You may often hear about EPS and UPS, and might wonder if they are some kind of advanced storage batteries. In fact, this is a quite common misunderstanding. A storage battery is just a component used to store electricity, while EPS and UPS are complete systems that "utilize electricity from batteries to function". Although both use storage batteries, their purposes are completely different.
Let’s first talk about UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply):
Its most prominent feature is "uninterrupted power supply". For example, if the power suddenly goes out in your home, the UPS can switch to battery power immediately within a few milliseconds, allowing your computer to continue operating without interruption.
Then what is EPS (Emergency Power Supply) used for?
It is more like an "emergency rescuer". Once the power fails (especially in cases of fire or other emergencies), the EPS will start immediately, releasing the electricity stored in the battery to supply power to life-saving equipment such as fire-fighting lights, emergency exit signs, and fire-fighting water pumps. Its switching speed does not need to be as fast as that of a UPS (usually within 0.5 seconds is sufficient), but it is required to be flame-retardant.
- UPS: Protects computers and data, pursuing "zero interruption".
- EPS: Protects personal safety and supports fire emergency response, focusing on "reliable switching".