Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Room Layout

First and foremost, you need to consider UPS room location. You need to think about where the power supply is for your business, and where the various devices and electronics that will need to be powered are.

UPS systems are vital for protection, but they also require safeguarding to prevent potential hazards. Leaking cooling units pose a specific risk, potentially causing water damage to the UPS system.

Installing and regularly inspecting fire protection systems is essential to mitigate risks. These systems should be integrated with the building’s fire monitoring system to alert of any issues promptly.

Vital Power offers a range of UPS installation services, and can help choose the perfect location.
UPS rooms will also need to be well-ventilated and kept clean and free from debris. As well as making sure there’s no dust or dirt that can interfere with equipment, you need to make sure your UPS is easily accessed for regular maintenance, like checking UPS battery health. As an example, your UPS system’s battery – lithium-ion or VRLA – will need servicing. They also need to be kept away from potential hazards like particularly high or low temperatures or water.

What size should a UPS room be?

The most important factor in sizing a room for an Uninterruptible Power Supply is space around the equipment. You need to provide room for air to circulate and ventilation, as well as for manoeuvring around for generator maintenance and servicing. We’d typically recommend having around 50cm of space around the machinery to allow for heat, but in certain circumstances, we can help with smaller spaces.

You may also want to consider the possibility of upgrading. When you initially measure and project the size of UPS system you require, you’ll be considering the current requirements and outputs of the business. However, you should also think about future growth and upgrading infrastructure. Some UPS systems can be upgraded and added to in a modular design, but some systems need replacing. Of course, if your UPS room isn’t big enough for a new system, you’ll not only face the cost of the upgrade but also have to foot the bill for relocation.

Where should an Uninterruptible Power Supply room be?

As well as thinking about the layout of the room and the space you’ll need, the physical location of the room for Uninterruptible Power Supply is just as important. The equipment itself is, unsurprisingly, very heavy. The weight means that it can put significant strain on structures and floors, so the location of your UPS system will need to be carefully considered.

As part of your installation, our UPS engineers will identify the best location and can install the equipment on a specially designed platform to distribute weight safely.

UPS systems, often weighing over 1000kg, exert significant downforce that requires careful handling. The weight of battery systems can also impact floor loading, affecting structural elements like columns and footers. Our team specialises in installing UPS systems on both concrete and raised floors. For added safety, we recommend housing your UPS on a purpose-built raised plinth designed to support its weight effectively.

Count on our expertise to design a UPS system that seamlessly integrates into your existing structure, ensuring safety and functionality.

UPS room temperature

Keeping your Uninterruptible Power Supply at the right temperature is crucial for both performance and safety. Proper ventilation is crucial for any UPS room, keeping the temperature comfortable and ambient. Lead acid batteries are releasers of hydrogen, so it’s recommended to equip the room with both temperature gauges and hydrogen detectors to minimise the risk of fire.