Blackouts, power interruptions, or any sudden loss of electrical service are unavoidable. The moment the lights go out and your screens go blank, so are the hours of work you’ve put in. Enough cursing the darkness, invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)!
As the name implies, this device provides temporary power to your computer and other connected devices. The users have ample time to continue working, then close all applications, and finally shut down the computer. The UPS has an internal battery that is activated during power failure events, with its internal circuitry transferring and converting stored charge into alternating current (AC). That converted current is fed to the outlet, to which the computer is connected. When power is restored, the UPS recharges the battery, preparing it for the next unexpected event. The transition from electrical power to battery or vice versa is hardly noticeable to the computer, which operates normally without interruptions, thus the term “uninterruptible.”
It’s also a protective device, shielding all connected devices from line surges, sags, fluctuations, and other abnormal electrical events if it doesn’t lead to a total power failure. In some cases, these line abnormalities can damage the computer, and I saw a couple of computers smoked! When these fluctuations occur, the UPS will sense this a power failure, switching to batteries, and will switch back later when the line gets normal.
As mentioned earlier, UPS’es only provide temporary power, therefore it cannot stay on for long. Its backup time depends on the unit’s rating, in volt-amperes or VA, and the rating of the devices it’s connected to, in watts or W. To simplify, let’s rate an 800VA UPS as an 800W UPS, and paired with an 800W computer, the UPS will provide power for 5 minutes, enough to close all applications and data files and shut down the computer. And of course, toss a message to your client or employer that you have a power failure.
Higher rated UPS’es, more than 1000VA, would also mean longer backup time or more devices to be connected to. I mentioned OR, not AND, meaning users will have to trade between longer backup time or added connections. Click on this link as this is a UPS size calculator for Eaton branded UPS’es as it would give you the model and its ratings, depending on what’s connected and the backup time.
It is recommended that at least 2 UPSes be used, one being connected to the computer. The second is for the internet infrastructure such as your modems, routers, and other devices to keep your connection alive.
Once you have that UPS properly set up, you may have to perform periodic maintenance, specifically checking its batteries. Like those in your car or cellphone, batteries will soon expire, thus, these are the weakest link in the system. UPS batteries will be good for three to four years after which they must be replaced. You may ask the store where the UPS was bought from. They can refer another store or competent technician to perform periodic replacement and even repairs if needed.
If you’re on a budget or simply cannot afford a brand-new UPS, there are some independent shops that sell used or refurbished UPS’es. They offer both branded and generic models, with various capacities at an affordable cost. These are usually owned by experienced technicians and they’re more than willing to assist when your UPS breaks down.
When all is well, your UPS is connected and running. When another blackout strikes, the lights will still go out, but your computer and your network remains operational. So you’ll have time to end the tasks cleanly. Then you can slightly smile as you light up the candle or reach out for a flashlight.