What is a UPS

What is a UPS?

UPS is the acronym for Uninterruptible Power Supply. A UPS is a power protection device that regulates the incoming power to meet acceptable parameters. A UPS will also supply power during power outages. A UPS has several functions that are designed to protect electronic devices. To understand why a UPS is so essential, it may help to understand electrical power a little better. If you have ever witnessed flickering lights in your home or office, a computer freezing up or restarting, then you may have power supply problems.

Most people do not realise that the power provided to their home or business can be irregular and not necessarily at an ideal 230 volt. Voltage can vary from under 230 volts and over 260 volts in residential areas, and the variation can be even greater within industrial areas.

A basic standby UPS senses if the voltage is insufficient, and will automatically transfer to battery power until regular power resumes. Other UPS units can adjust the voltage to keep it at safe levels. High-end UPS models give a perfectly stable output of 230v at all times regardless of input power.

Other typical power problems include voltage surges and spikes, and this is also something that a UPS can rectify.