The Different types of UPSs
In our last post, we discussed the basic definition of what is an uninterruptible power supply. This post, we’ll go through the main types of uninterruptible power supplies on the market.
There are three main types of Uninterruptible Power Supply units on the market. Thee three types are:
1. Offline / Standby
2. Line-interactive
3. Double Conversion / Online
A basic explanation of the three types:
1. Offline / Standby
- The most basic available
- Provides battery backup and basic surge protection only
- A power bar with a battery
- Equipment is directly connected to utility power. The UPS functions as a surge protector, power bar
- When the power fails, the UPS transfers the equipment to the battery. Takes up to milliseconds
- Most of the time with general equipment, the switch will not be noticed
- The offline / standby unit, is the entry level power backup
- Output: Simulated or Square wave
- e.g. – APC Back – UPS CS 500
2. Line – Interactive
- The most common type of UPS in data centers, server rooms, and businesses
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