The Different Types of UPS Systems

There is much confusion in the marketplace about the different types of static uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs) and their characteristics. The IEC 62040-3 UPS performance standard classifies all UPSs based on their output characteristics. In this paper, we summarize the most relevant parts of the IEC standard, then describe 4 types of UPSs, provide practical applications of each, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. With this knowledge, you can make an educated decision about the best UPS type for your application.