10 things to remember before buying an UPS for your PC

Here are some tips I gathered while buying an UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) for my Personal Computer.

1. The Capacity of an UPS starts from 600 VA. High capacity UPS are available at 1KVA, 2 KVA, 5 KVA etc. For a ordinary PC an ups of 600 VA is necessary. This will give 15-20 minutes back up time for a processor with a TFT/LCD monitor. However for CRT monitors consume more power.

2. Some UPS features a two battery power system which will give more backup time. Go for two battery models or 1 KVA if you like to have a backup time of 30 minutes of more

3. There are several UPS from different manufactures available in the market (Kerala). These inculde iBall, VGuard, Numeric, Supra, Hykon, Microtek etc. Also several local made or Chinese made items are also available in the market. The price range starts from Rs. 1700 upwards. For a 600 VA V-Guard base model you have to pay Rs. 2300/- and for a Numeric 600 VA base model will be available for Rs. 1900/-

4. If you are looking for a stylish high end one for your PC, you can go for a digital UPS which has an LCD display which features the current power and battery backup.

5. An important point to note is the amount of noise level the buzzer of the UPS creates while running on the battery mode. Sometimes it may be very disturbing.

6. Almost all new generation UPS features cold start function ie, the UPS can be switched on even without AC supply which was not available in the old devices.

7. Some UPS offers built in feature like Auto cut off ifno input is available, automatic voltage adjustment without taking backup from the battery etc. Try to go for one with these features.

8. Be sure that the company offers atleast 2 years insite or service warranty on battery and UPS electronics.

9. Look into the power outlet sockets. 3-4 sockets are available in most of them, if you are chosing one with a 4 socket be sure that the 4 sockets are placed at a minimum distance so that the bigger plugs of the monitors/computers can be plugged in.

10. And dont forget to charge the UPS for 8-10 hours before use.

While buying a computer we are always satisfied with the UPS supplied along with the PC. But there are many models available in the market with various specifications which suit to your need. Spare some time to read the manual//brochures before buying one.