When choosing a UPS power supply that suits oneself, multiple factors need to be considered, and the following are some key points:
1. Load power
Firstly, it is necessary to determine the total power of the equipment that needs to be protected. Add up the power of all devices to be connected to UPS, including computers, servers, monitors, routers, etc. To ensure stable power supply of UPS, the rated power of UPS should be greater than the total power of the equipment. It is generally recommended that the rated power of UPS be 1.2-1.5 times the load power. For example, if the total power of the device is 1000W, then choosing a 1200-1500W UPS is more suitable.
2. Backup time
Determine the time when UPS needs to provide power after a power outage based on actual needs. If you only want enough time to save data and shut down normally, a backup time of 10-30 minutes is generally sufficient. If you need to maintain equipment operation in the event of long-term power outages, such as in areas with frequent power outages or places with high requirements for continuous power supply, a longer backup time may be needed, possibly several hours or even days. The backup time is related to the battery capacity and load size of the UPS. The larger the battery capacity and the smaller the load, the longer the backup time.
3. Power type
Online UPS: High quality output power supply that can effectively isolate mains interference and fluctuations, suitable for equipment with extremely high requirements for power stability and purity, such as data centers, medical equipment, etc. However, the price is relatively high and the efficiency is relatively low.
Backup UPS: relatively cheap and efficient, but the output power quality is not as good as online when the mains power is abnormal, with a brief interruption during switching. It is suitable for scenarios such as homes and small offices where power quality requirements are not particularly stringent.
Online interactive UPS: The performance is between online and backup, and it can adjust the mains voltage to a certain extent. The price is also relatively moderate, suitable for places with certain requirements for power quality but limited budget.
4. Brand and Quality
Choose well-known brands of UPS power supplies, such as Schneider APC, Eaton, Shante, etc. These brands typically have better quality assurance, more advanced technology, and a comprehensive after-sales service system. You can learn about the reputation and product quality of different brands by consulting product reviews, user evaluations, and professionals.
5. Scalability and management functions
If there may be a need to increase equipment or expand power in the future, a UPS with scalability can be chosen to easily add battery packs or modules to meet new load requirements. In addition, some high-end UPS systems also have intelligent management functions, such as remote monitoring and management through network interfaces, which facilitate users to understand the operation status of UPS at any time, perform remote control and settings, and are very helpful for the management of large data centers or important equipment.
6. Budget
Determine the budget range based on one’s own economic strength. Generally speaking, online UPS has a higher price, backup UPS has a lower price, and online interactive UPS has a moderate price. On the premise of meeting performance requirements, try to choose products with high cost-effectiveness. However, it should be noted that do not choose UPS with insufficient power or unreliable quality in order to save costs, so as not to bring risks to the equipment.