UPS POWER SUPPLY: UK SUPPLIERS

Essentially, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device which is designed to protect against a loss of power which could disrupt or damage an electrical system. UPS systems act as a backup battery and will ensure that mission critical systems are safeguarded against costly damage, both in terms of equipment failure and downtime.

Electrical supplies can be affected by four main problems, all of which can be protected against by the correct UPS system:

• Power surges are sudden increases in power flowing through a device; often caused by lightning strikes, for example. A power surge is followed by a drop and it is this fall in power which causes the damage.
• A power outage is a complete disruption of power caused by a number of different reasons. Whatever the cause, the results can be extremely damaging; leading to a loss of data and system downtime.
• Over-voltage  is what happens when the amount of power supplied is more than the amount of power required. An over-voltage can result in damage and overheating but unlike a power surge, this increased power supply is over a sustained period.
• Under-voltage, sometimes referred to as a ‘brown-out’, is what happens when the amount of power supplied is less than required. An under-voltage can happen for a number of different reasons including a problem with the grid or a sudden demand in power from other areas. The resulting lack of power flow results in damage and a loss of active data.

UPS systems are designed to provide a constant flow of power, providing the capability to prevent or handle the above problems if they arise. A UPS system will ensure the flow of power is moderated, whilst stepping in with charged batteries when there is complete disruption.