Choosing the right UPS System can be a daunting task for even the most knowledgeable IT professional. Here are five basic questions you should ask to give you peace of mind knowing you made the right decision.

1. Do I need a Network/Server UPS or a Desktop UPS?

Network/Server UPS Systems protect equipment in high-availability environments like data centers. Desktop UPS Systems protect computers, peripherals and other electronics in your home or office.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should choose a Network/Server UPS.

  • Will the UPS support mission-critical equipment?
  • Will the UPS support a load higher than 750 watts?
  • Will the UPS be installed in a rack or rack enclosure?
  • Does your equipment require pure sine wave power?
  • Do you want the UPS to have expandable runtime?
  • Will the UPS support high-voltage (200-250 VAC) loads?

2. How much UPS capacity do I need?

To estimate capacity requirements, add up the wattage of all the equipment you plan to connect. (Refer to the equipment manufacturer’s documentation to find the wattage. If it lists amps, multiply by the AC voltage to estimate wattage. If you can’t find documentation, refer to the equipment nameplate.) Check the UPS specifications to see which models will handle your requirements.

3. Which input and output power connections do I need?

Check the UPS specifications to make sure the UPS can connect to a compatible AC circuit/outlet in the installation location. You also need to make sure the UPS system’s outlets match the plugs and voltage requirements of your equipment. You can provide additional outlets, placement flexibility and management capabilities by connecting one or more PDUs to the UPS output.

4. How much battery backup runtime does the UPS provide?

With an 80% load, included UPS batteries typically provide five to ten minutes of runtime. That’s long enough to outlast most outages. If you need additional runtime, choose a UPS system that supports connecting external battery packs. Detailed runtime data for each UPS system, including external battery pack configurations, is available on our website.

5. What other UPS features do I need?

Tripp Lite manufactures more than 250 different UPS systems with a wide range of features designed to satisfy any application or budget. Visit our online UPS Selector Guide to find the right model for your application.