UPS Topology
The table below describes the Power Problems that the different types of UPS Topologies protect equipment from.
The most common of these forms is the Line Interactive, which provides the most protection from a cost perspective. Line Interactive stabilizes the utility power from under and over voltage as well as providing surge and outage protection.
Though Online Double Conversion UPSs do offer the most protection, they are typically more expensive than other units. Online Double Conversion UPSs are generally deployed when the utility is of unreliable quality, for working with generator power, or when they power motors.
Passive or Standby UPSs offer the least protection of the 3 types. Passive UPSs provide surge protection and the battery power only engages when the utility drops voltage or cuts off. They are typically deployed for non-critical workstations and AV equipment.
Line Noise: Also known as Frequency Noise, line noise can disrupt or degrade the performance of a circuit by injecting abnormalities into the system.
Frequency Variation: Not a common problem when power supplies are stable, but it can occur when using generators and power frequency fluctuates more than desired.
Switching Transients: Some of the most harmful types of power anomalies, Switching Transients can result from capacitor switching, transformer energizing, fault current interruption, or electrical distribution system loads switching on and off.
Harmonic Distortion: A departure from the ideal electrical signal on a given power source.
Under Voltage: A drop in voltage for an extended period of time. In emergency conditions, power companies may lower the voltage of your electricity to reduce strained resources and avoid a total blackout. Under Voltage is also known as a Brownout.
Over Voltage: Occurs when incoming voltage is higher than normal and lasts longer than a surge.
Power Sag: A sag is also a type of under voltage, but, unlike a brownout, is typically brief.
Power Surge: A brief but intense spike in electricity, commonly caused by lightning. Surges can be detrimental, and may damage and destroy electronics.
Power Outage: Also called Blackouts, these can last anywhere from seconds to days. They are most often caused by severe weather and utility power grid failures.