Power protection: How to choose the right UPS

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In the age of electronic products and computerization, keeping electronic systems up and running is a critical part of business. Despite advances in the capabilities of modern personal computers, a momentary power outage is still all it takes to lose your data. More dangerous is the loss of previously written files, or even an entire hard disk, which can occur should a power problem strike while your computer is saving a file.

Power disturbances occur in many forms: surges, spikes, brownouts, and blackouts. These power abnormalities can cause premature failure of delicate internal components, lost data, and even catastrophic damage to hardware.

A surge is a short-term increase in voltage, typically lasting at least 1/120 of a second. Sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, are designed to receive power within a certain voltage range. Anything outside of the expected peak levels will stress delicate components and cause premature failure.

A spike is an instantaneous increase in voltage typically caused by a nearby lightning strike or the result of utility power coming back on-line after being out due to a storm. A spike can enter electronic equipment and damage or completely destroy components.

A brownout, also known as a sag, is a short-term decrease in voltage levels. A sag can "starve" a computer of the power it needs to function, causing frozen keyboards and unexpected system crashes resulting in the loss or corruption of data. 

A blackout is a total loss of utility power. Blackouts can result in loss of current work in RAM or cache and possible loss of data stored on the hard drive.

The most basic protection begins with combating surges and spikes. Typically, surge suppressors are used on critical equipment such as faxes, copiers, printers, and other sensitive electronic devices. When looking for a surge suppressor for equipment, make sure to check the let-through voltage. The lower the let-through voltage, the better the equipment will be protected against devastating surges and spikes. Also, look for a unit that includes a fast acting fuse that reacts quickly to lightning and other catastrophic events, thus blocking errant power from reaching the equipment.

Taking power protection to the next level involves purchasing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS is a battery back-up that keeps a system up and running in the event of a brownout, blackout, or overvoltage. Choosing a UPS is easily done by calculating the total volt-amps (VA) consumed and adding the VA consumption of each piece of equipment being plugged into the UPS. After sizing the system, choose a UPS with equal or greater VA depending on the length of runtime needed for your application. Most UPS vendors offer sizing guides on their individual websites to aid in sizing a UPS.

There are important features to consider before purchasing a UPS. Look for a renewable UPS system. With normal use, the UPS battery will last three to six years. For most UPSs, this means sending the unit to the factory for service or sometimes the complete loss of an investment. A renewable UPS system allows replacement of the battery without even unplugging the unit for a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole UPS. Also, make sure to purchase a UPS with enough outlets to protect the entire system-which includes peripherals. Make sure the UPS choose has enough outlets to protect not just the computer and monitor, but all of the peripherals as well. Power surges can travel into a computer on AC, telephone, network, serial lines, or any connection to an unprotected peripheral. Choose a UPS that has enough outlets and ports to protect your entire system.

When purchasing a UPS, also look for a unit with low let-through surge protection and a lifetime protection and guarantee against damage, including surge damage caused by lightning. Make sure to choose a vendor that guarantees all of the connected equipment. Some vendors offer to repair or replace equipment damaged by a surge, but do not specifically state that the guarantee includes damage from lightening strikes. When evaluating surge protection, remember that if the specification does not mention letthrough voltage, it is not good enough to protect the system.

Finally, look for a vendor that offers automatic file saving software that automatically saves vital data and closes applications in the event of a power outage. Software should notify the network administrator and users that the network is experiencing power problems and instruct them to save their files before graceful shutdown occurs.

Some additional features to look for include a site wiring fault indicator. This alerts users to potential wiring problems on the site such as poor ground or reversed polarity. The user should also consider front panel indicators such as a low battery indicator, a replace battery indicator and a load meter which tells how much of the UPS's capacity is being used with any Riven load.

If the above features are considered before purchasing power protection for your equipment, users should rest easier when lightning strikes or a telephone utility goes down. Computer equipment is the backbone of most businesses, and the information stored on them should not be taken lightly. So, for maximum protection, consider the diverse features and options available before purchasing a UPS or other power protection equipment.