Continuity of Power Supply

Continuity of power supply is essential in a range of situations, where an interruption to the electricity supply could be catastrophic. That might be in the case of ventilators, server cabinets, industrial equipment and more.

For that reason, in places that hold electrical equipment requiring continuous electrical operation, it is standard practice to install UPS systems – short for Uninterruptible Power Supply. But how does it work? When is it essential, and how do you keep everything running properly at all times?

When do you need to ensure continuity of power supply?

UPS systems are responsible for the continuity of an ongoing electricity supply, without interruption or interference, in many settings. The purpose of these systems is to ensure the electricity supply does not stop, but also to protect equipment drawing on the mains from possible disturbances to the voltage supply – such as power cuts, voltage spikes, unwanted fluctuations and electrical noise – including protection from the damage such disturbances can cause to expensive, advanced equipment such as servers, medical devices and so on.

Uninterruptible power systems – how do they work?

Continuity of power supply is made possible by uninterruptible power systems, designed to back up computers, communications equipment, telephone exchanges, signalled junctions and more.

A UPS can back up a single computer, if its continuous operation is essential, but it can also back up far larger electrical systems – such as a hospital's electrical system, lifts in important buildings and more.

The system protects the electrical device connected to the mains by providing backup during disturbances to the electricity network.

For example, when there is a power cut caused by a fault in the public electricity network, essential electrical systems are usually connected to a generator that can supply them with electricity when needed. But even a generator does not start working immediately when the power goes out – if it is sound and well maintained, it takes about 30 seconds to start operating properly.

During that time, an uninterruptible power system, or UPS unit, supplies the necessary electricity temporarily and even triggers the generator to start – ensuring a continuous power supply automatically and without any need for human intervention, until the electricity starts coming from the generator.

Installing uninterruptible power systems

There are UPS systems that run on electrical batteries of various sizes. The size is determined by the size of the installation and by the types of electrical equipment connected to it.

The design and installation of these systems is carried out with a great deal of thoroughness and professionalism by team members skilled and experienced in this kind of work, since this is an essential and important electrical system on which, in certain cases, human lives depend. In addition, the installation of these systems is subject to the electrical regulations and must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines.

In summary

Systems for continuity of power supply are also known as uninterruptible power systems, or UPS in English. Their role is to ensure the continued, proper operation of essential electrical installations responsible for safeguarding vital, sensitive or valuable information – and human life.

For more information on the professional installation of complex electrical systems by a skilled and reliable team – contact us!