UPS
A UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, is a device that provides a computer with battery backup power during a power failure or fluctuation. It ensures devices remain operational for a short time, allowing for an orderly shutdown, and also offers protection against power surges and spikes. In essence, a UPS bridges the gap between a power outage and the activation of a longer-term backup system, such as a generator.
Function: When the primary power source is interrupted, the UPS instantly switches to its internal battery, converting the battery's DC power to AC power for the connected equipment.
Purpose: The primary goal is to prevent sudden shutdowns that could lead to data corruption or hardware damage. It gives users enough time to save their work and shut down the computer safely.
Additional features: Most UPS systems also include surge suppression and can provide voltage regulation to protect equipment from fluctuations like brownouts (voltage dips) and surges (voltage spikes).
Types: The most common type for personal computers is the "standby" or "offline" UPS, which is cost-effective and switches to battery power within milliseconds of a power failure.
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