What is the difference between Standby, Line-Interactive and True On-Line UPS?
Standby UPS
Standby UPS models are designed for standard computer equipment applications where battery support is the most important factor. In standby units, electricity typically passes through the UPS until an electrical disturbance is detected. Once a power failure or other electrical disturbance is detected, internal switches immediately transfer the output load to the unit’s internal batteries. Standby UPS provide a quasi-sine wave output, which is suitable for most switch-mode power supplies.
Line Interactive UPS
Line Interactive UPS contains built-in Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) and surge/sag protection devices that are constantly in operation. These models have all the features of Standby UPS with many additional enhancements, including an enhanced level of surge and sag protection. Commercial series models provide a unique microprocessor-controlled intelligent buck and boost technology, which allows the unit to correct brownouts and overvoltage conditions without resorting to battery power reserves. This feature allows the unit to deal with a wide range of power disturbances and helps conserve battery life. Commercial series UPS are ideal for high-end desktop and small to medium level network servers. The unit’s True sine wave output is especially suited to communications equipment and other network peripherals.
True On-Line UPS
True On-Line UPS provide the highest possible level of UPS power protection. Internally different from Standby and Line Interactive UPS models, a True On-Line UPS continually breaks down, conditions and rebuilds the input power supply to strict voltage and frequency regulations. Industrial series UPS’s features full Double Conversion and Input/Output Isolation suitable for high-end network servers and mission-critical electronic equipment. True On-Line Double Conversion UPS models are fully compatible with generator power and the only UPS suitable for industrial locations and country areas with poor quality power.
Standby UPS models are designed for standard computer equipment applications where battery support is the most important factor. In standby units, electricity typically passes through the UPS until an electrical disturbance is detected. Once a power failure or other electrical disturbance is detected, internal switches immediately transfer the output load to the unit’s internal batteries. Standby UPS provide a quasi-sine wave output, which is suitable for most switch-mode power supplies.
Line Interactive UPS
Line Interactive UPS contains built-in Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) and surge/sag protection devices that are constantly in operation. These models have all the features of Standby UPS with many additional enhancements, including an enhanced level of surge and sag protection. Commercial series models provide a unique microprocessor-controlled intelligent buck and boost technology, which allows the unit to correct brownouts and overvoltage conditions without resorting to battery power reserves. This feature allows the unit to deal with a wide range of power disturbances and helps conserve battery life. Commercial series UPS are ideal for high-end desktop and small to medium level network servers. The unit’s True sine wave output is especially suited to communications equipment and other network peripherals.
True On-Line UPS
True On-Line UPS provide the highest possible level of UPS power protection. Internally different from Standby and Line Interactive UPS models, a True On-Line UPS continually breaks down, conditions and rebuilds the input power supply to strict voltage and frequency regulations. Industrial series UPS’s features full Double Conversion and Input/Output Isolation suitable for high-end network servers and mission-critical electronic equipment. True On-Line Double Conversion UPS models are fully compatible with generator power and the only UPS suitable for industrial locations and country areas with poor quality power.
How do I determine which size UPS will support my equipment?
Look at the manufacturer’s specifications plate attached to your equipment, and locate the power rating - usually indicated in VA or AMPS. Multiply Amps by 240 (as in 240 Volts) to find the VA rating.
What is the expected life of the UPS’ internal batteries?
Battery life is influenced by site conditions and can vary between 18 months to 10 years. On average, new UPS’ are expected to last three to five years before requiring new batteries.
Can extra batteries be connected to the UPS for longer equipment support times?
Some units can have external battery cabinets connected to them. External battery cabinets can be daisy-chained together to achieve additional hours of support time.
When should I change the UPS battery?
There are many variables when it comes to working out when a UPS battery should be changed. As standard, all of our 600VA to 3000VA UPS models come with a five-year design life battery. These usually have a service life of three to five years. Therefore, it is recommended that the batteries be changed around three years from the purchase date. However, UPS batteries in regions where the temperature is high run down frequently and should be changed sooner.
Can I use a Generator with my UPS?
Some units can handle a generator and it is recommended that a True Online, Double conversion UPS is used; however in some cases a line interactive unit can be used.
