How to Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply

Uninterruptible power supplies (or UPS) allow a user to save their progress and shut down the computer in case of a power failure. In addition, they will help "clean" the power coming into your computer, leveling out dips and peaks in the current, making your components last longer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a UPS that is large enough for your system. All uninterruptible power supplies have a VA rating, and this rating should be about double the watts that your computer draws. For instance, a 400 watt power supply would need to have a minimum of an 800 VA UPS.

2. Look over your options for plugs. Most UPSs have a selection of plug-in points, some of which are both back-up and surge protected, and some which are just surge protected.

3. Decide which of your items will plug into which spaces. You need to plug monitors and CPUs into the back-up (otherwise you won't be able to save your work), but printers, routers and other peripherals may not need to be. The more things plugged into the back-up section, the faster the UPS will drain during an outage.

4. Position your UPS in a location that receives plenty of ventilation. If the UPS overheats it can surge your equipment, causing all sorts of problems.

5. Clean your UPS regularly. Dust acts like an insulator and can quickly cause your UPS to overheat.

Tips & Warnings

• It is often best to get a bigger UPS than what you need. Some companies' VA ratings are not as accurate as they should be and having a bigger UPS allows you upgrade room in the future.