What is a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)?

Types of UPS

• Off-Line UPS (Standby): It is the most basic type. It remains inactive while the electrical grid is functioning properly, and only kicks in when there is a power outage. During normal operation, it delivers the grid power as is (without significant filtering). If it detects a power failure, it will switch to battery in a few milliseconds. They are suitable for environments with relatively stable power and equipment that is not too sensitive. They offer basic protection against blackouts, but their switching time may not be suitable for highly critical devices.
• Line-Interactive UPS (Interactive): It incorporates an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) that corrects voltage fluctuations without resorting to the battery. This means that in the event of minor voltage spikes or drops, the UPS instantly stabilizes the power output. It only draws from the battery when the drop or outage is severe. Therefore, it provides a higher level of protection than the Off-Line, protecting against both blackouts and electrical fluctuations. This type is widely used in offices and small data centers due to its balance between cost and performance.
• On-Line UPS (Double Conversion): It offers the highest level of electrical protection. In this topology, the UPS continuously powers the equipment through its inverters, performing a double conversion of energy (AC->DC->AC). This means that the power reaching your devices is always filtered and stabilized, completely isolating the equipment from the external grid. In the event of an outage, there is no switching time at all, since the batteries are already integrated into the power cycle. On-Line UPS systems are the most recommended for critical systems (servers, medical equipment, industrial, etc.), as they protect against all types of electrical problems (blackouts, spikes, fluctuations, electrical noise) ensuring a constant and high-quality power supply.

What are the advantages of using a UPS?

• Protection against power outages: in the event of a blackout or electrical failure, the UPS immediately provides power, preventing unexpected shutdowns of servers, production machines, security systems, etc. This prevents the loss of unsaved information and the damage that a sudden shutdown could cause to the hardware.
• Defense against surges and voltage spikes: UPS units act as shields against sudden voltage increases (for example, caused by storms or grid issues), as well as against voltage drops. By stabilizing the current and filtering out irregularities, they protect sensitive electronic components from dreaded surges that could burn them out or shorten their lifespan.
• Operational continuity and productivity: with a UPS, even if the grid goes down, your critical equipment continues to operate for a certain period (depending on battery autonomy). This allows you to finish ongoing processes, gives time to start backup generators if available, or at least shut down systems properly to avoid data corruption. In environments like data centers or production lines, this backup translates into zero unplanned downtime, something vital for productivity and customer service.
• Better power quality: especially with interactive or online UPS systems, the power supplied to the equipment is cleaner and more stable than direct grid power. Electrical noise, harmonics, and fluctuations that could interfere with the operation of sensitive equipment are eliminated. This helps extend the life of your devices and reduces breakdowns caused by poor power supply.
• Peace of mind and security: ultimately, a UPS provides the peace of mind of knowing your systems are protected 24/7. It is insurance against electrical mishaps. For many companies, the investment in a UPS pays for itself by preventing just one major incident (for example, damage to servers or several hours of production downtime).

Easy UPS 3S from Schneider Electric: robust and efficient protection

The Easy UPS 3S range from Schneider Electric is a clear example of a robust, efficient, and reliable uninterruptible power supply solution, designed to protect critical systems in industrial, commercial, or technical facility environments. It is a three-phase UPS with a power range from 10 to 40 kVA, ideal for small and medium data centers, industrial plants, and business applications where continuity is essential.



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SAI Easy UPS 3S 10 kVA 400 V 3:1 for Internal Batteries

The Schneider Easy UPS 3S 10kVA three-phase UPS ensures business continuity in data centres, offering high efficiency, easy installation, and a robust design. Customise autonomy with optional internal batteries.

• Power of 10 kVA/10 kW.
• Compatible with customisable internal batteries.
• Simple installation and maintenance.

€4,253.00€10,813.42

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SAI Easy UPS 3S 20 kVA 400 V 3:3 for Internal Batteries

The Schneider Electric Easy UPS 3S provides 20 kVA of three-phase power, ideal for small and medium businesses. Easy to install and maintain, with a robust design for demanding environments.

• Rated power of 20 kVA/20 kW.
• Compatible with internal batteries (not included).
• High efficiency for demanding environments.

€5,068.01€13,717.49

When should I install a UPS?

• Area with unstable electrical grid: If you are in a location where power outages are frequent or voltage quality fluctuates (e.g., rural areas or industrial parks with old electrical infrastructure), a UPS is almost mandatory to avoid constant scares.
• Critical equipment that cannot be stopped: When you have servers, data storage systems, medical or laboratory equipment, or production machines that must operate 24/7 or be shut down properly, a UPS ensures they always have power or can at least be shut down correctly. If an abrupt interruption can cause economic losses, data loss, or even safety risks, you need a UPS.
• Critical or costly restart process: In some industries, restarting a process after an outage can take hours or generate a lot of waste (imagine an industrial furnace or a continuous chemical system). A UPS can provide those vital minutes to keep the process running during brief outages or until an emergency generator kicks in.
• Security and communications systems: If you rely on security cameras, alarms, telephone switchboards, or communication equipment that must remain operational during emergencies, a UPS is essential to ensure their operation even if the main power supply fails (at least until it is restored or the building's backup power comes online).
• Regulatory or service obligations: In certain sectors (data centers, healthcare, finance) there may be regulations or service level agreements (SLAs) that require uninterrupted power supply. If your contracts or regulations demand zero interruptions, a UPS is part of the solution (complemented by generators, redundancies, etc., as needed).

Tips for choosing the right UPS

1. Define the required capacity (VA power): Make an inventory of the devices you will connect to the UPS and add up their consumption (Watts or VA). Choose a UPS with a capacity slightly higher than that total (it is recommended to use only 70-80% of the UPS's maximum load to allow for a safety margin). This ensures you do not overload it and can add extra equipment in the future.
2. Determine the desired autonomy: How many minutes do you need the UPS to keep your equipment running? This will depend on whether you only want enough time to shut everything down properly (a few minutes are enough) or if you need to continue operating during a prolonged blackout. The more autonomy, the larger the battery bank (and the higher the cost). Some UPS units allow you to add additional batteries to extend autonomy as needed.
3. Choose the right technology: As we discussed, there are basic Off-Line UPS, intermediate Line-Interactive, and advanced On-Line models. If your equipment is very sensitive or the installation is critical, opt for an On-Line model. For small offices or PC protection where the budget is tight, an interactive one may be sufficient. The important thing is not to fall short on protection if the risk is high.
4. Check the extra features: In business environments, it may be useful for the UPS to include communication and monitoring. For example, USB or network ports (SNMP) to connect it to management software that sends alerts or automatically shuts down servers. Also check if it has automatic bypass (for maintenance without cutting the load), the possibility of hot-swap (hot-swappable batteries), clear indicators on the panel or LCD, etc. These features increase convenience and control over the system.
5. Consider maintenance and support: Every UPS requires periodic maintenance, mainly changing its batteries every few years. Choose recognized brands that offer good technical support and easy access to spare parts (replacement batteries, components) when needed. A comprehensive warranty and the possibility of installation or inspection services are also advantages, especially in professional environments where you cannot improvise in the event of a failure.

Which sectors benefit the most from UPS systems?

• Data centers and corporate IT: They are the digital heart of companies. UPS systems ensure that servers, storage systems, and networks remain active in the event of any electrical incident, preventing service outages, data loss, or damage to expensive hardware.
• Industry and automation: In manufacturing plants, assembly lines, or industrial processes, a power outage can halt production and cause significant losses. UPS systems protect control systems, robots, PLCs, and sensitive machinery, ensuring they have time to react or continue operating briefly until power is restored.
• Healthcare and laboratories: Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories use vital medical equipment (monitors, ventilators, diagnostic devices) that cannot be shut down unexpectedly. A UPS is critical to keep these devices operational until emergency generators start up and to protect them from electrical disturbances.
• Telecommunications: Telephone exchanges, telecom data centers, or repeater antennas often incorporate batteries and UPS systems to ensure that communications (phone, internet, mobile networks) do not go down due to power issues. This is vital for the continuity of public and business services.
• Financial sector and control centers: Banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions handle real-time transactions where even a second of downtime can be critical. Likewise, traffic control centers, airports, transportation systems, etc., require uninterrupted power to operate safely. UPS systems are part of their redundant power supply systems.

Conclusion