Audio Visual Device UPS

Why Do You Need a UPS for AV Equipment?

Before delving into the best UPS types, it is essential to understand why a UPS is necessary for AV applications. Here are the key reasons for using a UPS system to protect AV systems:

1. Power Outages: unexpected power outages can disrupt your equipment, causing data loss, incomplete recordings, or abrupt shutdowns.
2. Voltage Fluctuations: fluctuations in voltage can damage sensitive audio and video components.
3. Power Surges: surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power grid issues, or electrical faults, leading to potential equipment damage.
4. Clean Power: AV equipment often requires clean, stable power to function optimally. A UPS can provide this by filtering out noise and maintaining a constant voltage level.

Types of UPS Technologies

There are three primary types of UPS technologies: Standby (Offline), Line-Interactive, and Double Conversion (Online). Each has its strengths and is suitable for different applications.

Standby (Offline) UPS

Standby UPS systems are the most basic and cost-effective. They provide battery backup power during outages and protect against minor surges and spikes. They are generally available as small compact desktop or tower systems up to 1kVA with a built-in battery pack.

How Standy or Offline UPS Work

In normal operation, the connected AV equipment receives a power supply that has some basic filtering, spike and electrical noise protection. When a power outage or significant fluctuation occurs, the UPS switches to battery power almost instantaneously with a small millisecond break in supply, which is covered by the capacitance of the power supply within the connected load(s).

Line-Interactive UPS

Line-Interactive UPS systems offer more advanced protection than Standby UPS. They can handle power fluctuations more effectively and provide better surge protection.

How Line Interactive UPS Work

These UPS systems have an autotransformer that adjusts the voltage to acceptable levels before it reaches your equipment. During outages, the UPS switches to battery power.

Intermediate Power Protection

Line interactive UPS are suitable for home theatre systems, mid-range AV setups, and professional audio equipment. They provide protection from sags, surges, spikes, electrical noise and brownouts and provide limited battery back-up when the mains supply power fails. The level of power protection is superior to standby UPS and models are available in tower and rackmount formats.

Double Conversion (Online) UPS

Double Conversion or “Online UPS”https://www.serverroomenvironments.co.uk/online-ups systems as they are sometimes refered to provide the highest level of protection. They are ideal for sensitive and high-end AV equipment that requires uninterrupted, clean power.

How Online UPS Work

These UPS systems continuously convert incoming AC power to DC and then back to AC. This process ensures that the power delivered to your equipment is free of noise, fluctuations, and interruptions.

Premium Power Protection

Online UPS are ideal for high-end HiFi systems, professional Audio-Visual setups, recording studios, and critical audio equipment. They provide complete power protection from the main types of power pollution and a no-break source of battery backup. Online UPS can typically have their battery runtimes extended using plug-in battery extension packs and have a built-in automatic bypass for safe failure to mains if there is an overload or short-circuit condition. Online UPS are available in tower and 19inch rack UPS formats.

Suitable UPS Technologies for AV Applications

Choosing the Best UPS for Your AV Equipment

When selecting a UPS for your AV equipment, consider the following factors:

1. Power Requirements: determine the total power consumption of your AV equipment. UPS capacity is measured in VA (Volt-Amps) or Watts. Ensure that the UPS you choose can handle at least 20-30% more than your total power requirement to accommodate any future expansions.
2. Battery Runtime: consider how long you need your equipment to run during a power outage. This depends on whether you need enough time to safely shut down your equipment or if you want to continue using it for an extended period.
3. Number of Outlets: ensure the UPS has enough outlets to support all your devices. It’s also essential to check if the outlets are spaced adequately to accommodate bulky plugs.
4. Surge Protection: check the surge protection rating (measured in Joules). Higher ratings indicate better protection against power surges.
5. Noise Level: some UPS systems can be noisy, which might be distracting in a quiet environment like a recording studio. Look for models that are designed to operate quietly.
6. Form Factor: consider the size and shape of the UPS, especially if you have limited space. Some models are designed to be rack-mounted, while others are more compact and can be placed on a desk or shelf.
7. Additional Features: some UPS systems come with extra features like LCD displays, which show real-time data about power conditions and battery status. Others might offer network management capabilities, allowing you to monitor and control the UPS remotely.

Choosing the right UPS for your audio-visual applications is essential to protect your equipment and ensure uninterrupted performance. While Standby UPS systems are suitable for basic setups, Line-Interactive UPS systems offer a good balance of protection and cost for mid-range AV applications. For high-end and critical audio equipment, Double Conversion (Online) UPS systems provide the best protection and clean power.

By considering your specific needs, power requirements, and the features offered by different UPS models, you can make an informed decision that ensures the longevity and reliability of your AV equipment. Investing in a quality UPS is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and continuous performance it brings to your audio-visual experience.

For help selecting the right UPS for your audio-visual equipment please contact our Projects Team.