FAQs
What is a UPS?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS), uninterruptible power source or sometimes called a battery backup is a device which maintains a continuous supply of electric power to connected equipment by supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available.A UPS is inserted between the source of power (typically commercial utility power) and the load it is protecting. When a power failure or abnormality occurs, the UPS will effectively switch from utility power to its own power source almost instantaneously.
While not limited to any particular type of equipment, a UPS is typically used to protect computers, telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption or data loss. UPS units come in sizes ranging from units which will backup a single computer without monitor (around 200 VA) to units which will power entire data centers or buildings (several megawatts). Larger UPS units typically work in conjunction with generators.
Why do I need a UPS?
10 Reasons For Buying an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)- Power Failure is responsible for 28% of computer system breakdowns
- Over one third of companies take more than a day to recover from the disruption caused by a power failure. 10% take more than a week
- Because of a power failure, 33% of companies lose between £10 000 and £250 000, 20% lose between £250000 and £1 million, 15% lose over £1 million
- Out of 450 leading companies surveyed, each suffered an average of 9 computer failures each year. (Source: Find FVP/Fortune 1000 companies)
- Following a power failure it can take up to 48 hours to reconfigure a network system or a multi terminal
- It can take days, weeks or even months to re-input lost data. Sometimes data is lost forever, for instance in CAD or graphics applications where original work can never be recreated
Ten consequences of computer breakdowns:
- Loss of business
- Backlog of work/loss of production
- Deterioration of customer service
- Loss of customer account management
- Loss of financial Control
- Loss of goodwill
- Inability to pay staff
- Financial Loss
- Loss of operational data
- Loss of customers
- Loss of market share, damage to a companies reputation, and loss of goodwill are not covered by insurance following a computer disaster
- Insurance claims take a long time to settle - well after the disaster has occurred
- 90% of all companies that experience a computer disaster and don't have a survival plan go out of business within 18 months
(Source: Price Waterhouse)
