An Instant Power Supply (IPS) and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) are essential devices that ensure continuous power to electrical equipment during power outages. While both serve the purpose of providing backup power, they function differently and are used in various scenarios. This article delves into the definitions, uses, and critical distinctions between IPS and UPS, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing and using these devices.
What is an Instant Power Supply (IPS) ?
The full form of IPS is Instant Power Supply. IPS is an electronic device that converts the DC power stored in a battery into AC power, which can be used to run devices like lights, fans, etc.
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IPS = Instant Power Supply. IPS is generally used for higher loads. The switching time of an IPS is 1 second or more, which can cause computers or electronic devices to reset or restart.
For this reason, IPS is not usually connected to computers or electronic devices. It is used for electrical loads depending on the load capacity.
When the power supply is on, the battery is charged through the charger, storing electrical energy. When the power supply is off (during load shedding), the stored energy is converted to the required form to run electrical loads using an appropriate device. This device is mainly known as an IPS.
What is a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) ?
The full form of UPS is Uninterruptible Power Supply or Source. It is an electronic device that can store power for a short time and provide an uninterrupted power supply to computers and other devices at any moment.
Like an IPS, it can store electrical energy in a battery and convert DC power to AC power.
UPS = Uninterruptible Power Supply. UPS is usually used with computers or electronic devices. The switching time of a UPS is typically less than 0.1 seconds, providing backup power quickly.
As a result, computers or electronic devices do not need to reset or restart. UPS is used as a backup power source for a short time.
Sudden power drops and surges are harmful to computers and electronic devices, so a UPS is used for uninterrupted power supply.
Important Information Before Buying an IPS
It’s important to understand the product well before purchasing any electronic device, not just IPS or UPS. We should know the purpose for which we are buying the product and its capacity and efficiency before making a purchase. Today, I will share some tips that might help you a bit when buying an IPS or UPS.
- Know the correct wattage of the IPS, as it will determine how much power the IPS can supply.
- Be aware of the minimum input voltage required for the IPS. The IPS should be able to charge without any issues at this minimum input voltage (ideal voltage is usually 140V).
- Check how many amperes the IPS can charge the battery with (ideal amperes is 12).
- Check whether the charging is controlled by a relay or SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier). SCR is generally better as it ensures proper voltage charging, leading to a longer battery life.
- Ensure the IPS has overload protection.
- Check the overcharging cutoff voltage of the IPS (ideal voltage is around 12.8V).
Important Information Before Buying a UPS
When buying a UPS, consider some factors similar to those for an IPS. However, make sure the UPS is of good quality, as it is mostly used to support computers. In such cases, it is recommended to buy a high-quality UPS.
How to Use an IPS Properly
IPS units often have backup issues. It is important to take proper care of the IPS. Let’s see what you should keep in mind:
- Check the main voltage at home to ensure that the IPS is charging with the correct voltage.
- Inspect the connection between the battery and the IPS.
- There is a high tendency for carbon to accumulate at the connection points of the battery and wires, so it should be cleaned periodically.
- Ensure there is sufficient water in the battery, as the water tends to evaporate if the charge voltage is not correct.
How to Use a UPS Properly
It is advisable to buy a good quality UPS. Many of us use UPS to provide power support to our computers.
- It’s best not to turn off the main power of the UPS.
- Do not turn off the UPS even when the power is out.
- Fully discharge and recharge the UPS every month.
- If you have a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, do not turn it on when the power is out, as it puts stress on the battery and reduces its lifespan.
- Never exceed the designed load capacity of the UPS.
- Periodically clean the battery connectors of the UPS if possible.
The battery of a UPS is often the first to fail, so extra attention should be given to the battery. Replacing the old battery with a new one will restore the UPS to its original performance.
Differences Between IPS and UPS
Many people have questions about the differences between IPS and UPS. For example, some ask if a UPS can run fans, lights, etc. Today, I will share some insights on this topic.
- The power of an IPS is usually 16 kVA and operates on 3 phases, whereas the power of a UPS is typically 2 kVA.
- It takes approximately 500 milliseconds for the power to transfer from the main supply to the battery or from the battery to the main supply in an IPS, whereas in a UPS, it takes only 3 to 8 milliseconds. This is a very short time.
- An IPS provides voltage equal to the main supply voltage, but a UPS has automated voltage regulation, usually set to 220V.
- In an IPS, the main supply power is directly supplied to the inverter and then to the output. This means that the main supply charges the battery and provides power to the output simultaneously. An IPS has a sensor and relay mechanism that continuously checks for power from the main supply. When the main power is off, it triggers the battery to start charging. In the case of a UPS, the current from the main supply first goes directly to the UPS. The AC current is converted from AC to DC, and the battery starts charging. The power from the charged battery goes to the sine wave inverter, where DC is converted to AC. This AC power is what we use to power the PC. The output power comes entirely from DC, so the time difference never changes, keeping the frequency constant.
- The main supply current is usually a 100% sine wave. The output of an IPS resembles a stepped wave. Since pure sine waves are not obtained, IPSs can damage inductive loads. This is why we often hear about frequent regulator failures in IPSs.
- The mechanism of an IPS is less expensive and less complex than that of a UPS.
