An uninterruptible power supply protects office equipment such as computers, modems and fax machines from variances in voltage.

It also provides protection from voltage sags and power interruptions. Consider a UPS as inexpensive insurance to provide backup power for office equipment for 5 to 20 minutes when an interruption in utility power occurs. Most UPS devices for office applications are “plug and play.” That is, you can install them yourself.

• Standby UPS
  Recommended for limited office applications
• Line-interactive UPS
  Recommended for most office applications
• Online UPS
  Recommended for commercial offices with applications essential to business operations

UPS: selecting the right UPS device
To make sure you get the right size UPS with the options you need, look for products that meet these specifications.

• UL 1778 listed
  Conforms to Underwriter Laboratory’s standard UL 1778.
• Size
  Depending on your equipment protection needs, you could use a VS575C UPS to protect one computer and a monitor. An ES800C UPS should be considered the minimum size needed to protect a file server. For answers to questions about sizing up your office needs, call the PGE power protection experts at 503-736-5750 or 800-270-7016 or
  e-mail us.

You should also consider the following options for line-interactive UPS devices:

• UPS performance monitoring
  Feature that constantly checks to see if device is operational
• Automatic network shutdown software
  Shuts down all open computer applications so no data is lost
• Extensions for battery run time
  Some UPS devices offer extensions for a longer battery run time (how long the UPS can support equipment on its battery)
• Systems interface
  Capability to activate alarms or communication when an outage occurs

Common questions about UPS devices
Q: How does a UPS work?

• When there is an interruption of power, a UPS converts battery power to the AC power needed to operate equipment. It does this with an electronic circuit called an inverter.

• It depends on the size of the UPS, the size of the battery and the connected equipment. Usually, they can support equipment for 5 to 20 minutes.

• Usually, the UPS device starts “beeping” when the battery is low. Higher-end UPS devices now come with a software package that will alert you when the battery reaches such status.

• All UPS types provide power interruption protection, but line-interactive can provide continuous power conditioning.

• The most basic UPS starts at about $75, while the more performance-oriented devices can run up to $2,000.

For more information, contact an electrical contractor or PGE’s power protection experts at 503-736-5750 or 800-270-7016 or
e-mail us.