The
approach to power protection revolves around the nine most common power problems
present in any work environment. You can choose from a variety of power
protection devices with varying levels of effectiveness and price that will
shield critical data and equipment from some or all of the 9 power problems.
There are three types of UPS: level 3, level
5 and level 9. To choose the UPS that is right for you, first determine the
level of power protection that is needed. It is obvious that the ideal is to
provide the full protection from all power problems afforded by a level 9 UPS.
But there may be applications where the power quality is known to be high, or
where the load is not considered critical, or where budget considerations force
a compromise.
Level 3 UPS
technology
Level 3 UPSs are standby or
offline designs that are intended to provide a low price solution for power
failures, power sags and power surges. Utility power is provided during normal
operation. Utility voltage and frequency changes are not regulated by the level
3 UPS and pass through to the equipment. When voltage or frequency changes
become too severe, the level 3 UPS inverter converts DC battery power to AC
power to run the equipment.
Level 3 UPSs provide protection
from simple power problems as described in items 1,2 & 3 under
9
power problems.
Note: Level 3 does not provide protection from items numbered 4,5,6,7,8 & 9
listed under
9
power problems.
How do you know if you
have a level 3 UPS?
The most common
terminology used to descried a level 3 UPS is "Stand-By UPS" or Back-up UPS"
(Back-UPS). Most models do not provide a "pure sinewave", it is a "stepped
approximation to a sinewave". Runtime is typically limited to the internal
batteries (in most cases 3-8 minutes runtime at full load). In most cases there
is a 3-5 millisecond delay to transfer to battery. Price will typically range
from $50.00 - $300.00 depending on the brand. VA ratings will typically range
from 350va - 1500va.
What is the typical
application of a level 3 UPS?
The most common uses are
home PC's, work stations and other non-critical equipment. Call us at
800-706-7009 for the right UPS for your application.
Level 5 UPS
technology
Level 5 UPSs offer
line-interactive technology and provide basic power protection at mid-range
prices. In addition to protection against power failures, power sags and power
surges, level 5 UPSs protect against undervottage and overvoltage. This design
offers low- grade voltage regulation by 'bumping" the utility voltage up or down
before passing it through to your electronic system. During the UPS voltage
changes, the level 5 uses the battery for regulation.
Although level 5 UPSs provide
more voltage regulation than level 3, battery life is often sacrificed. The
number of transfers to and from the battery by the level 5 design exceeds that
of the level 9 by as much as 10 to 1 during brownouts and power surges.
Note: Level 5 does not provide
protection from items 6,7,8 or 9 listed under
9
power problems.
How do you know if you have a level 5 UPS?
The most common terminology used to descried a
level 5 UPS is "Line interactive" or "Smart-UPS". Some manufacturers such a APC
may use the term "Smart-UPS" for both their line-interactive (level 5) and
on-line (level 9) UPS's. Most models do provide "pure sinewave" output. Some
models may offer extended runtime by using additional battery packs. In most
cases there is a 3-5 millisecond delay to transfer to battery. Price will
typically range from $150.00 - $5000.00 depending on the brand and runtime. VA
ratings will typically range from 500va - 5000va.
What is the typical application of a level 5 UPS?
The most common uses are home PC's and
workstations that are in a poor power environment, some servers in a good power
environment, non-critical servers and equipment. Call us at 800-706-7009 for the
right UPS for your application.
Level 9 UPS
technology
Level 9 UPSs are designed
to provide complete power protection These Online UPSs protect against all types
of power problems by continuously using the inverter to create 100% new, clean,
regulated AC power for your systems. Equipment is isolated from all types of
power problems when supplied by an Online double conversion UPS.
Level 9 UPSs isolate equipment
from harmonic distortion and are strongly recommended for critical applications
that must meet the 5% maximum harmonic requirement stated in major computer
manufacturer specifications and installation guides.
Battery conservation is an essential factor in your decision to purchase a
level 9 UPS. Level 9 UPSs use the battery less than any other UPS technology,
increasing the life of your UPS battery.
Note: Level 9 provides protection from all 9 power problems listed under
9
power problems.
How do you know if you have a level 9 UPS?
The most common terminology used to descried a
level 9 UPS is "On-Line", "Double Conversion" or "Smart-UPS". Some manufacturers
such a APC may use the term Smart-UPS for both their line-interactive and
on-line UPS's. Most models do provide "pure sinewave" output. Most models offer
extended runtime by using additional battery packs. In all cases there is no
break in power.
Price will typically range from $500.00 -
$30,000.00 for a single phase UPS depending on the brand and runtime. VA ratings
will typically range from 500va - 20Kva for single phase UPS's. Three phase
UPS's Typically range from $20,000 - UP and Kva ratings from 10Kva - 500Kva.
What is the typical application of a level 9 UPS?
The most common uses are for critical
applications such a servers and other expensive equipment. Call us at
800-706-7009 for the right UPS for your application.
The Bottom Line!
You understand how important and expensive
the equipment you have is, and we understand how to protect it. We are here to
help and guide you to the right UPS for your application. Get rid of those
headaches and improve your up time by calling the experts.
Power factor Inc. 800-706-7009
