Johannesburg, 29 Aug 2008
The beginning of 2008 saw South Africa experience its worst power crisis in the country's recent history. Businesses and ordinary South Africans went in search of solutions to stay afloat during these trying times and, for many, UPS systems seemed like the light at the end of the tunnel.
This was mainly because UPSes were positioned as a primary requirement for one to survive this calamity. Indeed UPSes are an excellent solution when consistent power is not guaranteed, but there are other components to a backup power supply system that are necessary to ensure the system is indeed foolproof.
When a UPS system is chosen as an alternative power system, it is important to opt for a UPS from a reputable vendor, as this is the heart of the system. While a reputable brand guarantees a quality product, it also comes with superior after-sales service. As the demand for UPSes surged during the earlier part of 2008, so did the influx of inferior products, many of which are not well supported in South Africa. Purchasing a reputable brand offers peace of mind at least at these two levels, ie, product quality and excellent after-sales services.
In setting up their power solution, many organisations buy into the misleading marketing promise that their UPS offers full protection against power surges, which are typical after power cuts. This, in many cases, is not true. Even though UPSes offer some surge protection, it is only to a limited degree and any surge above this threshold will damage the UPS and possibly some of the equipment connected to it. To adequately protect the system, it is wise to invest in a dedicated surge protector or conditioner. These come at a fraction of the cost of a UPS and are designed to offer protection against high power surges.
Because of their ability to handle high voltages, many individuals and organisations think surge protectors can protect them against any power surge, including lightning strikes. Lightning can produce extremely high voltages, which are often above the threshold of most surge protectors currently available. The most common and effective method to ensure adequate protection against lightning strikes is to make certain that one's building or house is properly earthed.
Like most computer equipment, UPSes are purchased for the long run. Most UPSes have batteries that promise a lifespan of about five years, but what is often overlooked by buyers is the fact that these standards are set in markets quite different from South Africa. A life span of up to five years can be expected in areas where power cuts are a rare occurrence. Not when power cuts occur twice or three times a week for up to four hours each time. In such conditions, one can realistically look at a lifespan of about three years, and even less in some cases.
To get this mileage out of a UPS, it needs to be serviced regularly, at least once a year, and the battery checked on an ongoing bases. This can easily be done as most UPSes come with built-in management software that monitors battery life and alerts the operator of any faults.
Having taken these points into consideration, one can be assured of a backup power supply that is reliable and will keep the light burning in times of darkness.
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