3 Types of Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)

January 4, 2024
5:43 pm

Uninterruptable Power Supply or UPS comes with many types and functions. 3 types of UPS will be explained in detail in this article:

Standby ups
Online ups
Line – interactive ups

Before we get into the 3 types, let’s understand what is UPS first.

What is an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)?

The UPS system typically consists of a battery or set of batteries that store electrical energy. During normal operation, the UPS is connected to the mains power supply, and it continuously charges the batteries.

In the event of a power outage or other electrical issue, the UPS switches to its battery power to supply electricity to the connected devices, preventing them from shutting down abruptly.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power to a load when the primary power source fails.

The UPS is especially useful to protect sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, servers, and other devices, from power disruptions, voltage fluctuations, and outages.

3 types of uninterruptable power supply

Standby ups

This is a great choice if you are considering UPS for power outages. This is the least expensive choice and can deliver short-term, power during outages. When using a standby UPS, its inverter is primarily on hold until you need power.

This is an excellent way to protect your devices from sudden power spikes or dips. Standby UPS can also be referred to as backup or offline Uninterruptable Power Supply it provides temporary backup to enable the user to shut down the computer system in cases of longer outages.

Online ups

You should consider this if you are considering an uninterruptible power supply for PCs or other sensitive devices. This option is more expensive than the offline standby UPS. Online UPS delivers a fixed and stable output all the time because of its dual conversion designs that provide a higher degree of load isolation from irregularities on the main power supply.

Unlike in offline UPS, appliances get power directly from the UPS and not the AC main. This means you can keep using all electrical devices long after power from the main AC has stopped.

Line- interactive ups

This is another option to consider as a UPS power supply for the home. Line interactive UPS combines the roles of both offline and online UPS. Here, the inverter plays a hybrid role of charging the battery when the main supply is available and at the same time regulates the output voltage by serving as an inverter during a power outage.

This kind of UPS offers improved power protection over offline designs by delivering extra line conditioning.

FAQ: What is the difference between a portable power station and an uninterruptable power supply?

One of the most asked questions about UPS is how it differs from portable power stations. Although the terms might be confusing to many, they are different in lots of ways:

Primary Purpose:

Portable Power Station: These devices are designed to provide a source of electrical power for various devices and appliances in situations where a traditional power source is unavailable. They are often used for camping, outdoor activities, emergency power backup, and powering electronic devices on the go.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): The primary purpose of a UPS is to provide a continuous and stable power supply to critical electronic equipment during power outages or fluctuations. UPS systems are commonly used to protect computers, servers, networking equipment, and other sensitive electronics from data loss or damage due to unexpected power interruptions.

Form Factor and Portability:

Portable Power Station: Typically designed to be compact, lightweight, and easily transportable. They often feature built-in handles and may include multiple output ports (USB, AC outlets, etc.) for charging various devices.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): While some smaller UPS units may be relatively portable, especially those designed for personal computers, larger UPS systems for data centers or critical infrastructure are generally stationary and mounted within a rack or in a dedicated space.

Battery Capacity:

Portable Power Station: Emphasizes battery capacity for extended usage away from traditional power sources. Higher-capacity batteries can provide more extended periods of power for devices.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Typically has a battery that is sized to provide enough power for a relatively short duration, usually enough to allow for a graceful shutdown of connected equipment or for a backup generator to kick in.

Application and Usage:

Portable Power Station: Suited for outdoor activities, camping, powering small appliances, charging electronic devices, and providing a temporary power source in remote locations.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Critical for maintaining a stable power supply to sensitive electronics in situations where even a brief power interruption could lead to data loss, equipment damage, or operational disruptions.

In summary, a portable power station is designed for on-the-go power needs and outdoor activities, while a UPS is designed to provide temporary power backup and protection against power disruptions for critical electronic equipment in indoor settings.

Looking for an Uninterruptable Power Supply Supplier in Malaysia?

Look no further. At VSH Technology, we offer Uninterruptable with many brands which are Koss, Right Power, and Cyber Power.

Below are some of our UPS and their spec:

Koss – Formula 800E UPS