UPS

Updated: 12/30/2021 by Computer Hope

UPS may refer to any of the following:

APC Battery Backup

1. Short for uninterruptible power supply, UPS is a hardware device that provides a backup power source in case of a power outage (blackout), brownout, or a surge in power. A UPS provides enough power to prevent unsaved work from being lost with a power failure by allowing the user to save work and shut down. If the outage is short, the computer remains running during the outage. The picture shows an APC battery backup power strip.

Note

Because of the amount of power a laser printer can draw, it is not recommended to connect a laser printer to a UPS. Instead, connect the laser printer to a surge protector only.

How would having a UPS help a computer?

Having your computer connected to a UPS protects it from electrical surges and outages. When computers shut down improperly, such as when a power outage happens, it can damage the computer's internal parts and cause lost data. Having a UPS helps prevent the computer from being improperly shut down and helps protect the computer and its data.

Tip

If you are using a laptop with a working battery, it can serve as a UPS (not a surge protector). If the power were to be lost to the laptop, it would immediately switch over to the laptop battery for power.

What are the types of UPS?

There are three versions of the UPS: standby UPS, online UPS, and line-interactive UPS. With a standby UPS (offline UPS), the UPS switches to battery power when the power problem occurs. With an online UPS, the UPS always provides power from the battery, and while they offer better protection, they are more expensive. For most home users and small businesses, a standby UPS will meet all their needs.

2. Short for United Parcel Service, UPS is a package and mail delivery service used worldwide.

AVR, Battery, Battery backup, Clamping speed, Clamping voltage, Computer acronyms, Hardware terms, Power cable, Power strip, Power terms, Redundant power supply, Surge protector