UPS battery backup has become a staple of small businesses in the last decade. With the sheer number of technological advancements in the past few years, a UPS battery back up is a crucial ingredient for every server room – as they help protect more than just a few computers. Now they protect entire IT infrastructures and functions including manufacturing and retail sales.
That being said, there’s lots of misinformation and confusion about what, exactly – a UPS battery can do and what it’s capable of. Today, we’re going to try and break it down to make it easier to understand. Here are the most important aspects to understand about UPS battery backup. Let’s jump right in!
What’s your requirement?
UPS batteries are not a one-size fits all proposition. You don’t just buy one, throw it in a server rack and walk away. There is a vast array of models and manufacturers to choose from – and sometimes choosing the right one can be a little cumbersome.
The most important thing to understand is buying what you need. There’s an obvious difference from a battery that’s backing up a power supply to an entire department store that’s used to protect a small business. Your electrical systems, infrastructure and what you use day to day – are all things to consider.
How long do you need backup battery supply for?
Everyone has different reasons for investing in a UPS battery. Some want backup to simply save essential work and documents. Others want to entirely protect themselves from things like blackouts. Whatever they are – different batteries will serve you best in certain situations than others. It’s important to not only understand what your infrastructure looks like and what you can sustain; but also – what you’re going to be using it for.
What can UPS batteries protect you from?
There are essentially three types of UPS systems: Standby Design, Line Interactive Design and Double Conversion Systems. All three have important distinctions among them, but they primarily protect against the following:
- Surge
- Blackout
- Over-Voltage
- Frequency Variation
- Line Noise
How long will your battery last?
An important thing to remember about UPS batteries is that they will wear out eventually and you’ll have to replace them. On average, this is something you’ll have to do every three years or so. That being said –much of what we discussed above – will dictate your batteries’ lifespan. Things like the design and layout of your server room, the temperature and other things – can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your UPS battery and these things should all be taken into consideration when planning your purchase.
How much should you pay?
The million dollar question, right? The truth is – buy the best product you can for your needs. Generally speaking however, the cost of a UPS battery is due to what it can do and how much it needs to do. If you need more power, you’ll need to make a larger investment. Therefore, make sure you gauge exactly what your needs and requirements are going to be.
Hopefully this makes the purchasing process around UPS batteries a little easier to understand. Make these considerations and hopefully the right battery for you will come into a clearer focus. Good luck!