Power Protection

Electrical & Site Readiness

Why Electrical Site Assessment Matters Before Equipment Installation

Introduction Installing equipment without first understanding the site’s electrical conditions can create unnecessary problems. What Should Be Assessed? A site assessment can consider: Why It Matters Proper preparation can help identify electrical requirements before equipment installation begins. Power Icon’s Approach Power Icon conducts electrical requirements and site assessments for applications where equipment power requirements need to be understood before installation. Final takeaway Good site preparation is part of good equipment deployment.

Power Protection

What Is AVR and When Do You Need It?

Introduction Automatic Voltage Regulation, commonly referred to as AVR, is used to regulate variations in electrical voltage. Why Voltage Regulation Matters Electrical equipment can be affected by voltage that is consistently too high, too low or unstable. Voltage regulation can help maintain a more suitable supply for connected equipment. AVR vs UPS An AVR primarily addresses voltage regulation. A UPS can provide additional functions including backup power and, depending on architecture, power conditioning. Choosing Between Them The right solution depends on: Final takeaway AVR and UPS systems serve related but different purposes and can sometimes be used as part of a broader protection strategy.

UPS Basics

What Is Online Double-Conversion UPS Technology?

Introduction Online double-conversion is a UPS architecture designed for continuous power conditioning and protection. How It Works The incoming AC power is converted to DC and then converted back to AC before being delivered to the connected load. This creates a controlled output supply for connected equipment. Why It Matters Online double-conversion UPS systems can be useful for applications where: Where Are They Used? Common application areas include: Final takeaway The UPS architecture should match the importance and sensitivity of the connected equipment.

UPS Selection

Refurbished UPS vs. New UPS: What Should You Choose?

Introduction Buying a UPS doesn’t always mean buying a brand-new unit. Refurbished UPS equipment can provide another option for businesses that need established power-protection hardware while managing equipment costs. What Is a Refurbished UPS? A refurbished UPS is pre-owned equipment that has undergone inspection, servicing and testing before being offered for reuse. Why Consider Refurbished Equipment? Potential advantages include: What Should You Check? Ask about: Power Icon’s Approach Power Icon supplies pre-owned UPS equipment that is refurbished and tested before delivery. New replacement batteries are available separately.

UPS Basics

How to Choose the Right UPS Capacity for Your Equipment

Introduction UPS capacity is commonly expressed in VA and watts. Choosing a UPS solely because its VA rating appears sufficient can be a mistake. The connected load and required operating margin also matter. Start With Your Load Identify the equipment that needs protection and determine its expected power consumption. Consider VA and Watts VA represents apparent power while watts represent real power consumption. The relationship between the two is affected by power factor. Allow Appropriate Capacity Avoid selecting a UPS that operates permanently at its maximum capacity. A suitable operating margin can provide additional flexibility for changing loads. Consider Runtime If backup runtime matters, battery capacity and external battery options should also be evaluated. Final takeaway Tell Power Icon your equipment and load requirements rather than selecting a model based solely on its headline capacity.

UPS Basics

Online UPS vs. Standby UPS: What’s the Difference?

Introduction Not every UPS uses the same power-protection architecture. Two commonly discussed approaches are standby UPS systems and online UPS systems. Understanding the difference can help when evaluating equipment for critical applications. Standby UPS A standby UPS normally supplies incoming utility power to connected equipment and switches to battery power when the input supply fails or moves outside acceptable limits. Online UPS An online double-conversion UPS continuously processes incoming electrical power before delivering output power to the connected equipment. This architecture is commonly used where power quality and continuity are important. Why Choose Online? Online UPS systems can be appropriate for: Final takeaway UPS selection should be based on the actual application rather than simply choosing the cheapest available backup system.

UPS Basics

What Is a UPS and Why Does Your Equipment Need One?

Introduction A UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, is designed to provide protected electrical power to connected equipment during power disturbances and outages. For businesses operating computers, network infrastructure, medical equipment, industrial electronics or other sensitive loads, a UPS can form an important part of an overall power-protection strategy. What Does a UPS Do? A UPS can help protect connected equipment from: Online UPS systems take power protection a step further by continuously converting incoming power before supplying the connected load. Why Is This Important? An unexpected power interruption can cause equipment shutdown, interrupted operations, and potential data or equipment problems. For critical environments, maintaining protected power can be an important operational consideration. Final takeaway The right UPS depends on the equipment, electrical load, required runtime, and operating environment.