Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems and Generator Backups

What is Uninterruptible Power Supply?

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is designed to provide continuous power to an interrupted electrical circuit until backup power is turned on or the primary power supply is capable of performing acceptably again. This way, if your generator doesn’t start running right away or produces inconsistencies in voltage, you will still have stable power temporarily until the power supply is restored.

Essentially, a UPS system works by converting AC power from the current into filtered DC power, then back to AC to eliminate all power disturbances. The size and design of the UPS will determine the amount of power it will supply.

UPS and Generator Backups

Backup generators require gasoline, propane or diesel to operate, and they pose delay time between a power outage and backup power supply starting. UPS systems are much more complex with batteries that charge when the power is on to build up power storage so they automatically produce power with no lag time. However, the price of a UPS generator system is extremely high and increases with the length of the battery backup time. Additionally, UPS systems are not designed to deliver power for a long period of time.

To provide a safety net in the case of a power interruption, a number of businesses are combining UPS systems with a backup generator. The goal is that the two complement each other in the case of a power outage, and provide a total standby power solution. To ensure compatibility, it is important that the generator size and frequency are assessed to adapt properly to the UPS system. It’s best to consult with the generator manufacturer to make sure they have tested and approved the product’s use with UPS systems.