Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) System Or a Power Generator – Which is Better?
When it comes to buying power backup devices, there are two main options available in the market: UPS - UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SYSTEMS and generators. Both of these devices come in a large variety of sizes and are very different from each other. As a homeowner, you should know all about the difference between a UPS and a generator before picking one of these power backup units. So, should you be choosing a UPS or a generator? Well, you’ll be able to make an informed choice in this regard after reading this blog.
Before we talk about the difference between a UPS - UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SYSTEMS and a generator, let’s get to know more about these devices first.
WHAT IS A UPS?
UPS provides power backup with the help of a batteryA device that runs on battery, providing power backup in case the electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptably low voltage level. UPS systems come in a variety of sizes. For instance, small UPS systems are used to provide power backup for only a few minutes, which is enough to shut down the computer properly and save your important files, while larger systems have enough battery to run different electrical equipment in your home for several hours. They are usually connected with ceiling fans and different types of lights installed in a home.
WHAT IS A GENERATOR?
Power generator converts the motive power into electrical powerAs the name implies, a generator is a device capable of generating electricity by converting the motive power into electrical power to be used in an external circuit. Nowadays, there are several types of power generators available in the market. These devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes since they are widely used in domestic, industrial and commercial sectors. From powering a single room to an entire industry, the amount of power these devices are capable of producing can be enormous, depending on their size. Generators in Pakistan can run either on petrol, diesel or natural gas, depending on their model and make.
UPS OR A GENERATOR: KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO DEVICES
Let’s learn about the difference between a UPS and a generator, which has been highlighted in the pointers below and find out which option is best for you when it comes to buying power backup devices in Pakistan
PURPOSE
Both generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are designed to use as power backup systems. As discussed, UPS systems are designed to provide a backup power supply to keeps the small electrical equipment running in your home without interruptions during an outage. They protect the connected appliances against power surges. On the other hand, generators can be connected to the main power supply since they’re designed to handle multiple devices. This also makes the larger models of generators (which also come with a stand-by power option) suitable to be used in commercial and industrial sectors.
UPS OR A GENERATOR: THE MAINTENANCE FACTOR
UPS systems run on batteries, which means you have to check the level of fluids in your battery every month to make sure it doesn’t run dry, exhausting and damaging your power backup system. On the other hand, power generators in Pakistan run on either petrol, diesel or gas, which means they need to be constantly supplied with the fuel they require. However, the cost of maintaining a generator may be more than the cost of maintaining a UPS at home. The battery of your UPS system is charged from the electrical supply in your home, which may cause your electricity bill to increase but it may still be cheaper than running a generator.
Note: Power generators produce more electricity than any UPS system and power up multiple appliances at a time, which is why they require more fuel to run.
UPS VS. GENERATOR: THE NOISE FACTOR
One of the biggest factors of people preferring to buy generators over UPS systems is noise. Power generators run on combustion engines, which is why they cause noise pollution. People living in small homes and apartments just can’t bear the loud noise produced by generators, especially when it echoes with the walls and roof of a building. However, with some cutting-edge improvements, the technology of sound-proofing has been introduced in power generators. This is why these days, you can easily find different types of models of power generators that cause little or no noise pollution at all.