Things to keep in mind while buying IPS/UPS

Scorching unbearable heat and frequent rounds of load-shedding have people running to the electronics store. Despite the plummeting prices, people have been buying IPS/UPS for their homes and offices to lead an interruption-free life. However, in this rush, customers often make the wrong choice falling under the sales tactics of the sellers. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying an IPS/UPS.

Differences

Before we start, let us talk about the differences between IPS and UPS. Both UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) and IPS (Instant Power Supply) supply power when the main power line fails, but UPS switches the connection without power drop in a fraction of a second, while IPS requires a minimum of 1 second or more to switch. Nowadays, most IPS come with the UPS mode, so they can function as either.

Type

Before considering your purchase, you need to decide what type of IPS/UPS you want for your home and/or office. There are two types of IPS: electric and solar systems. The electric IPS is connected to the electricity of your house. It charges when the electricity is there. On the other hand, the solar system IPS charges in the sunlight and doesn't require any mainline connection. Solar IPS are less costly compared to the rising electricity price. There are also mini IPS, which can power up to 100 watts of single devices.

There are two types of UPS: online and offline. Offline UPS are more affordable compared to online ones. However, online UPS are generally more stable and reliable than offline UPS. Offline UPS are more suitable for short power cuts. If you are considering buying an online UPS, keep in mind that like most things, the higher the price, the better quality of online UPS you will get. 

Power

Before buying an IPS/UPS, you need to calculate how much power your devices will need and how many devices will be connected. If the demand exceeds the supply, they will fail to perform as per your needs. When calculating, check the power/wattage of the device, which is often stamped on the body of the appliance. The wattage listed is the maximum power used by the appliance, which can change depending on consumption habits. 

To get a more accurate amount, you can multiply the wattage by the hours you use the appliance, and then divide the number by 1000. To give you some ideas, the local fan usually takes 100 watts, with foreign fans taking 150 watts. A TV takes around 100 watts, and a tube light takes around 60 watts.

After figuring out the wattage, you need to decide how long you want the devices to work. In the present situation with longer blackout hours, people want their IPS/UPS to power through the blackouts so they can work uninterruptedly. Always ensure that 20% of the IPS/UPS is free to ensure the most optimal backup performance.

Features

Some essential features will help the IPS/UPS to run smoothly for a longer time. Ensure your power supply device has overcharging, overloading and short-circuit protection features. The IPS/UPS remains connected to all your appliances, so it must be properly protected. 

Also, check if your device gives pure sine wave output. The sinewave gives a clean signal and helps run the appliances smoothly during a thunderstorm. Nowadays, IPS/UPS have digital displays which show the device's status. Ensure these features work correctly so you don't face issues afterwards. 

Warranty

An IPS/UPS will last as long as the battery does. All the warranties of an IPS/UPS are centred around the life cycle of the battery. The batteries usually fail over two to three years, so plan accordingly with that in mind. Check if the warranty you are getting from your purchase ensures enough coverage. To ensure reliable warranty and quality, it is recommended to go with reputed local brands such as Volvo, Rahimafrooz and Hamko.

Price

Price is undoubtedly an essential factor when buying any form of electrical appliance. It may be difficult for many to buy a high-quality IPS/UPS due to necessity in this tight economy. As such, potential buyers need to be extra careful about which one to buy because it is an expensive investment they are making. 

The price of IPS starts from Tk. 8,000, reaching up to Tk. 2,00,000. The price of UPS starts from Tk. 2,600, and can go up to 2,00,000 as well. The prices depend upon power demand, brand and features.

Picking the right IPS/UPS depends on marking the right features and user's needs. If you know what you are looking for, it is easy to find the right one. Whatever you buy, just make sure to draw a connection between your need and budget.