Understanding your UPS system

For many businesses, UPS systems are the first line of defense when the power goes out. That’s why it’s so critical to understand how long the system will last and when you’ll start to have to think about things like repairs, maintenance and replacement.

UPS systems are a sensitive form of technology and is full of all sorts of things that react to lots of other things – moisture, dust, disruptions, transients and the like. By understanding these limitations and vulnerabilities, you’ll be able to better understand your UPS system and what goes into making sure it’s running optimally.

Here are the kinds of things you’ll be having to think of in order to better understand what your UPS system is all about. Let’s jump right in!

Total cost

UPS systems vary greatly in terms of their up-front cost and that has a lot to do with the fact that the capabilities of a given system are so varied. We tell people to remember that while a good system might be expensive initially, it’ll pay off on the back end. Just be aware of overly-expensive maintenance contracts that you might get locked into.

Low efficiency systems might sound great up front – but in most cases you’ll find yourself paying a pretty penny on the back end – not just in basic maintenance fees, but also it’s sensitivity to things around it. The more basic the system, the more basic the solution.

How critical is the load?

It should go without saying that most UPS systems protect a critical load, but it’s important that you do the basic math to figure out how much downtime would cost your company. That’ll help bring the idea of what your solution should be more clearly into focus. It’ll also help you to get a better grasp on what your capacity for maintenance and repairs might be as well.

Facility and equipment

Understanding where your business is at both in the short and long term is another important factor. Rarely do businesses stay the same size. Occasionally, they’ll change facilities and buildings; they’ll undergo expansion and add equipment, Is your system built to last? Can it handle these expansions? A good vendor will help you understand where your system is trending in terms of it’s overall load and offer suggestions on how to better optimize your system.

Understanding your UPS system depends greatly on your ability to understand your business and it’s immediate and long-term needs. To learn more about how a UPS system can make a difference in your business, give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Good luck!