What should you consider when Buying a  new UPS?

1st - Some Common power problems

There are various common power problems that UPS units are used to correct. They are as follows (with a typical example of damage that might be caused):

1. Power failure — Total loss of utility power: Causes electrical equipment to stop working.
2. Voltage sag — Transient (short term) under-voltage: Causes flickering of lights.
3. Voltage spike — Transient (short term) over-voltage ie spike or peak: Causes wear or acute damage to electronic equipment.
4. Under-voltage (brownout) — Low line voltage for an extended period of time: Causes overheating in motors.
5. Over-voltage — Increased voltage for an extended period of time: Causes light bulbs to fail.
6. Line noise — Distortions superimposed on the power waveform: Causes electro magnetic interference.
7. Frequency variation — Deviation from the nominal frequency (50 or 60 Hz): Causes motors to increase or decrease speed and line-driven clocks and timing devices to gain or lose time.
8. Switching transient — Instantaneous undervoltage (notch) in the range of nanoseconds: May cause erratic behavior in some equipment, memory loss, data error, data loss and component stress.
9. Harmonic distortion — Multiples of power frequency superimposed on the power waveform: Causes excess heating in wiring and fuses.

UPS units are divided into categories based on which of the above problems they address. Some manufacturers categorize their supplies as a level 3, 5, or 9, if they address the first 3, 5, or 9 power problems respectively.

Source...

When Buying a new Uninterruptible power supply, consider the following;
 

1. Cost, what is your budget vs. what options you prefer?

    

   Imagine your asleep and it's 3Am, there is an annoying sound creeping into your conscience awaking you up from that wonderful dream. It's the computer UPS and the only way to cut it off is to get up out of bed and reset it!  Arrg, maybe if I ignore it it will go away after a minute or two? That never works for me!

    

   If you had to do it all over again you probably would have purchased a Ups that has an on/off switch for audible alarms so that will not happen again, and while we are at it how about one that will auto shut down your PC (In case it was left on) when the power stays off for more than what 5 minutes? 

    

   Umm, maybe you should check the run time for that unit you where going to buy, how long will it stay up in total power outages? If its less than 5 minutes then maybe we should readjust the turn off time above or buy one with a greater power run time.

    

   Since your thinking about it, make sure all your software programs have some kind of auto backup of your documents, we don't want to loose an original important work when the power goes off

   
   Do you have a cable modem next to your computer? If yes get one with cable protection as well, they will zap your PC just like any other electrical device.
    

   Does it have enough electric plugs for everything.

    

   * One other consideration would be what if the power stays off for more than a day? Can I plug it into a gas generator, will it work during extended power outages and would that void my warranty?
   
   * If the purpose of the UPS is to provide power until a standby generator kicks in (typically under a minute), the UPS input capabilities should be matched to the generator outputs. Specifically, most standby generators made for home use (15 kW or less) and most portable generators lack microprocessor voltage-and-frequency control and may not create a smooth sine wave. This can result in voltage and frequency fluctuating by 5% or more. While most UPS systems handle voltage fluctuations gracefully, most do not handle frequency fluctuationswell. Source...

    

2. Ability to replace batteries after 2 or 3 years.
   
   It has been our experience that most quality UPS with changeable batteries will last through two to three battery changes or anywhere from 4 to 9 years. (Some UPS's do not have a user replaceable battery.)  Did I Stress quality enough?
    
3. Connection to computer, interface?  (USB or Serial.)
   
   Some newer computer do not have Serial connections in the back anymore! Make sure you have an available USB slot!
   
   
    

   
    

4. Color, does it match my environment and other equipment?
   
   Is it small enough to fit where I have chosen to put it or will it be out in the open where anyone visiting can see it? Can I easily push the reset button when it trips that alarm?
    
5. Software used to monitor the UPS via Operating System.
   
   Some software programs are much more trouble than they are worth. When plugged into the PC they either will not find the ups or slow down your computer. Google UPS user reviews to find out some of the issues had by others.
    
6. UPS rating compared to total VA or wattage output.
   
   In other words will it handle the load I have and how long will it run when I connect my equipment to it after an extended power loss?
    
7. Degree of line conditioning
   
   Even if the manufacturers give a huge amount of dollar protection, believe me when I say it is better to not have a problem than to have to "try" and collect the monetary warranty from them!
    
8. Warranty and service policies.
   
   Some manufacturers do not warranty the equipment plugged into their devices if there is a surge protector plugged in between the ups and equipment or the wall and the ups! Always read the warranty when installing a new uninterruptible power supply.
    
9. Weight and Size
    
10. Guarantee
    
    Always check they fine print, and make sure to copy the receipt. If you have ever archived receipts after a few years then notice how they fade? If you cannot read the receipt then you may not be able to collect damages or get a warranty repair!
    
    Another note is to check they warranty for the Battery guarantee, if it fails during the warranty period, some manufacturers have been known to ship a new UPS instead of having to ship just the battery!

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