Interactive UPS: efficiency, protection, and savings for the industrial and electrical sectors

Among the various technologies currently available to protect sensitive equipment against voltage fluctuations and power outages, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems stand out for their efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness.

In particular, interactive line UPSs are the most common choice for home environments or corporate centers, as they are designed to safeguard devices, appliances, or technological equipment that do not constitute critical loads, thus ensuring effective protection.

What is an interactive line UPS and how does it work?

An interactive line UPS can be described as a middle ground between standby (or offline) UPSs and online (or double conversion) UPSs. Its operating principle is based on constant interaction with the electrical grid, allowing for a quick and effective response to anomalies or interruptions in the supply. Essentially, this interactive line equipment allows power from the mains to flow directly to the connected devices while charging its internal battery.

The key to its efficient operation lies in the BOOST voltage regulator, which is automatically activated when the input voltage falls below the optimum level. This system compensates for moderate voltage drops without resorting to the battery, stabilizing the current to protect connected devices. By avoiding constant use of the battery in low voltage situations, its useful life is extended and a more stable power supply is guaranteed against frequent fluctuations that can occur in unreliable networks.

Benefits of interactive line UPS for homes

Having an interactive line UPS in your home offers significant advantages that go beyond simply preventing a power outage:

• Backup power: If there is a power outage, this UPS provides temporary power to shut down devices properly and prevent data loss or damage from an abrupt interruption.
• Voltage regulation: Protects devices from harmful fluctuations, ensuring optimal performance and preventing damage to sensitive electronic equipment.
• Energy efficiency: allows power from the grid to pass through directly under normal conditions, using the battery only when necessary. This reduces electricity consumption compared to other more complex UPS technologies.
• Longer equipment life: by stabilizing voltage drops and surges, premature wear of sensitive components is prevented, helping to extend the life of connected equipment and reduce low voltage failures.

How to choose the best interactive UPS for your home?

Consider the following key aspects to determine which interactive line UPS is right for your home:

• It is important to calculate the total load of the equipment to be protected, i.e., the load capacity (kVA/kW). According to recommendations from the Secretariat of Energy (SENER), you should choose a UPS with an output capacity between 20-30% higher than the total power of all connected equipment.
• Know the autonomy time, which depends on the UPS’s capacity to keep the equipment running in the event of a power outage, depending on the connected load.
• Ideally, it should have enough outlets for all devices, with some of them being battery backup and others only surge protection.
• Some interactive UPSs offer USB ports for charging mobile devices, monitoring software for PCs (which allows automatic shutdown), or even protection for network or telephone lines.
• Consider UPSs that offer real-time monitoring, remote management, and informative displays that provide data on backup time and connected power load.

See also the differences and best options for choosing between an interactive UPS and an online UPS for your business in Mexico.

Applications of interactive line UPSs in homes

These types of technologies are ideal for protecting various equipment in the home. Some notable applications are:

• Computers and workstations, as the UPS prevents data loss and hardware damage during power outages or voltage fluctuations.
• Televisions, video game consoles, and audio and video equipment are entertainment systemsthat must be protected from power interruptions.
• Network equipment, such as routers and modems, can continue to operate with a UPS, ensuring internet connectivity during power outages.
• Voice assistants or security cameras can also be safely powered with this UPS, ensuring that a ‘smart home’ continues to function.
• Some appliances with delicate electronics, such as programmable coffee makers, blenders with digital panels, or even smart refrigerators, can benefit from protection against fluctuations.

In conclusion, the interactive line UPS is an optimal solution for home or corporate environments, combining efficiency, protection, and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to regulate voltage without consuming battery power makes it ideal for environments with high energy variability. At Industronic, we have a variety of UPSs to meet the needs of our customers according to their energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Contact us!