How to Find the Best UPS Battery Backup for Your AV Systems

Find the Best UPS Battery Backup for Your Businesses & Conference Rooms

At best, a power loss is a nuisance, and at worst, a power loss may cause permanent damage or render a whole AV  system inoperable. Even if your organization has an emergency generator, there will be short-term power loss until the generator is fully up and running. To bridge the gap and increase the defense against power outages, many businesses are turning to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) as a cost-effective way to stay productive. For those unfamiliar with the solution, UPS is a backup power supply that takes over and prevents system downtime if the electricity voltage fluctuates  or a surge or outage occurs. 

This guide shares tips for choosing the best UPS battery backup for the full AV systems in your office, conference room, classroom, bar, or restaurant. 

Considerations in Finding the Best UPS Battery Backup 

When picking a UPS, there are many things to consider. 

What equipment needs to be backed up?

First, identify which components in your system are essential and must receive power if there is an emergency or power outage. Look at the building or room's purpose, evaluate the site's purpose, and then zoom in on individual components or parts of a facility-wide solution. Prioritize safety, then security, and then everything else. Once you have identified and categorized the equipment that needs to receive battery backup, you will begin to see patterns and understand the installation requirements more clearly. 

What is the maximum load? 

Next, establish the total power needs, sometimes referred to as the current draw or load. It is crucial to ensure you have enough power while also reducing the risk of over-engineering a system and exceeding your budget. There are two basic methods for determining the required UPS rating: nameplate calculation and power measurement. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer's specifications. 

What is the required runtime? 

Next, compare the actual load with the time required for the system to get onto backup power, like a generator. Once the load and required runtime are determined, the info can be applied to a UPS Runtime Calculator. When assessing the runtime needed during power outages, keep in mind that the larger the wattage load from the connected equipment, the shorter the runtime will be. 

What topology is required? 

Now that you understand the size, load, and runtime, it is time to determine the topology. The topology of a UPS is its fundamental configuration and operation that determines how the system interacts with incoming power and what happens when it is unavailable. There are different types of UPS topologies that each offer distinct benefits. We cover the topologies in more detail below. 

What waveform is required? 

Different topologies are associated with distinct waveforms. Depending on the design of the UPS, it may be able to output Square Wave, Simulated (or Modified) Sine Wave, or Pure Sine Wave. Each has distinct characteristics, purposes, and pros and cons. Square Wave UPS is cost-effective but unsuitable for demanding AV applications. Simulated Sine Wave is compatible with most devices but should not be used with devices that actively correct power, are inductive loads, or are sensitive, like audio equipment. A Pure Sine Wave is the best possible waveform. 

How many receptacles do you need? 

Not all equipment requires battery backup and not all receptacles on a UPS offer battery backup. It is crucial to choose a UPS that has the necessary quantity of receptacles on battery backup. 

What communication capabilities do you need?

Sometimes, the equipment connected to the UPS must be monitored or controlled. If your equipment presents these requirements, select a UPS that provides communication capabilities to control or monitor your devices. 

Types of UPS Battery Backup

There are many different types of UPS battery backup solutions, but the three most popular types are as follows: 

Standby UPS - is best used for common power problems and is ideal for entry-level computers, VoIP equipment, POS systems, security systems, and other basic electronic equipment. Standby UPS is also referred to as offline UPS or battery backup. 

Line Interactive UPS - provides power conditioning in addition to battery backup and can regulate voltage automatically rather than automatically switching to battery backup. A line interactive UPS provides power during blackouts, under voltage, overvoltage or surges. This solution is ideal for PCs, network equipment, and entry-to-mid-range servers. 

Double Conversion UPS - provides consistent, clean power regardless of the condition of incoming power. This solution is ideal for mission-critical IT equipment, data center installations, high-end servers, large telecommunication installations, and advanced network equipment. 

To learn more about UPS features and requirements, download our free white paper: Five Steps to Selecting a UPS. 

To learn how UPSs and PDUs work together to create comprehensive enterprise power solutions, read our free White Paper: The Power Ecosystem - A Systems Approach to AV Power.

Where to Buy the Best UPS Battery Backup for Conference Rooms and Businesses

Here at Middle Atlantic, we have manufactured exceptional support and protection products to mount integrated AV systems in Residential, Commercial, Broadcast, and Security applications since 1979. All of our products are designed and engineered in the US to maximize system reliability and meet installers' needs; from thermal considerations and built-in cable management to pre-installed washers on our rack screws, we build in ways to save time and simplify the job. At the heart of every installation, you'll find Middle Atlantic - what great systems are built on.

When you are ready to buy the best battery backup for your conference room or business, contact Middle Atlantic to learn more.