Backup Power (UPS)

9 common power problems

In an ideal world, your wall socket would provide an infinite stream of perfect power, at constant voltage and cycling exactly the same number of times per second. Don't count on it. Here we identify common electrical power issues and reliable backup power UPS solutions that combat them.

1. Power failure

Also known as a blackout, this complete interruption of the electrical supply can be sparked by a variety of sources including utility equipment failures, storms, objects striking lines or poles, fire and human error. Equipment damage and data loss are common consequences.

2. Power sag

This sudden drop in the normal voltage level often results in serious equipment malfunctions and is usually caused by faults on the transmission or distribution network, connection of heavy loads or start-up of large motors.

3. Power surge

These very fast voltage variations are triggered by lightning, line or capacitor switching and disconnection of heavy loads. They destroy electronic components and lead to data processing errors, data loss and electromagnetic interference.

Need a sleek and slim UPS providing surge protection?

The Eaton 3S UPS provides up to 30 minutes of high efficiency and energy-saving battery backup and surge protection for your home and office equipment.

Learn more about the 3S UPS

4. Undervoltage

Also termed a brownout, this voltage drop typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and is usually caused by overdemand or intentional “throttling” of electricity during peak demand. It can ruin computers and other electronic devices.

5. Overvoltage

Data loss, flickering of screens, and equipment damage are among the consequences of these momentary voltage increases generally caused by starting/stopping of heavy loads, poorly dimensioned power sources, and poorly regulated transformers.

6. Line noise

Electromagnetic interference or improper grounding most often produce these superimposed high frequency signals on the waveform, resulting in disturbances to sensitive electronic equipment, data loss and data processing errors.

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Eaton 5PX G2 UPS

Introducing the latest addition to Eaton's 5 series UPS line, the Eaton 5PX G2 rackmount and tower UPS provides the maximum power possible at each power rating. The 5PX G2 UPS has power ratings ranging from 1 to 3 kVA, with low and high voltage options and offers up to four optional external battery modules for extra runtime.

Learn more about the 5PX G2 UPS

7. Frequency variation

The loss of stability in a power supply’s normal frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz most often results from heavily loaded generators. The problem can cause motors to run faster or slower, leading to inefficiency, excess heat and degradation.

8. Switching transient

These momentary changes in voltage or current that can damage equipment stem from lightning, switching of loads and capacitor banks, opening and closing of disconnects on energized lines, re-closure operations and tap changing on transformers.

9. Harmonic distortion

This distortion of the normal power wave is generally transmitted by unequal loads and can result in resonance, overload, and overheating of cables and equipment, among other problems.

Eaton 9PX UPS

The Eaton 9PX UPS is a new high-efficiency battery backup designed for the protection of medium-to-high-density IT equipment in computer rooms as well as small data centers in industrial, manufacturing, medical and telecommunications applications. Offered in sizes between 5-11kVA, the 9PX is aimed toward a wide range of operating conditions.

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Need more information? Visit these additional resources.

UPS backup power

Need to find a UPS? Eaton offers a variety of UPS options. Find the UPS that fits your IT set-up.

UPS buying guide

Buying a UPS doesn't need to be stressful. Explore where to start when buying a UPS.

UPS maintenance bypass

A maintenance bypass can increase the reliability of your backup system.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy and helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges.