well-known manufacturers is overpriced for a certain segment, but this is due to high quality product.

    Cheap segment

    The low-cost segment includes devices with low power up to 300 W, sufficient to operate office computers. The autonomous operation of the UPS declared by the manufacturers is about five minutes, which is quite enough to save documents and correctly shut down the work. Additional functions such as remote connection and cold start in the low-cost segment from well-known manufacturers are out of the question, but all those declared technical specifications UPS will be provided with interest.

    Sven is considered the best inexpensive option in this segment. The UPS of this manufacturer, unlike its competitors, charges batteries from scratch quite quickly. Even though this leads to wear on the batteries, the device will be useful for users who have frequent short-term power outages in the office or at home. This segment is also well represented by products from the well-known company General Electric, which provide users with great functionality, but the price of UPSs in the category of low-power devices is a little overpriced.

    Middle segment

    For most users who have multimedia or a gaming computer, this segment will be of interest. A UPS power of 300 to 600 W is enough to keep your computer running during a power outage for up to 15 minutes. This time is enough not only for the computer to shut down correctly. You don't have to worry about saving in your favorite game at a certain stage.

    In the middle segment in terms of price-quality, LogicPower UPSs have proven themselves well. With a slight difference in price, the manufacturer's range is impressive. From a discreet appearance to a device with an LCD panel and the ability to control settings directly on the UPS case. Powercom also offers its devices in this segment at affordable price. Devices of this brand boast additional connectors and a short circuit protection system.

    Luxury home equipment

    Not every home user can afford a device that consumes one kilowatt; therefore, an uninterruptible power supply with the same power is required. Although the UPS is very powerful, its cost remains affordable price category. So it may be useful for game and multimedia lovers. The device is capable of pulling long work not only the monitor and the system unit. Judging by the reviews of the owners, home theaters and stereo systems are connected to the UPS. It's quite interesting to watch a movie, play a game or listen to music while everyone else in the house is sitting without electricity.

    All well-known manufacturers paid special attention to the expensive segment. After all, the main direction of a UPS with a power of 1 kW is to ensure continuous operation of the network and server equipment entry level rather than long term job gaming computers. General Electric UPS offers a huge range in this segment.

    Server equipment

    UPS devices with a capacity of several kilowatts are intended for the corporate segment. They are very expensive not because they have larger batteries. UPS for servers have complex systems controls, built-in temperature sensors, have their own operating systems. Most server UPSs are designed for installation in server cabinet racks. Accordingly, their appearance and shape differ from the sizes that the user is used to seeing in the store.

    The Smart-UPS server uninterruptible power supply from APC has proven itself well all over the world. Over the course of several decades, the well-known American manufacturer has achieved worldwide fame for its unrivaled UPS quality. The main factor in APC products is fault tolerance, which is necessary in the operation of server equipment for large and small businesses. When watching feature films related to hackers or artificial intelligence, you can notice that among the huge number of servers that the director shows viewers in the frame, there is equipment with the APC logo.

    In conclusion

    Having received complete information about uninterruptible power supplies, the buyer will not have any difficulties in making the right choice of the device needed for the home. The main thing to remember is that a UPS is not purchased for one year. This is a long-term purchase, perhaps for decades. Therefore, it is important to buy decent equipment that will last a very long time. It is only important not to forget to replace the batteries every 5-7 years of use.

    Having surrounded himself with computers and gadgets, a person remains powerless in the face of a banal power outage. Let's imagine the situation. A worker in an office works tirelessly, typing page after page of text. There's just a little bit left, but... the power goes out and work is lost. How to protect yourself? After all, no one expects such a problem. In this case, a UPS for your computer will save you, as it will allow you to prolong the operation of your computer without mains voltage. A person has time to save the necessary information and turn off the device in the proper way. Today we will look at the characteristics of uninterruptible power supplies, analyze how to choose them correctly and what to pay special attention to.

    Read in the article:

    Why do you need an uninterruptible power supply for your computer?

    Besides saving necessary information In the event of a power outage, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ensures correct closure of running programs. After all, improper shutdown of the PC leads to failures in software, which requires reinstallation. This is an unpleasant matter for the user. Some information is lost, not to mention the waste of time and money on paying a computer technician.

    A battery is installed inside the UPS case, supplying 220 V to the PC after turning off the power to the unit itself, for another 5-15 minutes. This is enough to complete the actions that are necessary. The battery life depends on the power of the installed batteries.


    Good to know! An uninterruptible power supply for a computer is needed not only for frequent outages and power failures. It eliminates power surges, extending the life of your personal desktop computer. In laptops, the charger plays the role of protection, and backup power battery supplies.

    UPS for a computer: main types

    Uninterruptible power supplies for the home differ both in technical characteristics and cost, as well as in operating principles. There are three types:

    • backup source, or Back-UPS;
    • line-interactive – Smart-UPS;
    • Double conversion UPS – On-Line.

    The choice of a particular device will depend on the equipment that is connected to it. Let's look at the types in more detail.


    Backup uninterruptible power supply: advantages and disadvantages

    Inexpensive devices that switch power from the mains to batteries in the event of a low or blackout in the mains voltage. The speed is 10 milliseconds, which is enough for the smooth operation of the computer. The most popular due to their low cost, high coefficient of performance (efficiency) and silent operation. However, there are also disadvantages. The durability of such devices is lower than that of other types, and batteries for UPSs are not cheap.

    When purchasing such equipment, it makes sense to include a reserve of 20-30% in the nominal power.


    Features of linear interactive equipment

    Here a voltage stabilizer is included in the circuit. Due to this, the cost of the equipment increases, however, switching to battery power occurs only in the event complete shutdown voltage, which saves resources batteries. If the previous type is designed for 5-15 minutes battery life, then the linear-interactive is capable of providing uninterrupted power to the computer for up to 20 minutes.

    Among the disadvantages, we note the noise generated by the stabilizer cooling fan during operation.


    Double conversion uninterruptible power supplies

    Complex and expensive devices that convert mains current into direct current and then back into alternating current. As a result, the output is a smooth alternating current with a sinusoid close to ideal parameters. The batteries are constantly connected, which reduces the response time to zero.

    But such equipment also has enough disadvantages - these are high level noise, low efficiency and increased heat generation. There is no need to talk about the cost - it is higher than that of previous types. However, in some industries it is impossible to do without such equipment. We are talking about connecting high-precision equipment that does not allow power interruptions even for 1 millisecond.


    Technical parameters of uninterruptible power supplies

    When choosing a UPS for your home, you need to pay special attention to the technical characteristics of the device. Among them we highlight:

    1. Rated power of the device.
    2. Battery life.
    3. Number of connectors for connected equipment.
    4. PC communication software.
    5. Controls.

    All parameters must be selected in optimal relation to the connected equipment. This will save you from purchasing a device with insufficient characteristics or overpaying for excess ones.


    Rated power of the uninterruptible power supply

    The power of uninterruptible power supplies is indicated in volt-amperes (VA). This means you need to convert this figure into the usual watts. It's not difficult: 1000 VA = 0.7 kW. We get, with a UPS power of 1 VA, the maximum permissible load will be 700 W. However, do not forget about the need for a reserve, which is 20-30% of the total power consumption. Let's make approximate calculations. The average consumption of a modern computer is 200 W, a laser printer is 10-20 W, but an inkjet printer is 150 W. We take the maximum, getting 350 W. Perhaps they will be connected additional devices– that’s another 150 W. As a result, 500/0.7 + 30% = 929 VA. This will be the required UPS power. But it is worth mentioning that experts do not recommend connecting a printer (especially an inkjet) to such equipment. But this is not necessary for the printer.


    UPS battery life

    This parameter plays a major role. But do not forget that the higher the battery life, the heavier and larger the devices will be. The operating time during a power outage depends on the power consumption of the connected equipment. This means that the more powerful the UPS (for the same consumer), the longer the battery life.

    It makes sense to think about whether it is worth purchasing a powerful uninterruptible power supply device for the home with high-capacity batteries if, to save necessary information Is 5-7 minutes enough? Why overpay for unnecessary technical features?


    What number of connectors is considered optimal?

    There are 2 types of connectors on the case of the uninterruptible power supply for the home in case of a power outage. One is provided with uninterruptible power supply, and the second is powered directly from the network. There may be 2 or more connectors of both types.

    It is worth selecting equipment taking into account the connected equipment. If you plan to connect 2 system units, 2 monitors and a couple of peripheral devices, then you should choose a UPS equipped with 4 connectors of each type.


    Software: what is it for in a UPS

    Uninterruptible power supply devices for a private home may have the function feedback with a computer. This requires software that is installed by the manufacturer. In this case, the UPS comes with a driver disk for the PC. Such models are located in a high price category. The device transmits to the computer data about the battery charge, equipment status, network voltage, and also notifies the user about switching to autonomous power mode. You can configure the UPS parameters from your PC.

    Useful information! If a similar model was purchased secondhand and the disk is missing, the necessary drivers can be downloaded via the Internet on the official website of the manufacturer.


    Display and controls

    The UPS for PC is controlled using buttons on the front panel or via a computer. Modern uninterruptible power supplies are equipped with indicators that indicate the moment of switching to offline mode or the need to replace the battery. It is also possible to equip it with liquid crystal displays, which display data on the network status, load on the device, mode switching or battery status.

    Well-known manufacturers of such equipment

    There is plenty of such equipment on the Russian shelves of manufacturers. But there are brands that are more popular than others. Among them we can highlight:

    • P-Com;
    • Inelt;
    • Ippon;
    • Powercom.

    Each company has its own advantages and disadvantages, but in general the quality of the equipment is high for all brands. This means that you need to consider not the brand itself, but the products that it produces. Today we will rank the best models from the lines of these manufacturers, but first we’ll talk about the rules for choosing uninterruptible power supply devices.


    Smart decision The question of how to choose an uninterruptible power supply for a computer begins with calculating the power of the PC, but it is worth considering other issues - the type of connection, voltage range and battery life. Additional features are just as important, but they are secondary and depend on financial capabilities.

    Important! Before choosing an uninterruptible power supply, you should understand what requirements it has. After all, a new generation PC UPS will not be able to work with older models, whose power consumption is much higher.


    How to choose a UPS for a computer based on power

    To begin with, we determine the total power consumption of all equipment planned for connection. Only equipment powered from connectors provided with uninterruptible power supply is taken into account. The power of peripheral devices is not important, but you need to know their number to count connectors. Afterwards we calculate the minimum required power uninterruptible power supply in VA (how to do this was discussed above).

    Selecting a UPS by connection type

    There can be two options here - standard and modular. If possible, the modular type will be optimal - it eliminates the N number of unconnected wires that get confused and interfere with the user. In the modular version, only the required wires are connected to the block, the free ones are disconnected and put aside.


    Input voltage range: what does it affect?

    The input voltage range is the range between the upper and lower, indicating the ability of the UPS to withstand overloads. The optimal choice would be the device with the highest upper limit. This will allow you not to be afraid of sudden voltage surges.

    Expert opinion

    ES, EM, EO design engineer (power supply, electrical equipment, interior lighting) ASP North-West LLC

    Ask a specialist

    “You should not rely on the fact that the voltage in your apartment or house is always at the same level and there are no surges. Given the quality of work of Russian energy sales companies, anything can happen, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to prove their guilt later.”


    Related article:

    In this publication we will consider: which one is better to choose and what to pay special attention to, we will consider popular models and their technical characteristics.

    Select by battery life and additional features

    The battery life, as already mentioned, is quite sufficient even for cheap models. But it happens that the computer works very slowly. This occurs if you are using an old PC or if there are viruses in the software. In this case, the time it takes for programs to close may increase. This means you need to either change your PC, or buy an uninterruptible power supply for your home with an increased battery life - 15-20 minutes (if there is a virus, you can reinstall the system - it will cost less).

    UPS for a computer: rating of the best models of 2017-2018

    Buying a good uninterruptible power supply is not difficult. The main thing is to follow the rules presented above. And to simplify the choice, we will present several of the best, in our opinion, models, simultaneously considering the technical characteristics. Perhaps this will help the reader.

    5th place – P-ComPC 500

    This uninterruptible power supply can work not only with a computer, but also with a gas boiler. Switching speed is 5 milliseconds, weight is 6.5 kg. In general, the device does not cause any complaints. The only let down is the cost - 7,300 rubles, in the absence of batteries. Here they are external and purchased separately. Has a built-in stabilizer. The power transformer is plate-type, W-shaped.


    4th place – Inelt One Station 600

    The UPS manufactured in Taiwan is equipped with three uninterruptible power outlets with a power of 600 VA. The manufacturer promises battery life from 3 to 30 minutes, depending on the load. The device has proven itself well, it is compact and light weight.

    Cost per Russian market– 3,500 rub.


    3rd place – Powercom WOW 300

    Compact UPS, equipped with three full-fledged sockets (2 – uninterrupted supply, 1 – direct from the network). The device weighs less than 2 kg, which allows it to be placed in any convenient place. The power is small - only 300 VA, but for a modern computer this is quite enough. Voltage range from 165 to 275 V. Built-in indication informing about switching power to the battery, overload, malfunction and depletion of charge.

    Overall, a worthy device, captivating with its compactness. The disadvantage is the low power, but this is only relevant for “advanced gamers” with a computer high power. The cost of the equipment is 2,300 rubles.


    2nd place – APC Back-UPS Pro BX650 LI-GR

    According to the manufacturer, APC Back-UPS Pro BX650LI-GR is an ideal device to ensure PC functionality during power supply problems. The battery is fully charged in 4 hours and provides a power of 650 VA. Accelerated performance - 6 milliseconds. It is possible to connect two devices (monitor, system unit).

    Input voltage range from 170 to 280 V, output voltage – 230 V. Warranty period operation, subject to conditions, 24 months. Cost – 3,300 rubles.


    1st place – IPPON Back Basic 650 Euro

    This model is suitable for both home and office use. The manufacturer guarantees the operation of the device for at least 24 months. As for the equipment, we note the presence of two bypass sockets with filters, protection against short circuits, overload and deep discharge of batteries. The battery life is 20 minutes, which is quite a lot. The weight of the device is small, 4.35 kg, which allows you to install it on a shelf. The UPS type is line-interactive, the input voltage range is from 162 to 285 V, and the battery full charging time is 6 hours.

    The cost of IPPON Back Basic 650 Euro is 2,500 rubles.


    Where to buy a UPS for a computer and what are the prices for such equipment

    You can purchase an uninterruptible power supply both in a regular store and from online sellers. Let's consider the cost of devices in low and high price categories:

    Make and modelPower, VANumber of battery connectorsAverage price, rub.

    APC Back-UPS 650VA BX650LI-GR
    650 180-270 2 3600

    Ippon Back Comfo Pro 600 New
    600 162-268 1 4400

    Defender AVR Real 1500i
    1000 150-280 2 3300

    CyberPower Value 400E
    400 175-285 2 3500

    And now the prices for a UPS for a premium computer.

    Make and modelPower, VAInput voltage range, VNumber of battery connectorsAverage price, rub.

    IPPON Innova RT 6000
    6000 120-276 4 142000

    APC Smart-UPS SRT SRT 3000 RMXLI
    3000 160-275 8 160000

    POWERCOM Vanguard RM VRT-6000 w/o Bat
    6000 170-240 4 78000

    APC Smart-UPS SMT1500RMI1U
    1500 160-275 4 65000

    In conclusion

    When purchasing equipment such as an uninterruptible power supply, you should carefully consider the necessary functions, power and technical characteristics of the device that is required. Don’t be shy to ask the seller about anything that is not clear from the documentation for the device. Find out how the warranty is issued and for how long. On similar devices it is 18-24 months. Only by making the right, balanced and informed choice can you count on full protection home computer.


    We hope that the information we presented today was useful to you. Questions on the topic can be asked in the discussion below. Our specialists will answer them as soon as possible. Write, ask, communicate, share your opinion and experience.

    And finally, by tradition, a useful video on the topic of today’s article.

    Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are used to ensure the operation of electrical equipment in the absence of power supply, as well as to protect against power surges. This article will tell you how to rationally choose a UPS, what to focus on, and how to avoid making common mistakes.

    Type

    Uninterruptible power supplies are divided into three categories: backup (offline / standby), interactive (line-interactive) and double conversion (online / double-conversion).

    The simplest type is reserve. If there is voltage in the network, the UPS supplies the output with power from the network itself, passed through the built-in passive filters. In the absence of voltage or when its values ​​​​go beyond the established limits, the UPS switches power to the load to its own batteries. When voltage is restored, the UPS goes into basic mode, recharging the batteries.

    The main advantage of such UPSs is their low price. The main disadvantage is the relatively big time switching to battery power (4 – 15 ms), which can be significant for some devices. However, computers that have a protection mechanism against microvoltage surges can be connected to backup UPSs.

    The interactive type differs from the backup type by the presence of a step voltage stabilizer, which allows you to maintain a fairly stable output voltage even with significant deviations in the input voltage, without switching to using batteries. This scheme extends the service life of the batteries and gives a slightly shorter switching time to batteries.

    Interactive type UPSs are suitable for both computers and most consumer electronics, but for devices with asynchronous motors(washing machines, refrigerators) they are not suitable.

    Double conversion UPSs are used to power sensitive, expensive equipment with high requirements for power quality and reliability - servers, workstations, active network equipment etc. Receiving food at the entrance AC, the UPS converts it into direct current, and at the output again produces alternating, “purified” current with a voltage of exactly 220 V. At the same time UPS batteries permanently connected to the circuit and if there is no voltage at the input, no switching occurs.

    Such UPSs are significantly more expensive than others, and they also heat up more and are noisier. They should be placed in premises not intended for permanent occupancy of people. Double conversion UPSs can be used to power appliances with asynchronous electric motors such as refrigeration or heating systems.

    Output power

    The key parameter when selecting a UPS is its output power, which is indicated in volt-amperes (VA) or watts (W). It must correspond to the power consumption of the load, so before purchasing a UPS you need to determine the total power of the protected devices. As a rule, the load device passport (or the device description on the manufacturer’s website) indicates the maximum power consumption of the device during normal operation, expressed in watts. If you plan to connect several devices to one UPS, then you need to sum up the power consumption of each of them.

    To avoid common mistakes, you need to consider the following factors.

    The output power of a UPS indicated by manufacturers in volt-amperes (VA) often does not coincide with the power of the same device in watts (W). Therefore, if the load power is given in watts, when choosing a UPS you should pay attention to the UPS power in watts, not volt-amperes, and vice versa. If you make a mistake and purchase a UPS with insufficient output power, you will not be able to power the load, and your money will be wasted.
    Some devices with electric motors (refrigerators or laser printers) have so-called “starting (starting) currents”. When switched on, they consume much more current than during normal operation. The UPS may not be able to provide such current, although it will have sufficient output power to ensure normal operation of the device. In such cases, it is necessary to select a UPS with an output power that can handle the peak load. Information on maximum “starting currents” should be found in device data sheets, accompanying instructions and on manufacturers’ websites.

    Opening hours

    Battery life UPS operation under load is different key parameter, which should be taken into account when choosing. How long a connected device can operate without mains power depends on the capacity of the batteries. In order not to overpay for unnecessary capacity, when choosing a device you need to approach the issue of battery life as rationally as possible. Manufacturers indicate battery life calculated when the UPS is operating under full load. So, if a UPS has an output power of 400 W and a battery life at full load of 3 minutes, and the load is a computer with a monitor with a total power of 300 W, then real time The battery life of the devices will be slightly longer (it should be taken into account that the battery life depends on the load power non-linearly, so direct proportions should not be drawn up). Some manufacturers on their websites post graphs of UPS battery life depending on the load or post values ​​for several control points - information can be gleaned from there.

    If a UPS is needed to save work documents on the computer in the event of a power outage, then a few minutes of operation will be enough to shut down the computer correctly. If, on the contrary, the task is to ensure the longest possible battery life, you should choose a UPS with the ability to connect backup batteries in a separate housing and, accordingly, purchase another set of batteries.

    In situations where the UPS is used to protect devices that require continuous operation(for example, key IT equipment, refrigeration units, air conditioning equipment), and it is not possible to turn off the power to the devices, perform maintenance and replace the battery set that has lost its life, you should choose a UPS with the ability to “hot-swappable” batteries, that is, replace the battery set without turning off the UPS from network and de-energizing the connected load.

    Convert the 220 V network voltage to the required values, prolong the performance of your computer and ensure data safety– main tasks. Protection against power surges, from sudden outages and the ability to use a backup source are very important for normal functioning all components of the device.

    Buying an uninterruptible power supply for a computer means save on and not worry about premature failure of your device.

    Our networks do not always provide the declared voltage of 220 V, even if emergency situations are rare, stabilizing the network current to normal values ​​is only possible with the help of an uninterruptible power supply. Among the variety of UPS offered, it is easy to get confused. How to choose the right UPS?

    What are there

    All produced blocks can be divided into three types:

    • Reserve. USP low power. The main function is to switch to battery power during network failures and vice versa when the voltage normalizes;
    • Interactive. They are most often used for home and office computers. The device has a stabilizer that produces a sinusoidal voltage at the output;
    • Online power supplies. During their operation, double voltage conversion occurs. The input alternating current is converted to direct current, and the inverse converter converts it back to alternating current. Used when operating large DNS servers and stations.

    In the middle and high power There is a special device for connecting input and output directly without using backup power, which is called bypass. During overloads, power from the inverter is sent to the bypass, which saves current consumption.

    Proper block selection includes selection by power, type and purpose of use.

    Before purchasing, you should make some calculations. For coordinated operation of the entire system, it is necessary to correctly select a power unit that matches the parameters of your devices. The general principle of calculation is that the total power of all computer devices should not exceed the power of the UPS. The capabilities of a power supply depend on its output power, which is measured in volt-amperes and is calculated by multiplying the voltage by the current.

    When independently calculating the required power, do not forget that. The power of the computer and connected devices is indicated in Watts, and the power of the unit in VA. Adjust required indicator, given that 1 Watt is equal to approximately 1.45 Volt-Amps.

    When finalizing, it’s a good idea to add a reserve 10-20% of UPS power to guaranteed to protect your equipment. The safety of using an ordinary home computer with a 17-inch monitor can be ensured by a unit with a power of 400 VA or more.

    Hello Friends! In this article we will figure out how to choose? The name speaks for itself. The main task of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS or UPS) is to ensure a stable supply of power to the devices connected to it. In our case, this is a home desktop computer. This is of no use to a laptop or other mobile devices. They have a built-in battery that supplies power during power failures. Why do you still need an uninterruptible power supply for your computer? First of all, so that you do not lose information that you worked on and perhaps did not save. Secondly, to protect against damage to your computer due to unstable power supply. In this article you will learn how to choose a UPS for your computer.

    Uninterruptible power supply - Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS. A device whose main task is to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the equipment connected to it.

    There are currently three types of UPS:

    • Spare
    • Linear interactive
    • On-Line

    Backup UPS or Back-UPS

    It can also be called Off-Line or Standby. The easiest to make. Thanks to this it is the cheapest. Consists of a battery, charger its power supply, inverter and relay.

    Battery. The source of energy from which power is supplied during power failures. Typically has parameters of 12 V and from 7 Ah to 9 Ah

    The higher the Ah, the more powerful the battery and therefore the longer it can keep your computer on.

    The charger is located inside the uninterruptible power supply. Serves to maintain the battery in combat readiness.

    Inverter. Converts constant voltage 12V from battery to 220V AC. Works when powered by battery.

    Relay. A switch responsible for quickly switching from AC power to battery power and back.

    One of the most popular backup uninterruptible power supplies is the APC Back-UPS ES 525. It has four standard sockets for connecting devices. Three of them are connected via a battery and one directly.

    It is convenient because it does not require the purchase of special cords to power the computer. The battery in this model is easy to remove and install. The main thing is not to confuse the color. Otherwise you will have to disassemble and solder. It takes a long time to solder)

    Uninterruptible power supplies in this category are characterized by the switching time from the AC mains to the battery. Measured in milliseconds ms. Less is better.

    Line-interactive uninterruptible power supply or Smart-UPS

    Can also be called Line-Interactive. It is built on the basis of a backup UPS and additionally includes a step voltage stabilizer. Thanks to which it can equalize the supply voltage up to 220V without switching to a battery. This addition allows operation over a wider range of input voltages

    Typically, Smart-UPS are designed for high power and, due to the presence of a stabilizer, are much ahead in cost.

    These models come with active system cooling. It doesn't work all the time. It is naturally noisy during operation. Comes with two batteries.

    These smart uninterruptible power supplies for computers have reduced switching times compared to backup UPSs. This allows them to be used for servers and other equipment sensitive to changes. In the figure below you see the APC Smart-UPS 1500 in a rack mount version

    They are equipped with exactly the same 12 V 7 Ah batteries as four backup power supplies. In the figure below you see another representative of “smart” UPS with a power of 2200 VA.

    It is rack mounted and most likely requires eight batteries to perform its functions.

    Uninterruptible power supply On-Line or double conversion

    In these uninterruptible power supplies, the input alternating voltage first converted to constant, then to variable and supplied to the output. This wastes energy. Therefore, these UPS have low efficiency (about 85% - 95%). Some companies seem to have managed to increase efficiency to 99%, but this is not verified information

    Thanks to this scheme, there is no switching relay, therefore the delay when supplying power from the battery is zero. She's gone. This determines the scope of application of on-line UPS to provide equipment critical to the parameters of the incoming power. These uninterruptible power supplies regulate not only the voltage (like Smart-UPS), but also the frequency, thereby always supplying high-quality power.

    The complexity of the circuit makes these UPSs leaders in pricing.

    Calculation of required power

    Uninterruptible power supplies are characterized by a Volt-Ampere (VA) characteristic. For example, APC Back-UPS ES 700, as the model name implies, 700 VA. The computer consumes energy in Watts, W. To convert VA to W, you need to multiply VA by a factor equal to 0.7

    W = VA x 0.7

    Using our APC Back-UPS ES 700 as an example

    700 x 0.7 = 490 W

    Therefore, we can connect a maximum load of 490 W to this uninterruptible power supply. At maximum load Naturally, UPS will hold very little. Therefore, it is recommended to load the UPS by 50 - 70%. Total from 250 W - 340 W. The less you apply the load to uninterruptible power supply, the longer your computer can stay on.

    A logical question arises. How to calculate load power? If everything is clear with the monitor, you can look at the specifications on the manufacturer’s website or on the website in the online store. What about the power of the system unit?

    Approximate calculation of the power of the system unit

    70+50+10+150 = 280

    That's not all. It is necessary to take into account the efficiency of the power supply. You can read more information about them and how to choose in the article Computer power supply. The efficiency of the power supply is determined by whether it belongs to the standard.

    For example, we have a modern power supply of the 80 PLUS GOLD standard with efficiency = 90%.

    It turns out that the system unit as a whole consumes 308 W.

    You must add the monitor consumption to the resulting value. Approximately 30-50 W. Let's take 40 W for example.

    The resulting computer power of 308 + 40 = 350 W almost fits into the recommended range of the APC Back-UPS ES 700. This is 250 - 340 W.

    This was a difficult calculation. There is a much simpler option. You count the total consumption of your computer and multiply this value by two.

    In our case

    Based on the obtained value, we select an uninterruptible power supply for the computer with equal or greater current-voltage characteristic. In our case, this is 700 VA or more.

    1. Choose uninterruptible power supply for computer with maximum guarantee. Typically this is a one year warranty, but you can find two.

    2. Choose from a store whose service center is located in your city

    3. Decide whether you need to control the uninterruptible power supply via USB. What advantages does this provide? If your computer is turned on when you are not at home and the power goes out, then a UPS with a connection to the computer will be able to send the latter to sleep or turn off the system. An uninterruptible power supply without communication with the computer will keep it going as long as it can and turn off the power. If the computer does not work without you, then you can choose without a connection. It will be cheaper.

    4. Whenever possible, choose branded products. By branded we mean a large American or European organization. For example APC or Mustek

    5. Pay attention to the connectors for connecting devices to the uninterruptible power supply. There are sockets, both a regular Euro-socket and special computer ones (you can see the Smart-UPS 1500 in the picture above). Consider connecting the UPS to your computer and more.

    Conclusion

    In the article How to choose uninterruptible power supply for computer the task was to leave as few dark spots as possible in the section UPS selection. Let's summarize. For a home computer, a backup UPS is an excellent choice. If you often experience voltage drops, and for a long time, then it is better to take a closer look at “smart” uninterruptible power supplies - Smart-UPS. They are able to equalize the voltage, thereby reducing transitions to battery power to a minimum. Think about whether you need a connection between your computer and the UPS? Decide on the type and number of outlets. And most importantly, choose uninterruptible power supply for computer with power reserve. And one more thing. If you use an external hard drive that is powered by a 220V network, then it is also better to connect it to a UPS during operation.

    A video in which I will tell you about the UPS management program from APC Powerchute

    Basic video about choosing an uninterruptible power supply for a computer

    I will be happy to answer any questions, comments and additions in the comments. Share your scheme for choosing an uninterruptible power supply.
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