What’s a UPS?
The key role played by a UPS power supply is that of a secondary source of power, which is essentially an instant-switch, on-demand battery backup for computers along with other memory-based technologies.
PCs are full of valuable but sensitive hardware components that are usually vulnerable to the damage caused by a sudden power loss. A high-quality UPS is designed to protect such devices along with the data they rely on, in case of a mains surge, blackout, or any other unusual power event.
UPS units are quickly growing in popularity as add-on peripherals in both work and home PC setups, network and server environments, along with numerous other hardware-essential computing applications. In such scenarios, UPS units offer users of computers extra peace of mind along with an added layer of safety for their data and hardware.
What’s a UPS Battery?
Uninterruptible Power Supply units typically sit between the device being powered and the mains wall socket, plugged in to each using separate cables. Depending on the particulars of the intended usage environment and the overall power capacity, the typical office or home UPS battery backup is rather small and compact ‘smart’ unit that’s built around a high-drain rechargeable power cell.
Lead-Acid or VRLA Batteries
VRLA or lead-acid batteries require relatively low maintenance and are generally regarded as basic, reliable UPS units that have a typical lifespan of about 5 years.
The ‘VR’ in VRLA is short for valve regulated, which refers to the fact that such batteries have in-built vent systems that are automatically operated to regulate the release of the gradual build-up of gas at various points in the battery charge-drain cycle.
Internal pressure sensors are responsible for triggering this critical function, and like many aspects of VRLA cell types, generally perform well if the battery is stored in dry, temperature-regulated environments, such as the average centrally heated room in an office or home.
Li-ion UPS batteries
Li-ion batteries are in contrast considerably more lightweight and compact. They also have a variety of in-built power management features, which include voltage balancing as well as advanced charge. Numerous brands also offer a relatively longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries. It therefore means that, over a sufficiently long timeline, they can end up being an equally economical option.
Upfront, however, UPS units that feature Li-ion batteries are usually priced to reflect their considerably higher costs of production, which means that the initial buy-in is often cheaper when it comes to VRLA-based units.
VLA
The VLA type or ‘flooded/wet cell’ is the third option of UPS batteries. The VLA batteries are not as widely available as the purchasable options in off-the-shelf or high street UPS systems since they are intended for highly specific environments and applications.
For starters. Their chemical composition means that they are potentially hazardous unless when kept in a completely separate battery storage saferoom. They also require regular maintenance when it comes to topping up the distilled water levels as well as continuous monitoring of their calibration and equalisation data.
What Is a UPS Used For?
The introduction to this guide notes that a UPS unit’s core function above all else is the provision of a temporary source of constant (uninterruptible) power to a computer setup or any other important electronic device, even in case of a mains blackout or a similar disruption to the electrical supply. There is also the option of a apc ups battery supply to ensure all back ups are prioritised and no extra stress is given over these issues of battery back ups, its there its supplied and its regulated.