Power outages in the public sector can result in data loss, damage to equipment, and disruptions to government services and education. A power protection plan can safeguard vital municipal, regional, state, and federal operations against power disruptions.
Uninterrupted Power = Uninterrupted Learning
Power protection has become an integral to ensuring schools have uninterrupted access to their digital technology and networks that deliver electronic curriculum.
By using UPS systems, schools ensure the full availability of broadband networks by protecting equipment like routers, switches, servers, and access points from power fluctuations and outages, ensuring the continuous learning in schools and libraries. Backup power is also important for school security equipment like alarms and cameras.
Uninterrupted Power = Uninterrupted Services
Government operations and agencies provide critical services, like 911 centers, public safety, as well as data centers, communication systems, security systems, and transportation infrastructure such as traffic signals. The ability to maintain a reliable, predictable environment is imperative for delivery of public services, where even the briefest amount of downtime can cause widespread disruption.
Whether operating at a local, state, or federal level, UPS systems are vital to maintain continuous operation during power outages by providing an immediate power bridge for short-term operation until a generator starts. Governmental operations often need power protection equipment in many locations so remote management and monitoring capabilities become important.
How much runtime is needed?
The UPS backup batteries will provide power for a limited amount of time, known as runtime. Below is a step-by-step approach to determine your runtime requirements so you can find the right UPS model for your situation.
The first thing to consider is how much backup power you need. Most power outages may only last for a few minutes, but some can be longer. To make sure your UPS systems provide enough backup power for critical equipment, you need to understand runtime requirements.
Generally, a runtime target of 5-15 minutes allows enough time to save data, safely shutdown computers or switch to generator power. Longer runtimes may be needed if generators are not used and when critical systems need to remain operational during extended outages.
To calculate required runtime, you first need to determine how much power, or load, is needed by your connected equipment and the capacity of the UPS system batteries.
Calculate Total Wattage of Protected Equipment
There are three ways to find your wattage:
- Specified in the equipment’s user manual
- Located on the safety label of the device or the device’s power supply. Power specifications can typically be found on the transformer.
- Voltage x Amperage = Wattage: When calculating the wattage load, your load level should not exceed 80% of the capacity of the UPS system. To establish the overhead capacity, multiply the total load by 125% to calculate the minimum capacity needed for the UPS system.
Once you determine your load, contact a power expert from CyberPower to help you customize a power protection plan with the ideal power models to support your connected electronics. (Add link to power assessment form.)
Need Extra Runtime?
Every UPS system is different. Double check how much runtime your UPS batteries provide with a full load. If you need more runtime, you may need to get UPS systems with more capacity or extended battery modules.
To view CyberPower’s runtime calculator tool, click here.
To view CyberPower extended battery modules, click here.
Available for select UPS systems, adding one or multiple battery modules can provide more runtime. Based on your load requirement, you can add modules to your system to reach your desired runtime.
Want to learn more?
https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/blog/how-a-ups-system-works-with-a-backup-generator/
https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/blog/runtime-recommendations/
Summary
Power outages are an unfortunate reality for schools and government operations, but you can stay powered and protected by choosing a UPS system with the appropriate level of backup power and runtime. Now you have the tools to calculate the runtime you need when the power goes out.
For more information and to find your next UPS system, visit www.CyberPowerSystems.com
