Where Are UPS Used?
Many people think that a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is only for "company server rooms" or "places with frequent power outages." That's a misconception! In fact, UPS units have many more applications. The key lies in understanding how to use them.
I. Essential for Home Use
1. Home Network (Router, Mesh WiFi, Fibre Modem)
Maintains network connectivity during a power outage. Imagine how inconvenient it would be to suddenly lose your internet connection in the middle of an important video conference or while simply trying to look up information online. A small-capacity UPS can keep your networking equipment running for **1-2 hours**, allowing you to respond calmly and stay connected.
2. Gaming PC / Creator Workstation
Prevents losing all your progress when a power cut happens during a critical gaming moment, video rendering, or processing of large design files. A sufficiently powerful UPS gives you time to save your work and shut down gracefully, protecting expensive components like your graphics card and CPU from power surges.
3. Smart Home and Security Devices
Keeps smart home hubs, security cameras, and alarm systems running during brief power outages, preventing security vulnerabilities. This is especially important for cloud-connected devices, as maintaining power avoids the hassle of resetting and reconnecting them.
II. For SMEs and Studios
1. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems and Transaction Terminals
Ensures that retail stores and restaurants can complete ongoing transactions during a power outage, avoiding loss of revenue and transaction data.
2. Workstations for Design, Architecture, and Engineering Firms
Protects large project files that are actively being computed or rendered. An unexpected power outage could mean losing days of work—a loss far exceeding the cost of a UPS.
3. Small Office Servers and Network Infrastructure
Protects in-house file servers, email servers, or ERP systems, ensuring business continuity and avoiding service disruptions that could impact operations.
III. How to Choose the Right UPS for Different Scenarios?
If you only need basic backup power (e.g., just enough time to safely shut down your router or a regular office computer), then the most economical Standby UPS is sufficient.
If you need "backup power" plus "stable daily voltage regulation" (this is the most common and practical need in Hong Kong)—for example, to protect a NAS, gaming PC, or SME workstation—then you must choose a Line-Interactive UPS. Its built-in AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) can handle issues like voltage sags, offering the best value for money.
If you require top-tier power purification and zero-interruption protection (e.g., for medical equipment or critical servers), then you should invest in an Online UPS, which provides the purest and most stable power supply.