Deploying an uninterruptible power system (UPS) is an increasingly important decision for today’s organizations, regardless of the size or sector. Relied upon to provide continuous, clean power to a connected load — as well as battery backup in the event of a power outage —UPSs are imperative to achieving uptime and business continuity. As a result, it’s important to put some thought before procuring a new solution. Because UPSs are specialized systems that must be seamlessly integrated with other equipment, it’s best to detail a thorough plan upfront. This will help facilitate a smooth deployment from start to finish, ultimately optimizing the lifespan of your unit.
Here are five factors to take into account:
1. Select the right partner. First and foremost, it is important to work with a true UPS expert who can help guide you through the entire decision-making process. Make sure the company has a solid reputation and specializes in UPSs and power-related equipment.
2. Conduct a site survey. Prior to choosing a UPS, it is wise to complete a site survey. Doing so ensures that all power requirements have been taken into account prior to installation, as well as other considerations such as room layout, available space, temperature and humidity control. Once the assessment is complete, you will be better prepared to select the optimal UPS — as well as any supplemental equipment such as PDUs or surge suppressors — to meet your unique needs and environment.
3. Determine the ideal UPS for your environment. UPSs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and there are numerous questions to ask when selecting the best model for your organization. For instance, how critical are the loads being protected? What is your desired runtime? How reliable is the incoming utility power? Do you expect significant load growth in the coming years? And perhaps most important, what would the effects be if your company were to endure unexpected downtime?
For some installations, a single UPS may provide sufficient protection, while other applications require redundancy. Scalable, modular systems can benefit organizations that anticipate future growth in load demand. Many times, a certified pre-owned UPS will provide lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than a brand new unit. A qualified partner can be especially valuable to assist you in determining precisely what you need in a power protection solution.
4. Install the system. Once the UPS model has been selected, subsequent project management and commissioning are key to a successful installation. Confirm with your partner the timeline for delivery, any risks associated with the project, and if a planned power outage is required during installation.
5. Sign up for service. While most UPSs feature a standard factory warranty, the majority of policies don’t include routine preventive maintenance (PM). However, because regular checkups have been proven to be one of the most effective ways to avert UPS failure, a service plan is a crucial step to protecting your investment. Make sure you engage with a service provider that provides highly skilled technicians, prompt emergency response service, and a well-stocked warehouse to ensure quick access to replacement parts.
Installing a UPS solution goes a long way toward safeguarding your organization against potentially devastating downtime, equipment damage and data loss. To avoid snags along the way, make sure you form a solid game plan before you deploy a new solution.
Source: Unified Power USA