How to Charge an Uninterruptible Power Supply

Keep your computer running when power fails with a UPS.

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is necessary whenever continuing power for an electrical device is crucial. Commonly used for computers, the UPS contains a battery that, when fully charged, provides power to the system for several minutes after the main power source fails. Unlike a generator, a UPS is not rated for hours of operation. If charged correctly, it provides enough power to save open work on the system before shutting the system down normally.

Things You'll Need

• Grounded electrical outlet

Instructions

1. Plug the UPS into an electric socket near the system that is to be protected from power failure.

2. Turn the UPS on. Check any LED indicators located on the unit to ensure that the UPS is on and operational. Do not plug anything into the UPS yet.

3. Allow the UPS to sit in place. As long as it's connected to the power supply, the UPS will build a charge in its batteries. Without peripherals the charging process with go faster than if there were a load on the system.

4. Watch the LEDs for any change to a ready status that indicates a full charge in the system. Charge times vary according to the USP's battery capacity. Average charge time from a completely depleted battery is typically between four and eight hours.

5. Plug the items for which you want to supply power should you lose electricity into the unit after the ready LED indicates a full charge in the system. Keep the UPS plugged into the power supply to ensure a constant full charge to the batteries.

References

• 120 VAC User's Manual
• Sollatek: Sollatek ULTIMA 400,600,800 Uninterruptible Power Supply User Instructions

Resources

• DIY-Computer-Repair: UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), Surge Protectors, Surge Arrestors