What are the most important things I need to consider before buying a UPS?
Run Time The question to ask yourself is “How long does it take to safely shut down your computer/electronics?”. How long the UPS runs on its batteries is very important to the cost of the UPS system. Often batteries can cost as much as the UPS itself. It is typical to hear a customer asking for 4 hours or more of battery backup capability. While 4 hours of batteries can be supplied, the UPS should not be powering air conditioning, lighting, and other “house” type loads. Without a site engine-generator, the computers or sensitive electronics cannot be operated for any length of time. An engine-generator can supply house power as well as power for the UPS. Because of this consideration, most customers usually decide on a maximum of 30 minutes worth of batteries for their UPS. For longer run times, they should consider an engine-generator. Size Small UPS systems like those used on personal computers cannot easily have external extended battery capability. Even those that have this capabi
