According to statistics, 45% of the reasons why electrical equipment fails are power problems, so in no case should you neglect solving them.
If you have finally purchased an uninterruptible power supply (or, as it is also called, UPS), it seems that now all problems with voltage drops and power outages for the computer that will be connected to the device will definitely be solved. The main task solved by this small but extremely important electronic device is the elimination of voltage fluctuations in the network and the ability to maintain the functioning of a PC or peripheral devices connected to the network through it for a short time after even a complete and sudden blackout in the house. The ability to work fully on the device for a certain time (for some models - up to an hour) will allow you to save important changes in work documents or finish completing a level in your favorite game.
All problems will be solved, however, only after the uninterruptible power supply is correctly connected - for some reason this very moment causes great difficulties for many people who use it. Often, even from the instructions translated into Russian that come with the device, it is difficult to understand how to connect a computer without the proper level of training.
Therefore, in our short review we will talk about how to properly connect an uninterruptible power supply in order to
protect the software and hardware components of the PC from power outages. He will help him a lot with this.
Serial connection
The voltage stabilizer for a computer is turned on like this.
- You must use the power cord included in the package.
- Once connected, the battery begins to charge.
- When connecting the device, you must temporarily turn off the UPS and computer.
- If the design provides for communication lines, then they should be connected immediately.
- That's it, when the battery is charged, you can use it successfully.
Detailed instructions with images have already been given above.
Video instructions will also help
Step-by-step connection of an uninterruptible power supply to a PC
The UPS device cord is connected directly to a power outlet; extension cords or surge protectors cannot be used. Each device, regardless of manufacturer and model, is equipped with one power cord and several connectors for household devices.
It is recommended to connect it first to charge the built-in battery. When the battery is fully charged, you need to remove the UPS from the network, then you can connect computer equipment:
- Insert the wires of the system unit and monitor into the backup connectors of the uninterruptible power supply. You can also connect to this group of sockets those devices that need to stop programs or save data. Modems or routers that provide interaction with cloud storage or a remote server are suitable for this.
- If the uninterruptible power supply provides a set of connectors for stabilizing the voltage "SURGE ONLY", then you can connect devices that do not require completion of programs, such as audio equipment, printers or even a lamp.
- Connect the UPS cord directly to the power source and wait until the device displays a light or sound signal indicating that the UPS is ready for operation. Start your computer as usual.
Sometimes there are uninterruptible power supplies with IEC 320 standard sockets equipped with C13 pentagonal contacts. In this case, you will need C14 wires for the monitor and PC system unit or an adapter for a European socket.
Rules for using a connected device
The rules for successful operation are as follows:
- Charge the batteries; after purchase they are usually not charged;
- Constantly re-test the device to ensure its functionality;
- Make sure that the power of the uninterruptible power supply is maintained at the required level, do not overload it under any circumstances;
- It should not be connected to laser printers;
- If you turn off the device, you do not need to turn off the UPS.
The nuances of using uninterruptible power supply
Before connecting the uninterruptible power supply, you need to check its functionality. If the indicator light does not light up green, it means there is not enough voltage. In such a situation, it is not recommended to turn on the PC via a UPS. The device will turn on and begin booting the system. However, the uninterruptible power supply does not work, and the energy comes from the battery - it will quickly run out and the computer will turn off.
Due to voltage instability, the PC reboots. A UPS helps avoid this by keeping the voltage at the same level. However, if the network frequently “jumps,” the device’s battery will quickly fail. This problem cannot be solved in any way - the uninterruptible power supply was invented for this purpose, to take the entire blow upon itself.
FAQ
- What to do if the UPS does not turn on? — Check that its socket is suitable for the network and that the protective fuse is working properly.
- What to do if it turns off spontaneously during operation? — It’s best to immediately contact a specialist and/or replace the device under warranty. But it is possible that the problem is in your network: if the electricity stops flowing, the device will work for a while and a regular shutdown will occur.
- The UPS is clicking, is this normal? - Yes, but the sound should not be very loud, otherwise you should also consult with the service center professionals.
- How to choose the right uninterruptible power supply? - It depends not so much on what devices you plan to connect, but on what kind of electrical problems arise in your home, office or other place where you plan to use it. As a rule, this determines what degree of protection should be taken. For example, in case of unstable energy supply, the so-called. line-interactive UPS. The most efficient are online UPSs, but they are also the most expensive.
How to use a UPS correctly
The uninterruptible device is equipped with batteries with a capacity of 7 to 12 Ah. Due to their limitations, be aware that after a power outage, you must save data on your PC and end all programs before the additional battery power runs out.
Modern UPSs are equipped with computer software that allows you to manage power. In addition, using a utility from the manufacturer, you can monitor the condition of the battery, since its capacity decreases over time. In addition to special software, the manufacturer provides analog, light or sound indication on the device body. It informs about the voltage and battery status.
Laser-type printers and some other devices cannot be connected to a UPS, since due to the amplitude of the alternating voltage of the power source, the network card of the equipment may be damaged. Before connecting devices to an uninterruptible power supply, carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations in the instructions or on the official website.
Since the UPS is configured for continuous operation, it is not necessary to disconnect it from the network. It is enough to turn off the computer system unit.
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Can a car battery be used for a UPS?
And now we come to the crux of the matter. How to use a starter battery for a car in a UPS. My BACK-UPS 600I UPS fits this perfectly!
The very first UPSs from APC of the Back UPS series charged the battery exactly according to the principle of charging the battery with constant voltage. There is a microcontroller for controlling battery charging. The estimated battery capacity for my UPS is 7 Ah. The charge current is 350 milliamps at the initial stage. At the end, the current drops to 10 milliamps (in fact, to a current slightly higher than the self-discharge current). Newer UPSs charge differently. I tested the newer model Back-UPS CS 650 (I even wanted to buy it), but this iron beast keeps the voltage at 13.7 volts. When the charge current exceeds a certain parameter, this muck displays the Replace Battery icon on the front panel.
UPS APC backups-650
Of course, it can also be used with a car battery, but with a large-capacity battery there may be problems with undercharging. You will have to use external charging with it (I will discuss this issue below, in the Practice section). And the voltage of 13.7 volts is not enough to charge the battery 100%. Therefore, I don’t need such a UPS for nothing. But with my BACK-UPS 600I UPS you can use a battery of at least 150 Ah. Yes, when the battery is completely discharged, it will charge it with a current of 350 milliamps for several days. But it is guaranteed to charge 100%. But in order to save time, you can again get out of this situation using external charging.
Selecting a UPS by power
The power of a UPS depends on the electrical appliances you want to connect to it. If the absence of electric heating, electric stove or boiler for 10-20 minutes is usually not a problem, then it is difficult to do without lighting or a TV. Therefore, powerful electrical appliances, including sockets for hair dryers in the bathroom, washing machines and dishwashers, as well as a vacuum cleaner, are connected without a UPS. A separate line is laid for them. Or, conversely, a separate wire is laid for a computer, TV and several emergency lighting bulbs. This is enough time to start a portable generator.
If there is no generator and there are no plans to install one, then a gas heating boiler and a refrigerator must also be connected to the UPS. Electric heating, a boiler and other powerful loads increase the required power of the UPS, as well as the capacity of the batteries for long-term operation so much that it will be more profitable to purchase a portable generator.
Selection of UPS by power
The power of the UPS must be equal to the sum of the power of all electrical appliances. For a refrigerator, the starting power (starting current) of the compressor is taken into account, which is 10 times greater than that indicated in the passport. It is needed for a few seconds when turned on, but if the power of the UPS is insufficient, it will simply turn off. In addition, you need to take 30% of the reserve. Many UPSs have a peak power rating. It must be no less than the starting power of electrical appliances.
Calculation example
You need to connect 5 LED lamps of 10 W each, a TV with a power of 45 W, a computer with a power supply of 450 W, a refrigerator with a power of 300 W and a starting power of 10 times more, that is, 3000 W and a gas boiler with a power of 120 W, of which a pump with a power of 60 W and a starting power of 600 W .
The total power of all electrical appliances is 3695W. An additional 30% power reserve is also required. We get 4803.5 W and select the nearest higher value.
If you do not connect a refrigerator to the UPS, then the total power will be 3 kW (starting power of the refrigerator) less, only 803.5 W. You can choose an 800W UPS.
This is a completely acceptable solution. The refrigerator will not have time to defrost in a few hours, and the battery capacity required while eliminating a major accident, which can last several days, will be too large. They will take up a lot of space and cost more than a portable generator with a supply of fuel.
Difference between UPS and sinusoidal shape
In addition to the difference between UPSs in terms of operation, they differ in the shape of the sinusoid. It can only be seen on the oscilloscope screen.
Output voltage form of UPS inverters: sinusoidal - a, two-stage sinusoidal approximation - b, three-stage sinusoidal approximation - c
Approximated sine wave
The approximated sine wave appears as a stepped line on the oscilloscope screen. This does not matter for most electrical appliances, but in those cases if the device has a transformer, like in old TVs, or has an electric motor, then you cannot turn it on through this UPS. The approximate sine wave is the sum of different frequencies and voltages, while transformers and electric motors are designed for a frequency of 50Hz. As a result, they lose power, heat up, hum and may fail. If only equipment with switching power supplies (almost all modern ones) is connected to the device, then it works perfectly with an approximate sinusoid. In switching power supplies, the input voltage is supplied to the diode bridge, where it is rectified into a constant voltage of 220V, which does not depend on the shape of the sinusoid.
However, there are devices with transformer power supplies. The first sign of a sine wave shape mismatch is a strong hum, much louder than when powered from the mains. It is best to test turn on a UPS with an approximate sinusoid, turn on all devices one by one and turn off immediately when a strong hum appears. Usually these are low-power power supplies or equipment powered from a 220V network.
Such UPSs or inverters are cheaper than devices with a pure sine wave, but they cannot be connected to a heating pump or refrigerator.
Pure sine wave UPS
Devices of the highest price category have a pure sine wave at the output. This makes it possible to connect any equipment to them, including electric motors, pumps and transformers, but these UPSs are much more expensive, which makes their use to ensure the operation of electric heating or a washing machine unprofitable. This is described in more detail in the article “UPS for the home”.
Car batteries or AGM, gel
Many consumers often use car batteries for uninterruptible power supply, which is absolutely not allowed. These batteries are fire and explosive.
They are designed for starting currents, and accordingly do not provide the autonomous operation that is required of them. Therefore, here you need to use specialized batteries using AGM or GEL-gel technology.
AGMs have a service life of 6 to 10 years, and gel ones from 10 to 15 years.
Also, gel ones are not afraid of deep discharge.
In addition, both models are fire and explosion-proof for any premises and do not emit any gases. Of course, they cost more, but if earlier the prices differed significantly, today you can find models with a difference of only a couple of thousand.
Automotive types are not designed for a large number of charge-discharge cycles, but specialized ones with a regular discharge of 30% can be painlessly recharged up to 700 times!
That is, a regular one from a car will last you for a maximum of six months or one heating season, and AGM or gel ones should, in theory, last at least 10 years.
Moreover, high-quality UPSs initially have built-in deep discharge protection. Accordingly, this will further increase the battery life and ensure the longevity of the entire system.
Just be careful and check the battery release date in advance, even in the store. It may not be clearly indicated by numbers, and the sellers, modestly keeping silent about this point, will sell you an old, stale model.
Here, for example, is a table decoding the release date of Ventura brand batteries. Code GF11PJB6VVK3EA and its decoding based on the first characters. Other brands may vary.
It turns out the release date: 2017-June-11.
Quality of output current
Uninterruptible power supplies must provide current of adequate quality. When operating on batteries, the inverter is responsible for this, and in the case of mains power, the problem areas should be smoothed out by filters and a stabilizer. Interference occurring in an electrical circuit has different origins and consequences for electronics. Therefore, this issue also needs to be carefully examined.
Network interference and protection
All modern UPSs are equipped with protection against problems associated with the devices being serviced. If the total load exceeds the maximum permissible or a short circuit occurs, the uninterruptible power supply will immediately turn off the power.
Interference in the network can be divided into frequency and pulse. The former are not so dangerous, especially for computer or TV power supplies that convert alternating current to direct current. The latter can cause problems with any electronics.
Therefore, most UPSs are equipped with surge and harmonic protection using varistors and high-frequency filters.
Removing interference on the line occurs in two stages. First, varistors cut off high-frequency pulses, and then the filter smoothes out small jumps
The problem of the appearance of high-voltage pulses is typical not only for power cables, but also for data transmission networks - computer or telephone. They can occur due to exposure to atmospheric electricity, breakdowns of nearby wiring, electrical interference and other reasons.
Many manufacturers produce models with the ability to protect a local network. For this, the UPS has two RJ-45 connectors - one for input and one for output. The signal passes through a filter that suppresses voltage surges. For telephone lines, the system is the same, only the connectors are in RJ-11 format.
Low and high voltage
Voltage adjustment occurs using an automatic voltage regulator (AVR), the main element of which is an autotransformer. The principle of its operation is based on changing the number of turns of one of the windings, as a result of which the voltage changes towards increasing or decreasing its value.
The presence of AVR in the UPS allows you not to turn on the autonomous mode every time if the voltage deviates slightly from the standard values. This significantly increases the battery life.
Professional multimeters such as the CEM DT 9909 are capable of recording the voltage value for a long time. The use of such a device can help in choosing a stabilizer or UPS
According to GOST 29322-2014, a 10 percent voltage deviation from the reference value is allowed for a period of no more than 1 hour. All modern UPSs with regulators cope with such fluctuations.
Output Purity
The type of output signal depends on the model of the inverter that is installed in the uninterruptible power supply. Ideally, the AC voltage waveform should be a sine wave. But after conversion through an inverter, it takes on a stepped form.
The greater the number of steps in the instantaneous voltage versus time curve, the better the quality of the alternating current. This is important for some devices
For equipment that contains asynchronous electric motors (refrigerator, air conditioner), transformer power supplies (high-quality audio equipment), APFC power supplies (servers and powerful computing computers) you need a pure or well-approximated sine wave.
Not a single inverter, and therefore any UPS, produces a pure sine wave, no matter what equipment manufacturers write in advertising brochures. The approximation of the output signal to a sinusoid is assessed through the total harmonic distortion (THD).
The signal output from the unit can be considered sinusoidal at THD<5%. For some models, such as IMV NetPro 2000, this figure is only 2%.
