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Uninterruptible power supply for critical power protection – the fundamentals

What is an uninterruptible power supply and why is it needed in a building's environment?

From commercial buildings and health care facilities through to data centres and other complex environments – all require a supply of reliable, cost-effective power for the elevators, door systems, servers, computers and other mission-critical infrastructure they house. Any interruption to that supply will range from a minor inconvenience or reputational damage through to issues around safety, health, public panic or even loss of life. 

The need for a clean, uninterruptible power source has never been more vital as buildings increasingly depend on network-connected IT, IoT and other sensitive electronic devices – and will do so even more into the future. It means the ability to handle voltage sags, surges and spikes, alongside line noise and other supply variables, is every bit as important as managing total outages.  

An Uninterruptible Power Supply system provides that security – enabling organisations to maximise operational uptime and protect valuable data that could be corrupted or even lost completely. It detects when power quality deteriorates or current fails, and provides near-instantaneous protection from power interruption so that a standby power source such as a generator can be activated or equipment shut down. 

Single- and three-phase uninterruptible power supply

Depending on the characteristics of the building, the power needed to run infrastructure in it and the applications involved, UPS systems are designed to supply either single- or three-phase power.   

Single-phase UPS

Uses one sine-wave voltage of 230V. This is typically used for protecting heating, lighting, rack-mounted servers, telecoms or computer systems and network switches, or any device that runs directly from a standard mains plug such as a laptop or TV. 

Three-phase UPS

Uses three, offset, single-phase waves that combine to deliver 400V (or 380V or 415V to suit national norms). This tends to be used in industrial and business settings with larger critical loads as it offers greater power and efficiency. 

3 core UPS system approaches 

Different UPS topologies provide varying degrees of protection. We outline the three most common topologies below – offline, line interactive and online (double conversion).

Offline

A basic solution that protects non-critical hardware and data operating in standby mode. Used for protecting PCs.   
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Line interactive

It offers an intermediate solution for office environments and servers, with good communication options. Used for protecting enterprise network and IT applications.
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Online

It features double-conversion UPSs with excellent connectivity and communication options to provide full protection against all types of power problems –deliver 100% uptime for the most critical applications. Used when electrical isolation is necessary, or for protecting any equipment that is very sensitive to power fluctuations.
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Products right across the UPS needs spectrum

Eaton UPSs map directly to offline, line interactive and online needs – each named after the number of the nine common power problems it solves.  

Eaton 3 Series - Offline

Solves three power problems: power failure, sag and surge.

Featured product: 3S Gen2 UPS: The Eaton 3S Gen2 range offers affordable and reliable UPS for home and small business. This offline UPS provides surge and power protection for internet gateways, desktop computers, and other critical electronics.

Eaton 5 Series - Line interactive

Solves five power problems: as offline PLUS undervoltage and overvoltage.
Featured product: 5PX UPS: The Eaton 5PX Rack/Tower UPS provides line-interactive backup power and scalable runtimes for servers, storage systems, VoIP gear and network equipment. With a next-generation intuitive LCD display, energy consumption metering down to the outlet group level, and up to 99% efficiency, the 5PX is the perfect UPS to protect modern IT equipment.

Eaton 9 Series - Online/ Double Conversion

Solves all nine power problems: as line interactive PLUS line noise, frequency variation, switching transient and harmonic distortion.
Featured product: 93PM G2: The Eaton 93PM G2 UPS combines protection, security and business continuity in a flexible, efficient and cost-effective modular and scalable design. With the highest possible availability and the lowest total cost of ownership in its class, the second generation three-phase 93PM UPS is the perfect solution for colocation data centre operators and organisations looking to increase capacity and power protection in line with business demand.

Download our free critical power protection fundamentals guide

In our comprehensive guide, we delve deeper into UPS systems design considerations. From the advantages of modularity, how advanced technologies are boosting cost and operational efficiencies, how redundancy impacts availability and more. Download the guide for free.

Tools for Uninterruptible Power Supply system design

Every UPS system is the sum of its parts. So knowing what to look for when choosing products and services to back up the critical systems you're responsible for is an important first step to designing the right solution.

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