Power failures don’t happen on a regular basis, but when they do occur, they can cause big issues for businesses. It’s essential that companies of all sizes have the appropriate plans in place to deal with such issues and have contingency systems ready, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

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When a business is forced into unplanned downtime because of a power cut, it can cost a significant amount both in terms of a loss of business and the impact on their reputation. The power failure at British Airways, for example, which led to a problem with the IT system in May of this year, has so far set the company back £80 million and the long-term effect on customer confidence is hard to measure.

Choosing a UPS

Investing in a UPS, such as Eaton UPS systems, is not as simple as just purchasing the first one you see. It’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs.

One of the main areas of concern with a loss of power is the maintenance of data and IT systems. UPS provide you with sufficient time to safely shut down equipment or enough power until an auxiliary power source can be connected.

When you’re choosing UPS like those Eaton UPS systems available from suppliers such as http://www.cppsales.com/Eaton_UPS_Systems___Accessories-catid17, opt for one that can begin this type of controlled shutdown and is capable of handling the sensitivity and load of the equipment.

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Battery considerations

The battery runtime will vary according to the size and type of battery and the rate at which they discharge. Most only have a short runtime of up to about 15 minutes, and a UPS with an extended runtime or additional batteries will be required to cover longer interruptions.

There are both online and offline UPS. An online system has the benefit of an electrical firewall situated between the connected equipment and the incoming power. This is particularly useful for bigger equipment loads, noisy environments, and cases where an extended-run backup generator is required.

Instead of concentrating on the cost of UPS, you should focus on the cost savings that can be made in the event of a power failure. Choosing the right UPS for your business will ensure you don’t have lengthy breaks in service and can maintain your standard of customer service.