Online Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) Systems from 700VA to over 500kVA

Uninterruptible Power Supplies: What You Need to Know

Online UPS v Line Interactive Power Protection

This type of uninterruptible power supply system is classed under IEC EN62040-3 as Voltage and Frequency Independent (VFI). The UPS inverter is constantly powered and connected to the load during normal operation to protect the critical and essential loads from outages and power problems. This type of unit provides the highest levels of protection. The inverter generates a sinewave output which is tightly regulated, in terms of both output voltage and frequency. As the uninterrupted power supply system constantly supplies the load, there is no break in supply.

An online system also features a built-in automatic bypass. This provides safe failure to the mains supply should the system be overloaded or develop an internal fault condition. As the inverter is rated for continuous running, this type of product can be used for long runtime applications. Additional battery packs are connected, either plug-and-play or hardwired. Runtimes up to 7 hours or longer are possible with extra batteries.

Input and Output Connections

Products up to 3kVA have plug-in cords. In the UK, these have a BS-style 3-square pin plug. Output from the system is made using C13-C14 cords. At least one cord is supplied with each product.

Additional cables can be purchased as required. We also supply an IEC socket strip, which connects into a UPS outlet socket and provides 4x UK style socket outlets. IEC C13/C14 socket outlets are rated at 10Amps, and it is important to ensure that the connected loads do not overload the connected outlet. The UPS may also provide a load shedding functionality. Above 3kVA, the device will have hardwired input and output connections and may offer additional 16A C19/C20 or 10A C13/C14 outputs. Hardwired connections must be completed by a suitable qualified electrical contractor or electrician to comply with building and electrical regulations.

Maintenance Bypassing Arrangements

A maintenance bypass allows the system to be bypassed and safely isolated for a service engineer to work on the system during a preventative maintenance or emergency response visit. The bypass also allows the system to be removed and swapped out, should this be required, without disruption to the critical loads.

Larger uninterruptible power supply systems may have a built-on maintenance bypass, but an external bypass is recommended for a UPS maintenance contract. For larger installations, the bypassing arrangements may include interlocking and signal contacts for remote reporting to a building management system (BMS).

Management and Communications Interfaces

Each UPS has a communications interface which can include USB, RS232 and/or a plug-in communications card slot. The most commonly installed comms card is for SNMP. This allows the UPS to be connected to the local IP network.

Once connected to a computer or network, UPS monitoring and control software can be used to display important information (including load and battery status) and initiate an orderly shutdown of the protected computer or server(s) before the battery is exhausted during a power outage.

Powering Critical Business Applications

These systems are vital for critical business applications and those in industrial environments. The grade of protection offered is higher than can be achieved from an interactive UPS. Industrial systems are designed for harsh environments with higher case IP ratings, fan filters and isolation transformers.

Project Management Support from Our Team

Server Room Environments provides a complete project management service. We can carry out a site survey to identify all the shipping and logistics costs, review the electrical works to complete your UPS installation and provide a project price including post installation support and maintenance contracts.

Please contact our Projects Team for more information.