UPS Recommendation
UPS Recommendation
Hello, I am investigating UPS options for our specialized gear. The requirements I have for these devices are up to 500W. I’ve been told that the load from our equipment should be at least 30% of the UPS’s power capacity (which means we should aim for a unit with a maximum output of around 1666W).
I’m aware there are three main types – standby, line interactive, and double conversion. I believe standby or line interactive would suffice for our needs. We’re aiming to handle both planned and unexpected power outages. My belief is that both line interactive and standby coverage would be adequate (with line interactive also covering voltage variations).
My questions are:
Should I purchase a UPS that supplies 30% of the equipment’s load? Should I target a unit around 1000W maximum (up to 1666W)?
If not, could a UPS be too powerful and thus not recognized? – Clarification is needed. My budget exceeds $10,000. If I select something below that limit, approval might be denied (I’m aware of this issue). Should I consider the top-tier specifications if I obtain them?
I spoke with APC via live chat and they only suggested one model – the SMX1000I. If I wanted it to operate for two hours, I needed an external power source like the SMX-48RMBP2U. Does every UPS require an external power supply if I need it to run for an hour or longer? Are there models capable of operating without external power for extended periods (e.g., 30 minutes or an hour)?
I have limited experience with UPS systems, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Agnes
It seems straightforward initially since most UPSes have a rating of 5-7 minutes under maximum load. Your device draws 500w, which translates to 750VA for APC UPSes. However, you aim for a 30-minute runtime, which is six times longer than the 5-minute mark. That equates to a minimum of 4,500VA. This puts you just over 17% of the maximum capacity instead of needing more than 30%.
The point is, you don’t really require an ultra-expensive unit capable of delivering 3,000w; you only need something that can sustain 500w continuously without overheating, with sufficient extra battery to cover at least 30 minutes. The nearest option they provide is 1000VA (capable of 670w), so their suggestion makes sense.
Hello, I want to explain why I'm asking about a UPS being too powerful. We have a budget over $10,000, and if we don’t spend that much, approval won’t be granted. I’ll update my post later, but can I find the top-tier UPS with maximum VA that fits, or would it be too strong and cause issues? Additionally, the APC rep mentioned I can’t just get the SMX1000I without external power—it would only last about 17 minutes. Is there an option to get something that doesn’t need external power?
Excessive UPS usage won't cause issues. For this budget, you might want to consult a local solar panel installer for a quote on a big LiFePO4 battery bank (offering at least 2000 cycles instead of 200 for deep-cycle lead-acid) along with a charger/inverter system. This would be comparable to a double-conversion UPS.
With a sufficiently large solar array, you could sustain power during an extended outage, such as after a natural disaster. I know most of the world's spare powerplant transformers have already been sent to Ukraine, so the delay from China would be significant (and likely cause outages if a major event like a Carrington event occurs).