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  • Types of UPS systems

Buying a UPS battery backup for your desktop computer, network or server racks involves consideration of a number of factors, including price and power capacity. But before you delve into the details, first determine the type of UPS you need. UPS systems are divided into three types based on how power flows through the unit: standby, line-interactive and online double-conversion.

Standby UPS

Protects against power surges and provides battery backup in the event of a power outage. AC power passes through the unit under normal conditions and switches to battery mode when a power failure is detected.

standby ups system diagram

Line-Interactive UPS

In addition to battery backup, line-interactive UPS provide conditioned power, eliminating voltage fluctuations. AC power passes through a voltage regulator, which corrects low and high voltages as needed, and switches to battery backup mode when a power failure is detected.

line interactive ups system diagram

Online, double-conversion UPS

Incoming AC power is converted to direct current (DC) and then back to high-quality AC power, free from voltage fluctuations and other distortions common in grid power. Online UPS systems also include a high-efficiency ECO mode, which automatically suspends or resumes double conversion depending on the quality of input power.

online double conversion ups system diagram

UPS types

     Standby Line-interactive for desktops Line-interactive for networks Online double-conversion
TYPICAL USE Desktop computers, home networks Desktop computers, network workstations and AV Network server racks, office networks Mission-critical equipment in data centers and server rooms

Battery backup

Emergency backup power for utility power outages

Surge protection

Protection against power surges and spikes

Brownout protection

Maintains safe voltage levels without using battery power

 

Overvoltage protection

Keeps overvoltages from damaging connected equipment without using battery power

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Pure sine wave output

Perfect power for sensitive equipment

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Fully online operation

Zero transfer time to battery

     

High availability features

Ensure power is available and is quickly restored to critical equipment

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