User Message
Can you tell me more about UPSs, so for power, when the power goes off, what can I use to make sure that I have power after the slow shedding?
AI Response
Absolutely! A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is specifically designed to keep your critical devices running when thereâs a power outageâsuch as during load shedding or power failures. Hereâs how it works and why itâs useful:
### What Is a UPS?
A UPS is an electrical device that provides backup power from its internal batteries when the main power supply fails or experiences interruptions (âblackoutsâ or âbrownoutsâ).
### How Does a UPS Help During Load Shedding?
- When Eskom or your utility cuts the power (load shedding), a UPS instantly switches to battery power without interruption, preventing your devices from shutting down abruptly.
- Depending on the UPS model and load, it gives you anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours of backupâenough to safely continue work, save data, avoid disruptions, or transition to a generator.
- It also provides power conditioning, protecting your devices from surges, spikes, and voltage fluctuationsâa common issue during load and power restoration.
### What Can You Connect to a UPS?
- **Small Office/Home User:** Computers, internet router, Wi-Fi, smartphones, TVs, modems.
- **Business/Data Centre/Industrial:** Servers, security systems, POS terminals, factory equipment, and other mission-critical systems.
### Types of UPSs Schneider Electric Offers
- **APC Easy UPS:** Affordable and perfect for home/small business. Backup time: typically 10â20 minutes for basic IT/computer.
- **APC Smart-UPS:** Advanced UPS for more demanding workstations, rack equipment, or small business servers. Lithium-ion options for longer life and stability.
- **Galaxy Series UPS:** Large 3-phase models suitable for bigger offices, factories, warehouses, or data centersâhandling heavy equipment or mission-critical operations.
### How To Choose?
- Identify what equipment you need backup for (computers, medical devices, Wi-Fi).
- Select a UPS with enough capacity to power those loads for your needed time duration.
- Consider installation space and whether you want a compact (desktop) or rackmount UPS.
If youâd like, I can show you actual product options, pricing, and images for recommended UPSs available in South Africa. Would you like to see a few that fit for home, SME, or enterprise needs?