Planning and installing a UPS system

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is designed to provide a critical load application with total protection from events on the utility supply. These events can range from spikes and surges to brownouts and complete disruption of the power supply. Identifying the need for a UPS system is only part of the picture and users and specifiers alike should be aware that all installations require careful planning so that the system selected is correctly specified and can be fully integrated into the application in a way that will maximise its effectiveness and reliability. The key to meeting this requirement is to consider the fact that just installing a UPS module is not the complete answer to solving power problems. What is required is the provision of a `total system solution´ and this concept demands looking at a number of important areas of the application when planning the installation. The author discusses: rating the UPS for the application; configuring the input distribution system and output distribution; location of the UPS room and its environment; battery selection; standby generator rating; remote control and alarms; and maintenance