Imagine you are in the middle of a project and suddenly power goes off! Either you have to leave the project in middle or you can continue it for some time if you have a power back up. Your hard labour and time may turn sheer waste if you lose your entire data due to sudden power failure. It thus becomes quite essential to have a power back up which can be used at least for some time when power is cut.
UPS (uninterrupted power supply) with its built-in voltage stabilizer is the best option to save your data in computer. A UPS is designed in a way to protect your computer against such sudden power disturbances. Before you purchase a UPS, follow these tips to get good value for your money!
1. Types of UPS system
There are two kinds of UPS systems available - the Standby Power System (SPS: for home use) and Online UPS System. For offices and servers, you should go for Online UPS System as the outgoing power is drawn from the battery itself. Always go for advanced-battery features.
2. Check for high power rating
A low power rating might not give you enough time to power down the system. As a result you might lose your data, so get the right power rating for your computer. Most of the UPS devices give you power at least for10 minutes. Check for the VA rating, which is generally mentioned on your computer; or amps multiplied by voltage (120v). Just add up the VA rating of those items which you connect with the UPS, and then purchase a UPS with 20 to 52 % higher VA rating. For your home PC, buy a UPS with 500 to 700 VA rating.
3. Backup time
A UPS is engineered in a way to provide a back up minimum for 10 minutes and can not run the computer a whole day. In fact a UPS gives you sufficient time to save your data when the power is off and you do not get to abruptly shut down the system. It thus saves you from messing up the computer setting or doing your data all over again. Purchase a UPS after analyzing your backup time requirement.
4. Automatic Voltage Regulation
Besides power, you must inquire the vendor about other features of a UPS before taking a final buying decision. It is good if the UPS provides you with the automatic voltage regulation facility (AVR) that safeguards your computer against disturbances and sudden voltage fluctuations. A UPS with AVR facility is designed for a scheduled shut down after saving the data when power goes off.
5. Warranty and battery replacement
Apart from these, you must check for warranty and battery replacement option also. Generally a battery works efficiently for three years and needs to be replaced after that; but some times you experience low back up problems even in the first few days. In that case you need to ensure in advance if the vendor will replace it. It is advised to purchase replacement battery cartridges while purchasing UPS so that you don’t have to suffer from low backup problem.
6. Comparing the prices
Like other electric appliances, it is always better to research properly for a UPS and compare the prices available so that you do not get befooled by any vendor. Do not get intimidated by any such vendor who pressurizes you to buy the software with the UPS as they do not give accurate results.
