In today’s fast-paced and ever-connected world, the power grid can be unpredictable and inevitably, power disruptions can be costly. Whether you’re running a small business, managing critical medical equipment, or maintaining large-scale industrial operations, having an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is essential. In this hints and tips article, we provide you with a small guide, that explains in 9 easy steps, how to choose the right UPS.
Schneider Electric has been a leader in providing energy management and automation solutions, and their line of APC SMART-UPS systems stand out, offering unmatched reliability, efficiency, and scalability. With their robust technology and customisable options, APC UPS systems ensure your critical equipment stays protected from unexpected power failures.
The questions you need to answer before selecting a UPS
To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to ask the right questions before investing in a single-phase or three-phase UPS unit.
- What critical systems or equipment do you currently have in place that requires protection from power disruptions or outages?
- Next, look at the loads the UPS is intended to protect. What is the total power draw in kW of the connected equipment that needs UPS protection?
- How will you be powering the UPS – Is it a single or a three-phase power feed? Generally, loads of 20kVA or less can safely use a single-phase UPS. Larger loads will likely need a 3-phase UPS.
- If it’s determined that a 3-phase UPS is required, the next question is whether to use a 3/1 configuration or 3/3. A 3/1 UPS takes in 3-phase power but puts out power as single phase, while a 3/3 takes in 3-phase power and likewise delivers 3-phase to the downstream loads.*
- What is the runtime requirement for the equipment? Is there a backup generator on site, or will the UPS be expected to power the load by itself? If so, for how long?
- Are there any expansion plans or changes in your IT infrastructure that may impact your UPS requirements in the near future? While calculating the estimated capacity and load, customers need to think about the future growth of their power needs.
- Will you need a rack-mounted or floor standing UPS?
- What level of remote monitoring and management capabilities are you seeking for your UPS system?
- Will an installation service be needed?
* The answer will largely be dictated by the downstream loads the UPS is protecting. IT equipment such as servers typically use single-phase power while medical equipment such as MRI machines or large factory floor machines may use 3-phase power. Although, some customers prefer the 3/1 configuration because it keeps things simpler by obviating the need for load balancing, which is required with the 3/3 configuration. Installation Service needed?
Does choosing the right UPS still sound too tricky? APC Authorised Solution Providers, BPX and Ranger Computer Systems’ have a specialist team that are here to help. Together with APC, we offer a range of advanced UPS solutions designed to keep your systems running smoothly, no matter what the circumstance.
Investing in an APC SMART-UPS today means safeguarding your equipment for tomorrow. Ready to keep your business running smoothly, no matter what? Get in contact to discover the power of APC UPS solutions today!
Please feel free to submit our contact form below or call our resident APC UPS Specialist Michelle, who will be happy to help you choose the right UPS for your application, on 0116 2999 299.
