When it comes to protecting your electronics, one of the most effective ways to do so is by using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS is a battery-powered device that provides uninterrupted power to equipment and systems during a power outage. However, one of the biggest problems that people face when purchasing a UPS is figuring out what exactly the differences are between an inverter and a UPS.

Chances are if someone says they are going to buy a UPS, they are actually looking for an inverter. However, there are many reasons why a UPS would be better.

What Is An Inverter?

An inverter is a device that changes the direct current voltage into an alternating current while converting the input’s alternating current voltage into a direct current. Basically, an inverter is an AC/DC converter. It is used in two primary ways: when an area lacks direct power, or for power-intensive gadgets (such as computers, televisions, etc). Essentially, it can be used to power equipment that does not require a grounded AC power line.

Inverters are excellent for emergency power and can be used in conjunction with solar or wind power. They can also be used in locations where power lines are not yet underground and run through the street, such as those in mountainous or rural areas.

An inverter, however, can only be used to operate a small load and cannot be used to run a refrigerator or other large household appliances. It also uses more electricity than a converter, so it is typically used to run small household items such as fans, lights, computers, cell phone chargers or small televisions. These items use less electricity than an entire refrigerator or a washer/dryer. If you are running an inverter off your car battery, then the voltage will be a lot lower and it will possibly blow out computer parts.

What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that continuously provides power to its connected devices, even when the power from the utility fails or fluctuates. A UPS has the ability to save data or safely shut down equipment in the event of a power surge or power outage.

What Are the Benefits of an Uninterruptible Power Supply?

An Uninterruptible Power Supply offers many benefits. They are typically reliable and convenient to use. They also allow your equipment to run without the annoyance of frequent power interruptions and shutdowns.

What Size UPS Do I Need?

This depends on the size of the connected devices and how many you’re looking to keep running. To size your UPS, you’ll want to use a UPS sizing guide that provides information on your average power requirements, input voltage, and the power quality you want to maintain. Check the voltage listed on the back of the unit to find the input voltage of your UPS. For most residential customers, the input voltage is 120V.

Getting the Right Size UPS

Use the sizing guide to estimate your power requirements and input voltage. If the upsizing criteria in the sizing guide don’t match your needs, contact the UPS manufacturer for guidance. The sizing guide is informative, not prescriptive.

The guide is provided as a starting point to assist in selecting a UPS, but it is not designed to cover all situations. Contact the UPS manufacturer for clarification on sizing, configuration and operating recommendations.

As a starting point, though, consider these three guidelines:

If your total (maximum) watts is greater than the UPS capacity, you need two or more UPSs of the same type.If your input voltage is greater than the UPS input voltage, you need a UPS that is designed for higher input voltages.When powering a load with less than the total (maximum) wattage, select a UPS with at least that watt capacity.

Get Professional Advice from Invest Solar

If you need a high-tech appliance for your home or office that can make your electrical usage more efficient and save you a few bucks, a UPS is a great option. If you need professional assistance in determining the best inverter for your needs, the knowledgeable staff at Invest Solar is here to help.

Learn more at www.investsolar.co.za

This article was first published at Top clicks blog