{"id":25732,"date":"2018-02-19T15:22:35","date_gmt":"2018-02-19T21:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/?p=25732"},"modified":"2018-08-02T12:29:48","modified_gmt":"2018-08-02T17:29:48","slug":"choosing-a-ups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/blog\/buying-guides\/choosing-a-ups\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a UPS System 101: The Fundamentals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-25786 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/blog-post-image.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"781\" height=\"334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/blog-post-image.jpg 781w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/blog-post-image-300x128.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/blog-post-image-768x328.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/blog-post-image-416x178.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><br \/>\nNew to the world of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems? Consider this UPS buying guide your introduction to the basic concepts behind UPS Systems and which type will work best for your requirements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is a UPS System?<\/strong><br \/>\nA UPS, at its most basic, is a battery backup power system that supplies power long enough for equipment to properly shut down when utility power fails. It helps prevent loss of data and minimizes the stress a hard shutdown causes on your electronic equipment.<\/p>\n<p>The UPS is also a surge protector that protects connected devices from power problems, like surges or abnormal voltages, which can damage, reduce lifespan, or affect performance of electronic equipment and devices.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why do I need a UPS System?<\/strong><br \/>\nIn case of a blackout, the UPS switches immediately over to battery power to provide a continuous power source for the length of the battery. Battery life can vary by system and depends on how much power you use. The battery backup gives you time to power down sensitive equipment, servers, or even video game consoles without loss of data or progress. Different UPS systems also provide certain levels of protection for other power problems that arise.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What types of UPS Systems are there?<\/strong><br \/>\nUPS systems have three different topologies, or categories, based on what type of power protection you need. The three topologies are Standby, Line-Interactive, and Double-Conversion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What types of power problems do I have?<\/strong><br \/>\nMany people are aware of only one type of power problem: a blackout. This is when the power goes out and stays out for a few seconds up to a few days. But, many more common power problems exist.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are common power problems?<\/strong><br \/>\nBelow are definitions of common power problems. If you would like to learn more about power problems, please read our blog: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/blog\/preventing-common-power-problems\/\">Preventing Common Power Problems.<\/a><br \/>\nFor now, let\u2019s define possible power problems you might experience:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Surge<\/em> \u2013 A brief, but intense, spike in electricity commonly caused by lightning. Surges can damage and destroy electronics, and the intense \u201cspike in electricity\u201d or spike in voltage and current harms circuit boards and components.<\/li>\n<li><em>Blackout<\/em> \u2013 A power outage lasting anywhere from seconds to days. These are most commonly caused by severe weather, utility power shortages, accidents, and power grid failures.<\/li>\n<li><em>Brownout<\/em> \u2013 An intentional or unintentional drop in voltage for an extended period of time. In emergency conditions, power companies may lower the voltage of your electricity to reduce strained resources and avoid a total blackout.<\/li>\n<li><em>Voltage Sags<\/em> \u2013 A sag is also a type of under voltage, but, unlike a brownout, it\u2019s sudden and brief.<\/li>\n<li><em>Over Voltage<\/em> \u2013 Occurs when incoming voltage is higher than normal and lasts longer than a surge but not high enough to be classified as a surge or spike.<\/li>\n<li><em>Frequency Noise<\/em> \u2013 Also known as line noise, frequency noise can disrupt or degrade the performance of a circuit by injecting abnormalities into the system.<\/li>\n<li><em>Frequency Variation<\/em> \u2013 Not a common problem when power supplies are stable, but it can occur when using generators and power frequency fluctuates more than desired.<\/li>\n<li><em>Harmonic Distortion<\/em> \u2013 A departure from the ideal electrical signal on a given power source.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What type of UPS Do I Need?<\/strong><br \/>\nMake a list of your most common power problems from the definitions above, and use the chart below to pick which topology solves your problems.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-25735 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image1.jpg\" alt=\"What UPS system is right for me?\" width=\"784\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image1.jpg 784w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image1-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image1-768x490.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image1-416x265.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nHow Big Does My UPS Need to Be?<\/strong><br \/>\nIn order to make your UPS run properly, your UPS has to be large enough to support all of the equipment plugged into it. You will need to find the UPS capacity. <em><strong>Capacity<\/strong><\/em> is how much power a UPS system can provide (measured in Watts). The higher the capacity, the more electronic equipment, and devices it can support. To find the UPS capacity, you will need to calculate the load. The\u00a0<em><strong>Load<\/strong><\/em> is the combined amount of power each of the devices use.<\/p>\n<p>To identify the load, make an equipment list, including the total watts each piece of equipment requires to run properly. Include all of the devices the UPS will need to support. If a piece of equipment has a redundant power supply, only count the wattage of ONE power supply.<\/p>\n<p>If you are unsure how many watts your equipment requires, consult the manufacturer or power supply specifications in the user manual.<\/p>\n<p>Here is an example of an equipment list to verify the load:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-25736 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image2.jpg\" alt=\"Equipment list to verify the UPS load\" width=\"784\" height=\"457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image2.jpg 784w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image2-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image2-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image2-416x242.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Once you have calculated your load, count the number of power cords you want to connect to the UPS. Your UPS system will need to have enough outlets to cover the number of power cords.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How much time do I want electricity once the power goes out?<\/strong><br \/>\nYou have already decided your UPS\u2019 topology and what size it needs to be. Now, you need to think about what you would like to do with the battery power when a power problem occurs. Would you like to focus on shutting down all of your connected devices safely? Do you want to keep your DVR and TV running during the power problem? Do you want to finish the section of the video game you are on or just save where you are at?<\/p>\n<p>You must now determine runtime. <strong><em>Runtime<\/em> <\/strong>is the number of minutes a UPS system can support the attached devices with electricity during a blackout. The <strong><em>minimum runtime<\/em><\/strong> is the time you need to complete proper equipment shutdown.<\/p>\n<p>When shopping for runtime, you will be looking at the length of time the batteries in the UPS can support equipment through power outages when utility power is unavailable. Keep in mind the number of watts supported affects runtime: the smaller the wattage load connected, the longer the batteries will last. The larger the wattage load, the shorter the runtime will be.<\/p>\n<p>To determine runtime, we want to look for a range. Begin with the number of minutes it will take to perform complete device shutdown and then build an acceptable range of runtimes. The broader the range, the more UPS system choices you will have.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-25737 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image3.jpg\" alt=\"Runtime example\" width=\"784\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image3.jpg 784w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image3-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image3-768x368.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image3-416x200.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Do I need sine wave output from my UPS?<\/strong><br \/>\nUtility power supplies electricity in the form of sine wave alternating current. When the UPS is in normal mode, it passes the same electrical sine wave to your connected devices. If the UPS switches to operate in battery mode, it either produces sine wave or simulated sine wave electricity to power your electronics.<\/p>\n<p>Here is an illustration of a sine wave and a simulated sine wave.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-25738 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image4.jpg\" alt=\"Sine Wave vs. Simulated Sine Wave\" width=\"784\" height=\"431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image4.jpg 784w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image4-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image4-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/6265_cpu_web_blog_3_upsbuyingguide_image4-416x229.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You will notice the simulated sine wave output has a power gap at each cycle. Sometimes this power gap may cause stress in the power supply in sensitive electronics, harming them.<\/p>\n<p>You will need a UPS with sine wave technology if you want to plug-in the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apple iMac Computers<\/li>\n<li>Computers and Equipment that are Energy Star\u00ae or 80 PLUS\u00ae efficient systems using Active PFC power supplies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Electronic equipment with Active PFC power supplies may shut down unexpectedly when using a UPS with simulated sine wave output, resulting in data loss or equipment damage. UPS systems that deliver sine wave output prevent unexpected shutdowns and damaging electronic stress.<\/p>\n<p>If you need help determining whether a device uses Active PFC circuits, contact the device manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do I want my UPS to look like?<\/strong><br \/>\nUPS systems have form factors. The form factor of a UPS indicates the shape and size of its housing. The most common 3 types are:<br \/>\nDesktop or compact<br \/>\nTower or mini-tower<br \/>\nRackmount<\/p>\n<p>When choosing the form factor, the main consideration is where you are going to use it. A desktop or compact UPS can hide under a desk, unnoticed. A tower or mini-tower will have a pleasant aesthetic design making it an option to sit on top of a desk or table. A rackmount UPS works well in server rooms.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I pick out my UPS system?<\/strong><br \/>\nNow that you have made a list of what you need in your UPS system. Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/battery-backup-selector\/\">Battery Backup Selector<\/a> to help you narrow down which of CyberPower\u2019s UPS systems will fit your needs. If you need some guidance, feel free to contact our UPS systems experts at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:tech@cpsww.com\">tech@cpsww.com<\/a> or toll-free at 1 (877) 297-6937.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in a more in-depth look at selecting UPS systems, come back soon for our blog:<strong> Choosing a UPS System 201: Power Audits<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"button-cps\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/battery-backup-selector\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Battery Backup Selector<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New to the world of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems? Consider this UPS buying guide your introduction to the basic concepts behind UPS Systems and which type will work best for your requirements. What is a UPS System? A UPS, at its most basic, is a battery backup power system that supplies power long enough <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberpowersystems.com\/blog\/buying-guides\/choosing-a-ups\/\" class=\"readmore\">Read More &rsaquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2222,356],"tags":[],"post_format":[],"class_list":["post-25732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-buying-guides","category-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.6 (Yoast SEO v24.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>UPS Buying Guide - Choosing a UPS System 101: The Fundamentals | CyberPower<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"New to the world of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems? 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