How does an Uninterruptible Power Supply Work?

Even momentary power outages can translate into data loss, operative downtime, and financial damages.

In such a case, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems become very important. They provide immediate, reliable backup power during disruptions, which protects the operation of critical equipment and processes.

UPS systems act as a critical intermediate between your equipment and the supply of power. In case of failure, they switch almost instantly to stored battery power, providing a continuous flow of energy that is free from disturbances. This buffer protection allows operations to carry on seamlessly or gives the time to shut down systems safely.

The benefits and operation of UPS systems, when understood, allow an organization to minimize risks in power failure and protect its infrastructure.

What is a UPS system?

So, what is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS for short)? An Uninterruptible Power Supply is a device/system that provides emergency power to connected devices when the primary power source fails.

Your UPS serves as a crucial safeguard against power interruptions like outages, weather events and brownouts, allowing you to save your work, shut down your devices safely, or continue operations seamlessly, depending on the capacity of the UPS and the devices connected to it.

At Vital Power we specialise in the commissioning, installation, maintenance and repair of UPS systems for business. As well as diesel generators, UPS systems are what we specialise in, and our team works round the clock, across the country, to help businesses stay online.

How a UPS system works

Put simply, a UPS system monitors the supply of electrical current being supplied from the grid or mains. If this level of voltage reaches an ‘unacceptable’ level, the UPS starts up and switches to battery power to protect your business’ vital equipment.

During normal operation when everything is normal, the UPS connects your devices directly to the main power source. The device then continually monitors the voltage and frequency of the incoming power to ensure it falls within a safe range. If the power quality deteriorates – for example if there’s a drop or spike in voltage – the UPS starts up automatically to protect your devices.

What happens when there’s a power outage with a UPS?

If there’s a power outage – for example because of a mains issue or weather event – your UPS will notice the change in voltage input. When the system detects a power interruption, it swiftly switches to its internal battery. This process occurs almost instantaneously, which means there’s minimal disruption to your devices’ operation.

Once the UPS is running on battery power, it provides a consistent and clean power supply to your connected devices. How long the UPS can supply power to keep you online depends on its battery capacity and the power consumption of the devices it supports. Ensuring your UPS efficiency is the best it can be will help maintain power for longer.

Some UPS systems are designed for short-term power backup, allowing you to shut down your equipment gracefully, while others can provide extended backup to keep your devices running for an extended period.

What happens when the power cut is over?

When the mains is back to normal, the UPS switches back to the mains power and your business can continue running as usual! After it’s stopped running on battery power to supply your equipment, the UPS also begins recharging its internal battery to ensure it’s ready for the next power interruption.

Our engineers can help replace a UPS battery or assist with any maintenance or repairs. Regular maintenance and upkeep means you can rest assured you’re covered in the event of any power cuts.