Despite the fact that household electrical networks have a high level of reliability, power outages or power surges are quite common. To protect yourself from such troubles and keep the equipment working for a long time, you can install an uninterruptible power supply. This is a special device that allows you to stabilize the voltage in the network, in addition, it is equipped with a battery of a certain capacity, which allows you to save all the data when working on a personal computer or to ensure that other equipment is correctly turned off in the event of a power outage.
In specialized stores you can find a large number of such devices, each of which has its own performance characteristics. It is quite easy to get confused in the existing variety. To make it easier for you to choose, we decided to create an overview of the best UPS of the year. Before proceeding to a direct analysis of the characteristics of such products, we decided to give the main points that you should pay attention to when buying an uninterruptible power supply.
What qualities are important for UPS in 2022?
Such a device structurally includes a control circuit and a charger that includes an inverter. It is from the power of this element that the uninterrupted supply of electricity and the switching time directly depend. Stabilizing parts equalize the output voltage. All uninterruptible power supplies can be divided into three main groups according to a number of characteristics. One of the most common products operates on the principle of an externally powered redundant circuit. It will charge the battery directly from the mains. In the event that the voltage starts to jump or disappears altogether, the UPS begins to use its own resources. Such designs are cheaper compared to the rest, in addition, they will practically not heat up during operation, they are distinguished by a high efficiency.
The interactive scheme works on a similar principle, but switching to using your own resources is much faster. The voltage shape can be both sinusoidal and rectangular or trapezoidal — depending on the brand of the device. The efficiency here is somewhat lower, the case may start to heat up when the voltage drops.
On sale you can also find designs with double conversion — these are quite expensive products designed to maintain the performance of stations with high load rates. The scheme of operation is such that at first the incoming current is converted into direct current, and at the output it again becomes alternating. It is the inverter that acts as such a converter. This mechanism is constantly connected to the network, it does not need additional time to switch to a backup power source. If necessary, you can change not only the voltage power in kW, but also its frequency. To select the most suitable UPS, you need to know the power consumed by the equipment that will be connected to it.
When compiling our rating of the best UPS, we took into account not only all these points, but also user reviews, as well as the ratio of price and quality of models. Sufficiently expensive products were not included in this review, since we also took into account the financial capabilities of people. Now is the time to start analyzing the immediate characteristics of each product.
Best double conversion UPS in 2022
3. Ippon Innova RT 1000
Products of this brand have been on the market for over ten years. This model appeared on sale not too long ago, and it has more power compared to other products of this company. It is produced using online technology (double conversion of electric current). The design is perfect not only for domestic use, but also for industrial systems, in particular, servers running on Noveli, Windows NT, Unis and so on. With the help of this equipment, it is possible to ensure the elimination of any violations and malfunctions that occur in the power supply networks. The rectifier makes the current constant, and it is in this area that the battery is charged and the inverter is powered. Based on this voltage, the inverter outputs a stable sine wave alternating current.
All connected equipment is completely isolated from the external network, but at the same time they are provided with full power. In the event that the voltage in the external network disappears, the product starts using the energy stored in the batteries, the power of which lasts for 15-20 minutes, depending on how capacious the equipment is. You can control and configure the uninterruptible power supply using a few mechanical buttons. In addition, this product is equipped with a liquid crystal display, which displays all the important information for the user — the current mode of operation, the degree of charge of the batteries, the output load power. It should be noted that this equipment is multifunctional — it is equipped with several interface ports that allow you to directly connect server equipment.
Advantages:
- Output voltage stability;
- High quality workmanship;
- If necessary, you can connect another battery;
- A very informative display that facilitates the operation of the equipment.
Flaws:
- Quite a noisy fan installed.
Ippon Innova RT 1000
2. Powercom VANGUARD VGS-2000XL
This design is equipped with a «bypass», which is actually a special bypass circuit that is used if the input voltage meets all the specified characteristics. Thanks to this possibility, it is possible to significantly increase the efficiency of the equipment. The case has a traditional tower format, so it is installed strictly vertically. On the back of the case there is a decent number of connectors, which allows you to install it not only at home, but also in the office or even in production. The fan here is quite powerful, dust will not accumulate on it. There are only two sockets, which is why it will be very problematic to fully power the entire periphery.
The device weighs quite a lot not only because of the high-capacity batteries, but also because of the complex electronic part. The charger also has high power ratings, but the product does not make too much noise during operation. The build quality and materials are top notch. The inverter is based on high quality transistors. If necessary, the batteries can be replaced — this is required if they have fully exhausted their resource and do not hold a charge. The product is equipped with three NPW36-12 batteries at once, the capacity of which is 7 Ah.
Advantages:
- There is a bypass that provides good performance;
- The output is always perfect;
- The socket segments can be controlled individually if required.
Flaws:
- With increased load, it starts to make noise;
- It weighs quite a lot;
- There are only two outlets.
Powercom VANGUARD VGS-2000XL
1. APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS RT 10000VA 230V
This is a rather expensive product, which is designed for the most severe operating conditions. The most efficient and durable battery is installed here, which has an intelligent charging system. All connected equipment is supplied with pure sinusoidal voltage, which does not have any interference. Another additional function of the batteries installed in this device is to increase the battery life, if necessary. All equipment starts automatically immediately after the mains voltage appears. Batteries are charged using temperature compensation, which avoids overloading as well as overheating of the batteries.
Such a device is perfect for fully securing refrigeration equipment or making heating appliances more stable. The model has an internal bypass, which can be switched on both automatically and manually. The battery pack can be replaced if needed. There are a lot of settings, thanks to which the device can be adjusted in the way required for the user.
Advantages:
- High stability of output voltage;
- Multiple bypass options;
- Long work offline;
- High quality workmanship.
Flaws:
- Very high cost.
APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS RT 10000VA 230V
The best redundant UPS
2.Powercom WOW-850 U
Not too bulky, but quite functional device. It has a rectangular body with a streamlined shape, all corners are rounded. At the top of the product there is a mechanical button for turning on the product, and there are also three indicators based on LEDs. There are also three Euro sockets. They are equipped with a special protective mechanism that prevents foreign objects from getting inside. The case is made of matte molded plastic. The casting quality is excellent, the assembly is also very good, so there are no backlashes or extraneous squeaks. All ventilation holes are located on the sides of the device. The legs are plastic, there are special holes for mounting in the wall.
All connectors for connecting communication equipment, including a USB port, are located on one of the sides. A non-switchable power wire and an automatic fuse come out of the end part. This device contains a WP1213W battery with a capacity of 13 W / h, its operating voltage is 12 V. The internal elements are located quite compactly. All electronic parts of the design are located on a double-sided printed circuit board, which is located at the bottom of the case. The inverter operates on two transistors assembled according to a high-frequency circuit. Power transistors are mounted on large heatsinks. There is no automatic voltage regulator. The UPS switches to battery power when the input voltage is less than 165 V, and before that it emits a corresponding beep. If the battery is almost discharged, then the frequency of the signal increases and is 1 time in 0.4 seconds.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Protection of sockets from ingress of random objects;
- Works silently.
Flaws:
- In offline mode, it is able to work not too much time, but it is quite enough for the correct shutdown of the equipment.
Powercom WOW-850U
1. Eaton Ellipse ECO EL650
High quality and durable equipment. It is placed in a case made of impact-resistant plastic, painted black. To increase the strength of the product at the corners there are additional pads. For this type of product, the overall dimensions are small — 260x82x285 mm with a mass of 6.6 kg together with batteries. The design can be easily placed anywhere. Air intake openings are located in front and behind, which must not be covered with various foreign objects. The front part is equipped with a liquid crystal display, which displays all the information necessary for the user. Near it there are two control buttons — the first turns the product on and off, the second is responsible for navigating the display menu.
There are four grounded outlets on the back, all of which are lightning protected and have a robust EMI filter. Backup power is supplied only to the top three outlets, the fourth is turned off if the mains voltage fails. All of them are well protected from power surges thanks to AVR technology — automatic voltage regulation. The display is small, but all the information on it is visible very clearly. The backlight is bright, all characters are white, color reproduction is good — data can be seen at any time of the day or night.
Advantages:
- There is an automatic battery test function;
- The battery model is widespread — you don’t have to look for a replacement for a long time;
- Convenient and quick customization of user modes;
- The possibility of the so-called «cold start» is provided.
Flaws:
- High cost for this type of equipment.
Eaton Ellipse ECO EL650
Best interactive UPS in 2022
5. Powercom Imperial IMP-825AP
It is quite an interesting and stylish design that can even be installed in plain sight. The case has a rectangular shape, the front panel is slightly rounded. There is a power button on it, a liquid crystal and quite informative display is located here. The case is entirely plastic, all its elements are carefully adjusted to each other, which completely eliminates the appearance of various extraneous sounds. A transformer is located on the inner bottom side, an electronics board is installed on the top. There are a large number of ventilation holes. Absolutely all connectors are located on the rear panel. A USB connector is provided through which the UPS is connected to a personal computer or other control device. The capacity of the NPW 36-12 battery is 7.2 Ah, its operating voltage is 12 V.
If necessary, the battery can be replaced, and the manufacturer has described this process in detail in the instructions. The internal filling is classic, all elements are located very compactly. All electronic parts are on a single-sided printed circuit board. The inverter runs on four IRFZ44V transistors. Power transistors are located on radiators, the total area of which is 80 square meters. see. The power of each of the transistors is 115 W, it can heat up to 175 degrees — this is its maximum operating temperature. The uninterruptible power supply has an automatic voltage stabilization system.
Advantages:
- Instantly responds to a drop in current or voltage;
- Very easy to connect and operate.
Flaws:
- There are no standard sockets provided.
Powercom Imperial IMP-825AP
4. Ippon Back Basic 650
Differs in small overall dimensions and weight – together with the accumulator the product weighs 4,35 kg. Appearance is simple, unremarkable, but the functionality is quite decent. On the front side there is a shutdown button, an LED type indicator and a USB connector. At the back there is a power cable and three sockets, made according to the IEC 320 standard. On the sides of the product, you can see special slots for the air intake. This equipment provides constant filtering of incoming currents: if the overload is only 10%, then the device turns off after 5 seconds. If this indicator is even higher, then it will turn off instantly.
It should be noted that the design is equipped with a reliable automatic type voltage regulator. At light load, the equipment activates the Green Power function — it turns off when running on batteries, which can significantly extend their battery life. The battery has a capacity of 7 Ah and is a lead-acid battery that can be fully charged in about 6 hours. Sound alerts are loud enough — during battery life, a signal will sound every 10 seconds, when the charge level drops, the frequency will increase to one signal per second.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Good workmanship;
- It works quite quietly if there is normal voltage in the network.
Flaws:
- Lack of standard sockets;
- Detachable power cable.
Ippon Back Basic 650
3. Powercom RAPTOR RPT-2000AP
The product has small overall dimensions. On the front side, you can find only one power button. The model is designed quite simply and concisely, nothing superfluous can be found on the case, which is quite natural for an uninterruptible power supply in an inexpensive price segment. On the back side, you can find six sockets at once, designed to connect various computer devices — a system unit, monitor, printer, and so on. There is also a USB connector, two more RJ-45 connectors and a circuit breaker. There are perforations on the sides that allow you to efficiently remove warm air. Unfortunately, the fan located under the case does not have its own ventilation grill — a somewhat unusual design solution.
The central board and all other elements are close enough to each other, so forced ventilation is used to protect against overheating, which creates quite a lot of noise. The fact is that in a running UPS, the fan always rotates at the same speed, regardless of the applied load. Heating elements are equipped with radiators, but this does not eliminate the need for a fan. This device has two Yuasa REW45-12 batteries, each of them has a nominal capacity of 8 Ah, each weighs 2.7.
Advantages:
- High power reserve;
- Acceptable cost;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Good quality and long service life.
Flaws:
- Noisy;
- Getting access to the batteries is not too easy.
Powercom RAPTOR RPT-2000AP
2. APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS 1000VA USB & Serial 230V
In second place among the inexpensive best UPSs of this year is a rather original model of not very large overall dimensions, and it can be installed both horizontally and vertically. The body is entirely plastic, parts are molded. There are several LED-type indicators on the front panel, all of them show the operating mode: the top one is from the network, the middle one is from the battery, the bottom one informs about the need to replace the battery. The back side is equipped with a ventilation grille. The device contains a replaceable RBC32 battery cartridge with a capacity of 7 Ah, operating voltage — 24 V. It contains two CP 1270 batteries. If necessary, you can replace the battery on your own.
The equipment is supplied with a disconnected battery, so before using it for the first time, it must be brought into working condition. All electronic elements are located on a double-sided board, which is located in the upper part of the case. The fan has an average power and two modes of operation; it reaches maximum speed if the load exceeds 50%. Power transistors are mounted on radiators, the working area of which is 40 sq.cm. each.
The inverter is manufactured according to a high-frequency circuit, due to which the highest efficiency is ensured. The operating temperature range can reach 150 degrees. The automatic voltage equalization system is triggered if the deviation from the norm exceeds 10% up or down.
Advantages:
- Compatible with most computer power supplies;
- If necessary, you can even connect to a generator;
- It has a system of flexible settings, very easy to manage.
Flaws:
- Relatively expensive battery pack.
APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS 1000VA USB & Serial 230V
1.APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS 1500VA LCD 230V
The best UPS in an inexpensive price category was this particular model, which surpassed the rest in many ways. The body of the tower-type product, the dimensions are decent. It is made of thin sheet galvanized metal, painted on the outside with powder paint. On the front side there is a monochrome type liquid crystal display. It has a backlight, five buttons and LED-type indicators are located nearby. All these elements allow you to quickly set up the work of all the main functions of the design, set the specified shutdown parameters, and so on. On the back of the case you can find eight computer sockets at once. They are divided into two groups — the right part can be adjusted using specialized software, the work of the second is displayed exclusively on the case.
On both sides there is a perforation that provides a quick removal of heated air. For better cooling, a special fan is provided in the design. The device is equipped with four rubber anti-slip feet. There is practically no free space under the case — almost the entire place is occupied by a block with batteries, there is also a large transformer, a set of printed circuit boards. The cooling function is performed by a fan with an automatic speed control. The batteries used are RBC7 models, each of which has a capacity of 17 Ah and an output voltage of 12 V.
Advantages:
- Excellent performance when running on a generator;
- Most systems are intelligent — you can not configure;
- Works well with almost all power factor correction models.
Flaws:
- High price and lack of standard sockets.
APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS 1000VA USB & Serial 230V
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best UPSs is coming to an end. In conclusion, I would like to express the hope that, based on the information we have collected, you will choose the optimal model for yourself. If we could not resolve all your questions, you may well ask us in the comments — we will try to answer them as quickly as possible and give you all the necessary information.