7 best ac ups

An AC UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, is a critical piece of equipment designed to provide backup power to electronic devices in the event of a power outage or disturbance. It is commonly used with computers, servers, network equipment, and other sensitive electronics to ensure uninterrupted operation and prevent data loss or damage due to power disruptions. Here are key details about AC UPS systems:

  1. Function: The primary function of an AC UPS is to provide a seamless transition to battery power when the main AC power source fails or experiences voltage irregularities. This ensures that connected devices continue to operate without interruption.

  2. Components: A typical AC UPS consists of several components:

    • Battery: The heart of the UPS, responsible for supplying power during outages.
    • Inverter: Converts DC power from the battery into AC power for connected devices.
    • Rectifier/Charger: Converts incoming AC power from the wall outlet into DC power to charge the battery.
    • Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR): Stabilizes voltage levels to protect against sags and surges.
    • Control and Monitoring System: Manages power flow, battery charging, and provides status information.
  3. Types of UPS:

    • Offline/Standby UPS: Switches to battery power only when it detects a power interruption. It offers basic protection against outages and surges.
    • Line-Interactive UPS: Includes an AVR to regulate voltage fluctuations, providing better protection than offline UPS units.
    • Online/Double-Conversion UPS: Continuously converts AC power to DC and back to AC, offering the highest level of protection against all power issues but is less energy-efficient.
  4. Capacity: UPS systems come in various capacities, typically measured in volt-amperes (VA) or watts (W). Users should select a UPS with sufficient capacity to support their connected devices' power requirements.

  5. Runtime: The amount of time a UPS can provide power from its batteries depends on factors like the battery size and load. Users can calculate runtime based on their device's power consumption and the UPS's capacity.

  6. Monitoring and Management: Many UPS units offer monitoring and management features, such as remote monitoring, software for graceful shutdowns, and alerts via email or SMS in case of power events.

  7. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including battery replacement, is essential to ensure the UPS's reliability. Batteries typically have a limited lifespan and need replacement every few years.

  8. Applications: AC UPS systems are used in various settings, including homes, offices, data centers, and industrial environments, to protect critical electronic equipment from power disruptions.

  9. Voltage and Frequency Compatibility: Ensure that the UPS is compatible with the voltage and frequency of the local power supply to avoid compatibility issues.

  10. Surge Protection: Many UPS units also provide surge protection to safeguard connected devices from voltage spikes caused by lightning or other electrical disturbances.

In summary, an AC UPS is a crucial device for safeguarding electronic equipment against power interruptions, voltage irregularities, and other electrical disturbances. It is an integral part of maintaining the reliability and uptime of critical systems, especially in settings where uninterrupted power is essential.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ac ups on the market
  

Tripp Lite SMART500RT1U UPS Smart 500VA 300W Rackmount AVR 120V USB DB9 SNMP 1URM - UPS ( rack-mountable ) - AC 120 V - 300 Watt - 500 VA - output connectors: 7 - 1U - black

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tripp Lites intelligent, line interactive rack/tower uninterruptible power supply prevents data loss, downtime and equipment damage due to power outages, voltage fluctuations and transient surges. Requires only one rack space (1U) in a 2 or 4 post rack, with included accessories for upright tower placement. Large internal batteries offer 8 minutes half load runtime and 3 minutes at full load. Maintains regulated 120V nominal output without using battery power during brownouts as low as 90V. 500VA/300 watt power handling capability is compatible with networking, telecom and other sensitive electronic applications. Includes 6 UPS supported outlets with a single outlet load bank that can be individually controlled via software interface to reboot select equipment on demand or shed less significant loads to extend battery runtime for more critical equipment. Includes 1 surge-only outlet for peripherals not requiring battery backup. Supports simultaneous remote monitoring of UPS and site power conditions via built-in USB and DB9 monitoring ports. Includes PowerAlert UPS monitoring and unattended shutdown software with complete cabling. Built-in accessory slot supports SNMP with optional SNMPWEBCARD adapter.

  • Power Device Type: UPS| UPS Technology: line-interactive| Voltage Output: AC 120 V| Voltage Input: AC 120 V| Power Device / Form Factor: Rack-Mountable| Features: Thermal monitoring, audible alarm; Cables Included 1 x power cable - 10 ft, 2 x serial cable, 2 x USB cable, 1 x data cable| Width: 17.50 Inch| Depth: 11.70 Inch| Height: 1.80 Inch| Compliant Standards: FCC Class B certified, cUL, NOM, UL 1778| Enclosure Color: Black| Power Provided (W): 300 Watt| Power Provided (VA): 500 VA
  • Surge Suppression: Standard| Battery Type: UPS Battery| Battery / Run Time: 5 min at full load| Interfaces & Connections: 1 x management - RS-232 - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9), 2 x USB - 4 pin USB Type B, 1 x management - RJ-11| Input Connector(s): 1 x power NEMA 5-15| Output Connector(s): 7 x power NEMA 5-15| Product Line: Tripp Lite SmartPro| Service & Support Type: 2 years warranty| RoHS: Y

APC SMX2000RMLV2U Smart-UPS X 2000 Rack/Tower LCD - UPS - AC 120 V - 1.8 kW - 1920 VA - RS-232, USB - 7 output connector(s) - 2U

APC

Product description

SMX2000RMLV2U

  • SMX2000RMLV2U

User questions & answers

Question: Is this model supported by the network ups tools linux software
Answer: No. This doesn't have the walkie-talkie feature.
Question: can this work on 220v
Answer: Could you please send a message from your account? You might need a replacement remote controller. Thanks.
Question: Where does one find replacement batteries for this device
Answer: It comes with one that you can you use or your own

SOLA-HD SDU 850A-5 DIN Rail AC UPS, 510 W, 850 VA, 230 V AC

Appleton Grp LLC

Product description

SDU AC-A Series DIN Rail AC UPS, Wattage: 510 W, Capacity: 850 VA Voltage Rating:230 V AC, Frequency Rating:50/60HZ, Back-Up Time: 2 Minutes

  • Lightweight, compact industrial design
  • Cold start capability
  • Phone/dataline surge protection
  • Software and cable included for easy installation
  • Simulated sinewave output

SolaHD SDU 500A DIN Rail AC UPS, 300 W,500 VA, 120V AC

Appleton Grp LLC

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SDU AC-A Series DIN Rail AC UPS, Wattage: 300 W, Capacity: 500 VA Voltage Rating: 120V AC, Frequency Rating: 50/60HZ, Back-Up Time: 4 Minutes

  • Lightweight, compact industrial design
  • Cold start capability
  • Communications port for optional Industrial Ethernet protocols or discrete communication card
  • Wide operation temperature range (0 ˚C to 50 ˚C)
  • Simulated sinewave output

Tripp Lite OMNIVSX1500 1.5kVA Tower UPS - Tower - Avr - 8 Hour Recharge - 1 Minute Stand-by - 220 V AC, 230 V AC, 240 V AC Output

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features 1500VA/900W/230V battery backup for PCs, home theater or digital signage this 230V UPS with a VR protection provides reliable battery backup and AC power protection against blackouts, brownouts, overvoltages, surges and line noise that can damage valuable electronics or destroy data. The eight-outlet 230V battery backup is ideal protection for your home office, media center or Commerce components, including computers, routers, printers, HDTVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles, ATMs, security systems and digital signage equipment. Allows time to back up critical files during a blackout backup support allows you to work through short power failures, and gives you enough time to safely save files and shut down your system in case of a prolonged Blackout. Backup time varies according to load, but the line-interactive UPS system should keep an energy-efficient desktop computer with small LCD monitor powered as long as 112 minutes. During normal operation, incoming utility power keeps the replaceable internal battery fully charged, so backup power will always be available. Connects your equipment to 8 protected C13 outlets all eight C13 outlets provide both battery backup and surge protection for your computer, monitor and other crucial components. Two 1.5-Meter c13-to-c14 power cables are included for connecting equipment. A high >95% line mode efficiency rating reduces BTU emissions, energy consumption and, ultimately, your energy costs. Automatic voltage Regulation (A VR) corrects low- and high-voltage conditions A VR protects your equipment from incremental hardware damage, data loss and performance problems caused by brownouts and overvoltage. The OMNIVSX1500 can correct brownouts as low as 170V and overvoltage as high as 280V back to nominal 230V Power continuously, all while keeping the battery fully charged and ready to take over in case of power failure. 312 joules fight back against unexpected power surges a 312-joule surge suppression rating

  • Tripp Lite OMNIVSX1500 1.5Kva tower UPS - Tower - AVR - 8 hour recharge - 1 minute stand-by - 220 V AC, 230 V AC, 240 V AC output
  • 1500VA UPS BACK-UP TOWER 8 C13 AVR 230V
  • Package Weight: 10.932 kilograms
  • Package Dimensions: 19.354 L x 39.37 H x 27.94 W (centimeters)

APC SUA1000XL Smart-UPS - UPS - AC 120 V - 800 Watt - 1000 VA - 8 output connector(s) - Canada, United States - black

APC

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

APC Smart-UPS XL 1000VA

  • New

APC UPS, 600VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, BE600M1 Backup Battery Power Supply, USB Charger, Back-UPS Series Uninterruptible Power Supply

APC

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

APC 600VA UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector with USB Charging Port, APC UPS Back UPS (BE600M1). Operating temperature: 0 - 40? C. Alarm when on battery, distinctive low battery alarm, overload continuous tone alarm. Nominal output voltage: 120 V

  • 600VA / 330W Backup Battery power supply
  • 7 Outlets (NEMA 5-15R): 5 UPS Battery Backup with Surge Protection Outlets, and 2 Surge Protector Only Outlets
  • One USB Charger Port (1.5A) for cell phones and other portable electronics
  • 5' Power Cord, right-angle 3-prong wall plug (NEMA 5-15P), wall-mountable, plus FREE Windows PC power-management software (Mac OS uses native "Energy Saver" Settings)
  • REPLACEABLE BATTERY: The battery can be replaced when needed with RBC model APCRBC154 (sold separately)
  • Backed by APC's 3-YEAR warranty, plus a $75,000 connected-equipment policy

User questions & answers

Question: weird Q: a recent outage trapped elder lady in her power recliner. can this be used
Answer: We have a dual electric recliner sofa. After being temporarily "trapped" during an power outage, we purchased the APC UPS, 600VA BE600M1 APC UPS Battery Backup system. This week we had a 3 day outage, and the UPS worked like a champ. A must have for anybody with electric recliner chair or sofa.
Question: How long will it power my system while the power is off
Answer: I had my desktop computer, 2 monitors, and my modem/router combo plugged into the ups battery power. It lasted less than 20 minutes when the power went out, and there was no additional warning when the battery was about to shut off. It just had this intermittent double beep for about 15- 20 minutes, then bang, everything off. Pretty disappointed. I guess you get what you pay for.
Question: How often does the battery need to be replaced
Answer: I have had APC batteries last 7-8 years, the shortest was 13 months (12-month warranty, figures!). I have bought replacement batteries from other vendors, don't last at all. I had a beautiful APOC SUA1500, Batteries Plus sold me 2 x SLA batteries duct taped together (yes, literally) and they were NOT made for a backup power suppl;y as they stated, leaked, corroded the entire inside of my very expensive unit! I certainly regret that decision! Batteries Plus said they had the APC batteries, but when I got to the store they did not, ordering them, would take a long time, so I tried their option - will NEVER shop at Batteries Plus again! Just yesterday I had one APC battery die. Bought new unit Dec 17, 2017, today is March 31, 2020. Just over 3 years, their average. No complaints.
Question: Does it have ethernet ports
Answer: No, and generally you'll want to avoid surge protectors or UPS's with built in surge protectors that have multiple ports (i.e. coaxial, Ethernet, phone) since these devices turn on at different voltage levels. So once a surge comes in on the LINE (HOT) side of the AC outlet and the voltage has reached a certain level, the surge will be directed to both the NEUTRAL and the SAFETY GROUND, but as soon as that happens, some of the surge makes it's way into the COAX, ETHERNET, and PHONE ports and if you have something plugged into those ports then it goes into the devices. A recent study (see: http://incompliancemag.com/article/lightning-surge-damage-to-ethernet-and-pots-ports-connected-to-inside-wiring/) confirms this. The best place to secure PHONE, and COAX connections is where they enter the house and where they can have a short (less than 10 foot connection to a buried GROUND ROD). If you secure phone & coax at the service entrance and protect your electronics with Type 3 Surge Protectors you won't need to secure the Ethernet connections.Also, it's not a good idea to rely on the Surge Protector inside a UPS as those have a higher clamping voltage generally in the 650-800 Volt range and that means until the voltage reaches 800 volts, your electronics is getting zapped. You can't plug a UPS with an MOV surge protector into an existing MOV based surge protector for compliance (safety) issues, but you can plug a UPS with an MOV surge protector or an MOV surge protector into a Series Mode filter since the filter does not rely on sacrificial MOV's. The Series Mode filter starts to work at 121.4 VAC on a 120 VAC line and it totally eliminates the surge instead of diverting it and hoping the surge can make it's way back through your house wiring to the buried ground rod from the main electrical panel.

Product features

Reliable battery backup and surge protection

When the power goes out, the BE600M1 provides guaranteed power for computers, external hard-drives and other electronics, including your wireless router so you can maintain a network connection for your IoT devices when you need it most! Ideal for the home and home offices, the Back-UPS BE600M1 offers plenty of power and outlets, plus a 1.5A USB Charging port.

The Features and Benefits of an APC Back-UPS

Why use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) by APC? Watch this short video for insight into the features & benefits of this BE600M1 Back-UPS.

A UPS for the Internet of Things (IoT)

Every connected SmartHome needs a UPS to help keep your wifi on and available, so that your SmartHome stays, well...smart!

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