According to recent studies, power outages cost U.S. businesses an estimated $150 billion annually in lost productivity and equipment damage. Whether you’re managing a small office or a large data center, an unexpected power disruption can wreak havoc on your operations.

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is essential to protect your equipment and ensure business continuity during these critical moments. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?

Essential Features Checklist for Your Next UPS

To help you make a well-informed investment, here’s a comprehensive checklist of essential features to look for in your next UPS.

1. Power Capacity (VA Rating)

The power capacity of a UPS is one of the most critical factors in your decision. The capacity is measured in Volt-Amps (VA) and determines how much load the UPS can handle and for how long. You’ll need to calculate the total power requirements of all the devices you plan to connect to the UPS.

• How to calculate: Add up the wattage of all your equipment (typically listed on the power supply label). Multiply the wattage by 1.2 to get a rough estimate of the VA needed, as UPS units are rated in VA.
• Consider future growth: Choose a UPS that offers some room for expansion in case you add more devices later.

2. Battery Runtime

The battery runtime refers to how long the UPS can supply power to your equipment during an outage. It’s important to assess how much time you’ll need to either safely shut down equipment or continue operations until the power is restored.

• Runtime duration: UPS systems can vary greatly in runtime—from a few minutes to several hours. For example, if you’re using a UPS for servers or critical business systems, you might need at least 20–30 minutes to ensure everything can be shut down correctly or for generators to kick in.
• Modular battery options: Some higher-end UPS systems offer modular battery units that allow for extended runtimes by adding additional battery packs as needed.

3. Type of UPS: Standby, Line-Interactive, or Online

There are three main types of UPS systems, each offering different levels of protection:

• Standby UPS: This is the most basic type, where the UPS kicks in when it detects a power failure or significant voltage fluctuation. Best suited for home use or non-critical applications.
• Line-Interactive UPS: Offers more robust protection against voltage spikes and minor fluctuations, as it regulates the voltage by boosting or lowering the incoming voltage without switching to battery mode. Ideal for small businesses and networking equipment.
• Online (Double Conversion) UPS: This type provides continuous, clean power by converting incoming AC power to DC and then back to AC. This ensures zero transfer time in the event of a power loss. Online UPS is the best option for mission-critical systems like data centers, hospitals, and large enterprises.

4. Surge Protection and Voltage Regulation

Beyond just providing backup power, a UPS should also protect your equipment from power surges, voltage spikes, and other electrical abnormalities.

• Surge protection: Look for a UPS with surge suppression to guard against damaging power surges. This feature is especially crucial if your area is prone to frequent lightning strikes or power line issues.
• Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): AVR stabilizes voltage levels automatically by either boosting or trimming the voltage as needed. This helps protect sensitive equipment from gradual wear and tear caused by voltage fluctuations.

5. Form Factor and Size

UPS units come in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to choose one that fits within your workspace while accommodating your power needs.

• Rack-mounted vs. tower models: Rack-mounted units are ideal for server rooms and data centers, while tower models are better suited for smaller offices or home environments.
• Physical footprint: Consider where you will place the UPS and whether it offers sufficient ventilation and space for expansion, especially if it’s a modular unit.

Conclusion

Investing in the right UPS is crucial for protecting your valuable equipment from unexpected power disruptions, surges, and fluctuations. By carefully evaluating the features outlined in this checklist—such as power capacity, battery runtime, and surge protection—you’ll be able to select a UPS that meets your needs, both now and in the future.

To find the best UPS solutions for your home or business, contact the experts at Lorbel today. Reach out to us here to discuss your specific requirements and get personalized advice on the best options available for your needs.