How do I choose the right UPS?

There is more to choosing a UPS than deciding what size and form factor you need. The extra features that are available with an Eaton UPS can help you narrow down your options from a group of UPSs that will protect your equipment to the optimal UPS solution for your specific application.

Extended runtime UPS

Most UPSs are equipped with internal batteries to support their electrical loads for 10 to 15 minutes of runtime. For some applications, though, more battery backup is necessary.

Extended battery modules (EBMs) are additional batteries that can be connected to a UPS to increase the runtime. Depending on the percentage of the UPS’s total load that you’re utilizing, and the number of EBMs connected, a UPS can easily reach a runtime of several hours.

Generator compatible UPS

If you have the space available, pairing a generator with a UPS guarantees that your backup power system will get you through every imaginable outage. When a UPS and generator are deployed together, the role of the UPS is to maintain power for one to five minutes, which is how long it takes for a generator to start up.

Not all UPSs pair well with a generator. Check out six considerations to achieving generator-UPS harmony to learn more about choosing a UPS for your generator.

Lithium-ion battery UPS

Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries have long been the industry standard choice for UPS batteries. Eaton now offers lithium-ion batteries as an alternative. Lithium-ion batteries have a longer life span, smaller footprint and a faster recharge time compared to VRLA batteries. Over the life of your UPS a lithium-ion battery UPS will save a considerable amount in operating expenses.

Read more about Eaton’s lithium-ion battery offerings.

Pure sine wave UPS

All alternating current (AC) power is not created equally and anyone running highly sensitive medical or network equipment knows that. When a UPS is running on battery backup the electrical current it is producing has waveforms that are either pure sine waves or modified sine waves. Most IT equipment can–and does–run smoothly on a modified sine wave current. For more sensitive equipment, such as medical imaging machines, telecommunications systems and mission critical servers, a pure sine wave UPS is worth the investment to avoid damage and decreased efficiency over the equipment’s lifetime.

Scalable, modular UPS

Modular UPSs provide the flexibility to grow your UPS as your power needs grow. Unlike conventional UPSs that require you to buy additional UPSs or larger models upfront, modular UPS systems let you pay-as-you-grow so your growth is never hindered by your power protection system.

Network capable UPS

If you have a decentralized power protection architecture, you know the importance of having a UPS with network monitoring and management capabilities. Having remote visibility on all your UPSs isn’t just about convenience. It allows you to resolve issues quickly without wasting time traveling from site to site.

Eaton’s network connectivity cards are designed to be plug-and-play additions to any Eaton network capable UPS. Adding a connectivity card allows you to monitor your UPS through a web interface or connected software.

Eaton’s Gigabit Network Card has enhanced cybersecurity features, including stronger encryption, configurable password policy and usage of CA and PKI signed certificates, in accordance with UL 2900-2-2.

TAA compliant UPS

For government applications that require products made in America, Eaton offers a line of TAA compliant UPSs. Single-phase and three-phase TAA compliant UPSs are available in a wide range of power ratings.