Welcome to the Tripp Lite UPS Systems Basics training module, part of Tripp

Lite's "Products Expert" training course. © 2008 Tripp Lite. All rights
reserved. The policy of Tripp Lite is one of continuous improvement.
Specifications subject to change without notice.

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Like other modules in the training course, this one provides you with a solid
foundation of basic product knowledge. It will help you understand basic UPS
system topics: why they're needed, how the different types of UPSs work,
etc. Once you have a basic understanding, it will be easier to take other,
more technical, course modules. The test at the end of the module is
designed to help you gauge how well you have mastered the material.

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This module starts by recognizing the need for UPS systems. It then reviews
the three types of UPS systems. It finishes with an overview of
complementary products that Tripp Lite offers to enhance the operation or
manageability of its UPS Systems.

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Downtime: blackouts and brownouts (low voltage) shut down equipment.
UPS Systems supply battery backup power to support equipment through
blackouts. Select models feature automatic voltage regulation to correct
incoming power without relying on UPS batteries. Damage: surges and line
noise can damage internal components in a single devastating event or
slowly over time. UPS Systems feature surge suppression and line noise
filtering to guard equipment against potential damage. Data Loss: when
power problems shut down equipment, valuable data is often lost. UPS
Systems feature battery backup power to allow enough time for data to be
saved manually or automatically (using FREE PowerAlert Software).

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There are three main types of UPS Systems, categorized by how they work:
standby, line-interactive and on-line. Standby UPSs provide basic protection
from power problems. Line-Interactive UPSs provide a higher level of
protection from power problems. On-line UPSs provide the highest level of
protection from power problems.

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In addition to categorizing UPS Systems by how they work, they can also be
further subdivided. Output Capacity: UPSs can be ranked by the maximum
amount of power (expressed in both VA and watts) that equipment is able
draw from the UPS's outlets or hardwire output terminals. "VA" stands for
"volt-amps." The VA of a device can be determined by multiplying its
operating voltage by its amperage rating. For example, a 120V, 2.5 amp
device would draw 300VA from a UPS's output (120 x 2.5 = 300).
Configuration: UPSs can also be subdivided by the types of cabinets they
are housed in—rackmount, tower, low-profile, undermonitor, etc. Intelligent
Operation: Within the line-interactive category, there are two
subcategories—those that feature intelligent operation and those that do not.
UPSs that feature intelligent operation include a microprocessor that allows
the UPS to relay more detailed operating conditions through PowerAlert
power management software. All on-line UPSs feature intelligent operation.
Extended Run Capability: Within the line-interactive and on-line categories,
there are two subcategories—those that accept connection of additional
internal or external batteries and those that do not. Those that accept
additional batteries allow users to extend battery backup runtime for critical
systems during a blackout.

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Standby UPS Systems have three main components: 1) a surge/noise filter,
2) a battery and 3) an inverter/charger. During operation under normal
voltage conditions, the UPS passes input voltage through the surge/noise
filter before delivering it to connected equipment. It also uses its
inverter/charger to charge the battery, preparing it for use during a blackout
or brownout. During operation under blackout conditions, the UPS converts
DC power from the battery into AC power to support connected equipment.

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Standby UPS Systems are very effective at what they are designed to do:
provide a basic level of protection and support for connected equipment.
Unlike line-interactive UPSs, they rely on their battery to correct overvoltages
and undervoltages. In areas that experience frequent voltage fluctuations,
users should consider purchasing a line-interactive UPS instead of a standby
UPS.

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Tripp Lite offers a wide variety of cost-effective standby UPS systems for
desktop applications. Available features on select models include . . .
•Phone/DSL & Ethernet surge protection options—to safeguard
equipment on Internet or network connections
•Small-footprint tower, low profile and undermonitor cabinets—to save
space in every application
•Communication port and PowerAlert Software (FREE web
download)—to automatically shut down unattended systems

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Line-interactive UPS Systems have the same components as Standby UPSs
(surge/noise filter, battery and inverter/charger); however, they include one
component that Standby UPSs do not—a voltage regulator. By using its
voltage regulator to adjust abnormally high or low voltage, line-interactive
UPSs reduce reliance on the battery, lengthening its service life. During
operation under normal voltage conditions, the UPS passes input voltage
through the surge/noise filter and the voltage regulator before delivering it to
connected equipment. It also uses its inverter/charger to charge the battery,
preparing it for use during a blackout or brownout. During operation under
blackout conditions, the UPS converts DC power from the battery into AC
power to support connected equipment.

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Compared to Standby models, Line-Interactive UPSs provide a more
effective means of protecting equipment against power problems. By using
its voltage regulator to adjust abnormally high or low voltage, line-interactive
UPSs reduce reliance on the battery, lengthening its service life. Compared
to On-Line models, however, Line-Interactive UPSs do not remove harmonic
distortion.

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Tripp Lite provides a wider variety of line-interactive UPSs, compared to
standby models. Available features on select models include . . .
•Intelligent operation—to allow the UPS to relay more detailed
operating conditions through PowerAlert power management software
•Extended run capability—to allow extended battery backup runtime
for critical systems during a blackout
•Phone/DSL, Ethernet & Coaxial surge protection options—to
safeguard equipment on Internet, audio/visual or network connections
•Small-footprint rackmount, tower and low profile cabinets—to save
space in every application
•Communication port(s) and PowerAlert Software (FREE, included or
as a web download)—to automatically shut down unattended systems

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On-Line UPS Systems work very differently compared to Standby or Line-
Interactive UPSs. During normal operation, On-Line UPSs continuously
"remake" input power in a two step process: first, converting AC power into
DC power, and then converting DC power back into AC power with a pure
sine wave. This two step process allows On-Line UPSs to supply connected
equipment with the best quality output power available. During operation
under blackout conditions, the UPS converts DC power from the battery into
AC power to support connected equipment. Because its batteries are
integrated into its normal operation, On-Line UPSs take no time at all to
transfer between utility power and battery power—0 milliseconds. Zero
transfer time allows On-Line UPSs to reliably support the widest range of
devices, even those sensitive to slight transfer times. If an On-Line UPS
experiences an internal fault or overload, it will automatically "bypass" its
internal components and deliver power directly to connected equipment. In
addition, On-Line UPSs feature an external bypass switch that allows users
to perform the same function manually for scheduled maintenance.

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On-Line UPS Systems provide the highest level of power protection
available. Constant double-conversion on-line operation completely isolates
sensitive equipment from every power problem on the AC power line.

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Tripp Lite provides a wide variety of On-Line UPS Systems for every
application. Models are available in both single-phase and 3-phase
configurations. Customers require 3-phase UPSs when their power needs
generally rise above 16 kVA. Available features on all models include . . .
•Zero transfer time, double-conversion operation—to provide
connected equipment with the highest quality power
•Intelligent operation—to allow the UPS to relay more detailed
operating conditions through PowerAlert power management software
•Extended run capability—to allow extended battery backup runtime
for critical systems during a blackout
•Small-footprint rackmount, tower and low profile cabinets—to save
space in every application
•Communication port(s) and PowerAlert Software (FREE, included)—
to automatically shut down unattended systems

Available features on select models include . . .

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Which performs better during a blackout, an On-Line UPS or a Line-
interactive UPS? Both perform well, but On-Line UPSs provide a smoother
transfer between utility and battery backup power. Because its batteries are
integrated into its normal operation, On-Line UPSs take no time at all to
transfer between utility power and battery power—0 milliseconds. Line-
Interactive UPSs, on the other hand, provide a slight delay during the
transfer between utility power and battery power—4 milliseconds. While the
vast majority of equipment can tolerate such a transfer, On-Line UPSs set
the highest standard.

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Which UPS provides the best output quality when regulating voltage, an On-
Line UPS or a Line-interactive UPS? Both perform well, but On-Line UPSs
provide the best output quality available, regulating voltage within 2% +/- of
nominal voltage. Line-Interactive UPS Systems, on the other hand, regulate
voltage within 12% +/- of nominal voltage. While the vast majority of
equipment can tolerate such a voltage range, On-Line UPSs set the highest
standard.

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What if the UPS requires maintenance, but the connected equipment cannot
be turned off and must continue to receive power? On-Line UPSs can be
safely maintained while still providing continuous power to connected
equipment. Most Line-Interactive UPSs cannot. The difference is in the On-
Line UPS's power bypass features. If an On-Line UPS experiences an
internal fault or overload, it will automatically "bypass" its internal
components and deliver power directly to connected equipment. In addition,
On-Line UPSs feature an external bypass switch that allows users to perform
the same function manually. While select Tripp Lite Line-Interactive UPS
Systems are being introduced which feature an automatic internal bypass
function, none feature a manual external bypass switch.

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Tripp Lite offers a wide variety of complementary products that enhance the
operation and manageability of its UPS systems. PowerAlert UPS Power
Management Software: (included FREE as a CD or web download)
provides remote and unattended power management for up to 250 UPS
Systems or PDUs. It also provides graceful automatic system shut down in
the event of an extended blackout. Internal SNMP/Web Management Card
(Model: SNMPWEBCARD): Using an SNMP/Web Management Card
(available separately from Tripp Lite), managers can make UPS systems and
select switched PDUs fully manageable (monitored and controlled) nodes on
their network. External Environmental Sensor (Model: ENVIROSENSE):
Using an Environmental Sensor (available separately from Tripp Lite) and an
SNMP/Web card, managers can monitor external temperature/humidity and
contact-closure (security and fire-alarm) inputs. Perfect for monitoring remote
racks. External Battery Packs: Select UPS Systems accept optional
external battery packs (available separately from Tripp Lite) for additional
runtime. Power Distribution Units (PDUs): Tripp Lite offers a complete line
of PDUs, available separately. Connect PDUs to UPS systems in a variety of
configurations to: increase the number of UPS outlets, convert UPS outlets
from high-amperage to low-amperage output or to allow users to hot-swap
the UPS during maintenance without interrupting power to connected
equipment. Rack Systems: Tripp Lite offers a complete line of premium
enclosures and open-frame racks to organize and secure rackmount
equipment, including UPS systems.

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