Tips For Buying A UPS www.vguard.in

1. Tips for buying a UPS
Lookout for power surges, spikes and brownouts. Your expensive computer
and data could be lost or turned useless. An UPS is the answer to your
problems. It comes with a built in voltage stabiliser blocking energy surges that
damage your computer. The UPS protects your equipment from damage as
well as provides power when the electricity fails. However, here are a few tips
when buying a UPS
Powerpoints
While looking for your UPS, one of the main things to ensure is the power
rating. If the power rating is too low, your UPS will run out on you too soon,
even before you shut down. Most UPS provide up to 10 mins of power. What
you need to look for is the VA rating or amps multiplied by voltage. For eg-
120v. This should be shown on your computer. Add up all the VA ratings of all
your devices that you will connect to your devices. You need to purchase a UPS
that has a VA 20-25% higher than that figure. A home PC user will generally
need a UPS with a 500-700 VA rating
Backup
UPS’s are meant only to give enough back up power to allow you to shut down
and save valuable data and your computers settings. This is usually for 10-20
seconds. So don’t expect more than that. so choose a UPS that suits your shut
down needs.
More Features
Find out as much as you can about the UPS especially additional features.
Automatic Voltage Regulation is one of the better features. It protects your PC
from voltage fluctuations. The AVR feature conditions the incoming power
before feeding to the PC’s SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply). Some UPS’s also
schedule a shut down sequence when power is lost, allowing you to save your
work and prevent damage.
Warranty

2. Check the warranty of your product. Replacements take time and cause delays
and affect work. It will be an advantage of your vendor offers onsite
warranties; they will do all replacements of batteries at your establishment.
SMPS and UPS ratings
Don’t compare SMPS and UPS ratings. Even the SMPS rating is high, your UPS
need not be competitive enough.
Battery replacement
Generally a battery should last for three years. However if you are expecting
low back times then consider replacing your battery, especially if it is within
the warranty.
Power
While it is alright to leave the power on when your computer is shut down, it is
always safer to pair your ups and computer with a voltage stabiliser for
additional safety.
Software reports
While the software of the UPS may prompt you to replace the batteries, you
are the best judge of that. Change your batteries only when experience low
back up time.
Usage tips
DO NOT overload the UPS with devices eg, printer, scanner, fax etc. NEVER
plug a printer into the battery backup system. ALWAYS discharge your
batteries once a month. ENSURE the UPS is properly grounded. It can avert
danger.
Price comparison
UPS’s come in different ranges and prices. Compare prices between
manufacturers. Always choose reputed manufacturers like V Guard Industries
or any other leaders in the market

3. Choosing a good UPS is key to good working practices. Saving your work and
protecting your computer is very important. Make sure you do your research
well before making your purchase.