Uninterruptible power supply
A Rack Mount UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, is designed to provide backup power to IT equipment installed in server racks. As the name suggests, these UPS units are specifically made to fit neatly into standard server rack frames. They allow critical devices and infrastructure housed in server rooms and data centers to continue operating in the event of a power outage or surge from the main power grid.
Types of Uninterruptible power supply
There are different types of uninterruptible power supply systems available to suit various power requirements:
Line-interactive Uninterruptible power supply
These UPS units offer basic protection from power fluctuations. They have a transformer to condition the incoming AC power before supplying it to the loads. During outages, they switch to internal battery power seamlessly.
Online/Double-conversion Uninterruptible power supply
Online UPS units come with their own switching power supply that converts incoming AC to DC and then back to AC again. This double-conversion process offers complete isolation from input power issues like surges, sags, and noise. They provide the highest level of protection for critical applications.
Features of Uninterruptible power supply Units
Capacity
Rack UPS units are available in various power capacities ranging from 1 kVA to over 100 kVA to suit different sized server installations. Larger units can support multiple racks of equipment.
Battery Backup Time
The backup time is dependent on the matched battery bank size. Typical runtimes range from 5-30 minutes to provide orderly shutdown during outages. External battery packs can extend this.
Hot-swappable Batteries
Premium rack UPS allow replacing batteries without powering down, ensuring maximum uptime.
Communications and Monitoring
Network cards, SNMP, and web-based interfaces enable remote monitoring and control of the Rack Mount UPS from any location. Alerts keep admins informed.
Row-level Compatibility
Modern UPS units are designed for tight density row-level installations with options for vertical and dual-corridor positioning.
Environmental Monitoring
Sensors track temperature, humidity, and other parameters in the server room for optimal operations and early fault detection.
Applications of Rack Mount UPS
Server Rooms
Rack UPS provides reliable backup power for servers, networking gear, and infrastructure equipment powering organizations’ IT operations.
Colocation and Data Centers
Facility providers depend on rack UPS to deliver continuously available clean power for tenant hardware and avoid costly downtime penalties.
Edge and Micro Data Centers
Pre-configured rack mount solutions with integrated UPS allow rapid deployments at distributed IT sites with plug-and-play ease.
Medical Equipment
Healthcare facilities use rack UPS to keep patient monitoring and other critical systems running during power issues without interrupting care.
Industrial Automation
Process control systems, manufacturing hardware, and factory floor computers rely on rack UPS to prevent production stoppages.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation is important to ensure rack UPS performance and safety. Factory-trained technicians should be utilized who are familiar with:
– Conducting load and infrastructure assessments to size the right model.
– Racking and integrating the unit securely following manufacture guidelines.
– Commissioning and configuration of operating parameters and interface settings.
– Connecting all cabling, distribution, and batteries correctly.
– Programming alerts and notifications for auto response.
– Conducting periodic preventive maintenance checks and battery replacements.
Regular maintenance by qualified professionals helps maximize a rack UPS’ service life and guarantees it will deliver reliable protection 24/7 as intended. Proper decommissioning and disposal practices should also be followed at end of life.
Rack Mount UPS are essential for keeping business-critical IT infrastructure and facilities operational during unpredictable power issues. Their specialized designs allow fitting multiple high-capacity units securely and neatly into standard server racks. With different topologies available, organizations can select solutions matching site-specific power protection requirements based on load type and capacity needs. Correct specification, installation, and maintenance ensures rack UPS investments deliver dependable uptime for server rooms, data centers, and other vital applications.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. LinkedIn