Knowledge Base
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Basics
What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a backup power solution that provides instant protection against power failures, surges, and fluctuations. Unlike a generator, a UPS kicks in immediately, ensuring that connected devices remain powered without interruption.
How Does a UPS Work?
A UPS sits between your mains power supply and connected devices, acting as a buffer against power disruptions. When the mains power is stable, the UPS charges its internal battery. If the power cuts out, the UPS instantly switches to battery mode, ensuring your equipment stays powered.
Why Do You Need a UPS?
A power failure can mean lost data, damaged equipment, and business downtime. A UPS is essential for...
Types of UPS Systems Explained
There are three primary types of UPS systems, each suited to different applications...
What Are the Most Common UPS Features?
When choosing a UPS, look for these key features...
Common UPS Terminology Explained
Understanding UPS jargon makes selecting the right system easier. Here are some common terms...
Choosing the Right UPS for Your Needs
UPS Size Guide: How to Select the Right Capacity
Choosing the correct UPS size is essential to ensure your equipment remains powered during an outage. The right UPS capacity depends on the total wattage of connected devices and the required runtime. A UPS should provide at least 20-25% more power than your total load to allow for efficiency losses and future expansion.
How Much Power Does My Equipment Need?
Determining the power requirements of your equipment ensures your UPS can handle the load efficiently. You can check the power consumption (in watts or VA) on the device's label or specifications.
Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase UPS: What’s the Difference?
Single-phase UPS systems are used for smaller applications, such as offices, home networks, and small IT setups. They operate on 230V AC power.
What Type of UPS Do I Need?
Selecting the right UPS depends on the level of protection required...
UPS for Home vs. Business: Key Considerations
The choice of a UPS depends on whether it's for home use or a business environment. Each has different power needs and reliability requirements.
Industry-Specific UPS Solutions
Different industries have unique power backup requirements. Here are some key applications...
How to Calculate UPS Load Requirements
Ensuring your UPS can support the required load is crucial. Follow these steps...
UPS Battery Guide
Types of UPS Batteries
Choosing the right battery for your UPS is crucial for efficiency and longevity. The most common types include
UPS Battery Lifespan & Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to prolong battery life and ensure reliable performance. Key factors affecting UPS battery lifespan include...
How to Extend the Life of Your UPS Battery
Maximising the lifespan of your UPS battery ensures reliable backup power and reduces replacement costs. Follow these best practices...
How to Replace a UPS Battery
UPS batteries eventually need replacement to maintain backup power efficiency. Follow these steps for safe replacement...
Battery Recycling & Disposal
Proper disposal of UPS batteries is essential to comply with UK environmental regulations and prevent harmful waste. Batteries contain hazardous materials that must be handled correctly.
UPS Installation & Setup
Where Should You Install Your UPS? (Rackmount vs. Floor-standing vs. Wall-mounted)
Choosing the right installation location for your UPS is critical to ensure efficient operation, ease of access, and adequate ventilation. The three main installation types are...
Do I Need a Rack-Mount or Tower UPS?
The choice between a rack-mount or tower UPS depends on available space and intended application...
UPS Room Requirements & Cooling Considerations
A UPS requires a stable environment to operate efficiently and prolong battery life. Key considerations include...
How to Install a UPS
Installing a UPS correctly is crucial for ensuring reliable backup power and preventing equipment failures. Whether you’re setting up a small office UPS or a large industrial system, following best practices can improve efficiency and longevity. This guide will walk you through every step of the UPS installation process, from initial setup to post-installation checks.
Common Installation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Avoid these common UPS installation mistakes to prevent operational issues...
UK Electrical Regulations for UPS Installations
UPS installations in the UK must comply with local electrical safety standards. Key regulations include...
UPS Maintenance & Troubleshooting
How to Perform Regular UPS Maintenance
Routine maintenance is key to maximising UPS performance and battery life. Secure Power provides preventative maintenance contracts to ensure long-term system reliability. Follow these steps to keep your UPS in optimal condition...
Common UPS Problems & How to Fix Them
If your UPS is experiencing issues, here are some common problems and their solutions...
UPS Firmware Updates: Why & How to Do It
Keeping your UPS firmware up to date ensures security, efficiency, and compatibility with the latest features. Follow these steps to update your UPS firmware...
Signs Your UPS Needs Replacing
Even with proper maintenance, every UPS has a lifespan. Here are the key indicators that your UPS may need replacing...
Power Protection Beyond UPS Systems
The Nine Common Power Problems & How to Protect Against Them
Electrical power issues can lead to downtime, equipment damage, and data loss. Here are the nine most common power disturbances and how to mitigate them...
Surge Protection vs. UPS: What’s the Difference?
A UPS and a surge protector both offer power protection, but they serve different purposes...
Voltage Regulation & Power Conditioning
Unstable voltage and poor power quality can damage sensitive equipment. Solutions include...
Generators vs. UPS: Do You Need Both?
UPS systems and generators serve different functions but complement each other...
Integrating a UPS with Solar Power
A UPS can be integrated with solar energy for sustainable backup power. Key considerations include...
UPS Compliance & UK Regulations
UK Standards for UPS Systems (BS EN 62040)
The BS EN 62040 standard outlines the safety and performance requirements for UPS systems in the UK. It ensures that all UPS units meet stringent electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and environmental performance regulations.
Fire Safety Regulations for UPS Batteries
UPS batteries contain hazardous materials and require careful handling to minimise fire risks. UK fire safety regulations provide guidance on safe storage, installation, and disposal of UPS batteries.
UK Energy Efficiency Standards for UPS Systems
Energy efficiency regulations help businesses reduce power consumption and lower carbon emissions. UPS systems in the UK must comply with...
UPS Recycling & Environmental Compliance (WEEE Directive)
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive governs the disposal and recycling of UPS systems to reduce environmental impact. Key compliance requirements include...
Buying a UPS - What You Need to Know
Where Can I Find Product Technical Information?
Finding detailed technical information about a UPS is crucial before making a purchase. There are three main sources to check...
Should You Buy or Lease a UPS?
Purchasing a UPS is the best investment for long-term reliability and cost savings. Leasing may seem attractive, but it often results in higher overall costs. Key advantages of buying include...
New vs. Refurbished UPS: Which Is Better?
While refurbished UPS units may offer lower upfront costs, new UPS systems provide greater reliability, efficiency, and warranty coverage. Benefits of buying new include...
What to Look for in a UPS Warranty
Secure Power offers manufacturer-standard warranties on all UPS systems. This varies by brand, with warranties of up to 6 years on leading brands such as Uniti Power. Contact us for details on warranty coverage for specific models.
What Warranty Do You Offer on Products?
Secure Power is one of the leading UK suppliers of UPS systems.
Where to Buy a UPS in the UK?
Secure Power is one of the leading UK suppliers of UPS systems. We offer a wide range of reliable backup power solutions, expert advice, and manufacturer warranties.
Advanced UPS Topics
What Is a Sine Wave & Why Is It Important?
A sine wave is a smooth, periodic oscillation representing how AC (alternating current) electricity flows. High-quality UPS systems produce a pure sine wave output, which is essential for powering sensitive electronics and critical systems.
What’s the Difference Between Transformer-Based & Transformerless UPS Systems?
UPS systems come in transformer-based and transformerless designs, each suited for different applications...
What is Modular UPS & Is It Right for You?
A modular UPS is a scalable power solution that allows businesses to add capacity as their power needs grow. It offers...
Parallel UPS Systems for Large-Scale Applications
Large-scale operations often require multiple UPS units working together in a parallel configuration. This setup provides...
UPS Communication Protocols: SNMP, Modbus & More
Modern UPS systems support communication protocols for remote monitoring and management...
Cybersecurity & Remote Monitoring for UPS Systems
As UPS systems become increasingly connected to networks for remote management, cybersecurity is a growing concern. Cyber threats can disrupt critical power infrastructure, making it essential to implement strong security measures.