You probably know that you should have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) on your work systems, but you probably don’t have one.  Did you know that installing a battery backup system is just like cheap insurance?  Tornadoes, floods and fires aren’t the only disasters that damage PCs, servers and other computers.  An abrupt loss of electricity prevents systems from closing programs, finishing updates, and shutting down properly.  Lost data and corrupted operating systems and programs often result.

Powerful electrical spikes can also cause trouble.  A computer’s sensitive electronics can easily be destroyed by power surges created by lightning strikes or power fluctuations.  Your computer can also be damaged by a dip in electrical current, also known as a “brown-out”, and that is something that a standard surge protector cannot guard against – not even an expensive one.

A UPS can prevent the damage that occurs from both power loss and common power fluctuations.  Keep in mind, however, that just plugging in a UPS and connecting your computer does not guarantee systems are properly protected. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a UPS.

1 – Get one that has protection for your Internet connection as well.  Lighting will travel along any wire it can find, and a surge from your Internet connection can still damage your system.

2 – Install the software that comes with the battery backup unit.  The software will monitor the health of your UPS, and in the event of a power outage, will properly turn off your system when the battery level falls below a set point.

3 – Make sure you purchase the right size of UPS.  Start by figuring out the potential load on the UPS, and how long you want it to last on battery power.  Remember that you only need to connect the computer and monitor to the battery backup.  Many battery backup units have surge-only outlets as well as battery protected outlets. There is no need to keep your speakers and printer powered up when the power is out.

4 – Plan to replace your UPS in three years.  The service life of a typical battery backup unit is only a few years, so plan it replacing it.  The batteries will eventually begin to fail, and will not hold a proper charge.  Sometimes you can replace just the batteries, but in many cases, the new UPSs are cheaper and better than the one you purchased a few years ago.

Remember that a UPS is really a lifeboat, not a bridge.  When choosing a UPS device, never consider them bridges over troubled waters.  Think of them as a cheap insurance policy.  They are best used as lifeboats for escaping unexpected crises.

If you would like more information, or need help choosing a battery backup solution for your desktop computer or server, contact your local IT guy!