4 Questions to Ask Before Buying A UPS Unit

Today, UPS equipment comes in many shapes and sizes, with units specially designed to fit any need.

With all the options available, it can be tough to narrow down which one is right for your business. With that in mind, we’ve created a quick list of questions for IT professionals to think about when gearing up to purchase a new UPS.

Before purchasing a unit, you’ll want to consider the following factors:

1. What size UPS and total load will you need?

UPSs only deliver a limited amount of power, meaning you’ll need to monitor the load for each unit. The attached load can’t exceed both the maximum watt (W) ratings and maximum volt-amps (VA) ratings. The watt maximum rating limits the power-handling capacity of the UPS, while the VA maximum rating limits the maximum permissible current.

2. What power rating will you require?

The power rating is something you will carefully need to consider when sizing a UPS for your specific needs. The power rating of a UPS will be in VA and W. To calculate, start by checking the specifications on all of the equipment you want to attach to ensure the unit can support the loads you need. Then, add up the total power usage (in watts) to give you the total load you need. Your UPS unit should have an additional watt capacity about 20-25 percent higher than the total power drawn by any attached equipment.

3. How much runtime will be necessary to support your equipment?

The answer here depends on what type of equipment you will need to backup and protect. Runtime is the amount of time a UPS unit will be able to support the attached equipment in the event of a power anomaly. The more equipment you attach to a unit means the less amount of run time you will have. You’ll want to be sure that your UPS system(s) are supporting your most critical equipment.

4. What key features will you need?

Here, you’ll want to consider any additional equipment or features you might need. These can include but aren’t limited to: