Online UPS vs Line Interactive UPS
While both UPS provide full protection from major power problems, such as surges, spikes, sags, blackouts and brownouts, they differ in a few significant areas. Simply put, an on-line UPS offers a higher level of protection than a line interactive at a higher cost. More specific areas where the two types differ include sine wave output, voltage regulation, and double-conversion inversion.
Online Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a sophisticated and advanced power protection system designed to deliver a seamless power supply to connected devices. The core principle of an online UPS involves continuously powering the connected equipment from the inverter, which receives energy from the battery, while the mains power source remains on standby.
Advantages of Online UPS
Constant Power Supply
Online UPS provides an uninterrupted power supply, ensuring that connected devices receive a stable and clean power output regardless of the input power quality.
Superior Protection
It offers excellent protection against all types of power disturbances, including voltage spikes, sags, surges, and frequency variations, thereby shielding critical equipment from potential damage.
Zero Transfer Time
In the event of a power outage, online UPS systems provide seamless and instant switchover to battery power without any downtime or disruption to the connected devices.
Scalability
Online UPS systems can be easily scaled to accommodate increased power requirements by adding additional battery modules or increasing the UPS capacity.
Line Interactive UPS
Line Interactive UPS, like its online counterpart, provides power protection, but it operates on a slightly different principle. This type of UPS features an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) that corrects input voltage fluctuations without utilizing the battery backup, unless a power outage occurs.
Advantages of Line Interactive UPS
Cost-Effectiveness
Line Interactive UPS systems are generally more affordable than online UPS systems, making them an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses and home users.
Efficient Power Management
The AVR technology in line interactive UPS helps optimize power efficiency by automatically adjusting voltage levels, thus extending the battery life.
Suitable for Moderate Power Protection
Line interactive UPS is well-suited for environments where the power supply is relatively stable, and the primary concern is protecting against minor voltage fluctuations and power outages.
