When you run your system via a UPS there are a number of factors you might not initially consider until it’s too late; especially if, like me, you use your computer(s) a lot, and/or depend on it/them for a livelihood.

The basic idea of using a UPS is to negate data-loss and any resultant data corruption and/or damage to the hard-drive in the event of a power-failure by allowing the user enough time to be able to shut their system down properly in such an event of power-loss. However, a lot of UPS these days are able to hold a lot of charge, and also connect to the computer by a USB lead. Via installed software they are thus able to warn the user that they are running out of charge, before automatically shutting down the computer whilst on their last bit of battery power.

This can be used to the user’s advantage in a number of ways.

Firstly, a UPS that is able to handle a lot of throughput in terms of wattage, as well as to hold a decent charge, (Around 600VA +. – These might be a bit expensive, but well worth the investment nevertheless.) is able to run and protect not just the computer itself, but also the monitor, sound system, modem, printer, scanner, any other peripherals used, as well as a low-wattage desk light. (Somewhere around 5 to 12 watts.)

On the event of a power-failure, the UPS will ensure hassle-free operation of the entire system until either the power supply is restored, or the UPS gives a warning due to running out of charge, before shutting down the computer.

In the case of prolonged or extended power-loss, the UPS will put the computer and monitor into standby mode; therefore at least halving the wattage which they use. Although there won’t be much charge left in the UPS at this point, if the user switches off the computer, which is already shut down, as well as most of the peripherals such as monitor, scanner, etc, there will be enough charge left in the UPS to power the desk light and to run the router for quite a considerable period of time. Therefore, a laptop or netbook can be run on the charge of its battery whilst maintaining internet access via the router a while longer.

If, like me, you run more than a single system, it would be an idea to purchase 2 UPS units and run each system separately via an individual UPS. You may like to set the UPS that runs the secondary system to power down the system, in the event of a power-failure, after a couple of minutes. – In which case, after the primary UPS unit has almost run out of charge and shut down the primary system, you can then reactivate the secondary system if the power’s not back on by then, set the UPS to power down as it gets low, in the same way as with your primary system, and continue working, – using the secondary system as a backup and almost doubling the working time while the power from the power socket remains inoperative.

Shared peripherals such as a router should continue to operate well on the remaining charge of the first UPS as the charge in the second UPS unit is utilised.

Your personal tastes and setup may vary according to your needs and desires; but such a setup or similar should virtually negate any loss of productivity due to all but a prolonged power outage.

Quite obviously this will only provide a solution for a couple or three hours in all probability. – However around 49 out of 50 power-outages in rural areas and around 4 out of 5 outages in urban areas, in the UK at least, last only minutes. Many last literally seconds, a few less than that; probably causing a voltage-spike as the supplier’s equipment switches automatically to its backup circuit and calls the control centre for assistance. – The UPS protects all of your equipment from any voltage-spike too in this scenario.