uninterruptible power supplies

Standby power prevents utility outages from leaving a building, or certain equipment within a building, without electricity. Systems that provide emergency power usually rely on two technologies: standby generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Some standby power systems use generators and UPS devices synergistically. The latter ensures that electricity is uninterrupted as the former comes online, and then provides extended support. There are also times when only one source is used. For companies that can choose one technology or the other, below are advantages and disadvantages for each one.

Generators
Depending on a company's building space and electrical needs, a generator could have the following advantages and disadvantages, among others:

Advantage: Economical for Large Buildings
Unlike UPS devices, commercial generators run on fuel and not batteries. For large buildings that need complete support, this can make them less expensive than devices whose batteries provide equivalent support. Large, high-powered UPS devices do exist, but their price makes them impractical for most companies.

Advantage: Prolonged Support
Because they run on fuel, generators have the potential to sustain a facility for days, whereas battery powered devices are usually exhausted within hours, if not sooner. A diesel generator (especially when equipped with a Bi-Fuel system) or a natural gas generator is the best choice for buildings that require extended support.

Disadvantage: Uneconomical for Certain Companies
If a company only needs time to shut down sensitive equipment instead of extended support, installing one or more UPS devices could be less expensive than buying a generator and paying for fuel, fuel delivery, and additional breaker testing. If your building doesn't require extended support during outages, investing in a generator could be a pointless expense.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Depending on a company's building space and electrical needs, a UPS device could have the following advantages and disadvantages, among others:

Advantage: Ideal for Small Spaces
For companies that have an office in a high rise, operating a generator is often impossible. As an alternative, they use one or more battery devices to backup their computers. If a company requires extended support in a high rise situation, identifying a high rise that contains a powerful, well-maintained generator should be a priority.

Advantage: Guarantee Uninterruptible Electricity
Although generators that feature automatic "make before break" switches ensure that electricity remains continuous, there can still be milliseconds between the end of utility feed and the beginning of generator feed. UPS devices eliminate this infinitesimal gap by instantly supplying battery feed when utility feed deteriorates or stops abruptly.

Disadvantage: Limited Support
If a company needs extended support, relying on battery devices can be extremely risky, especially when critical services such as data retention, health monitoring, and emergency response are at stake. More often than not, buildings that need extended support use UPS devices to ensure that electricity remains uninterrupted while a generator comes online.