The power conditioner and the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) both have the same function: stabilizing voltage. But there are some differences that you should know before deciding which one is best for your needs.
Unfortunately, power outages are a part of life. They can happen for many reasons, and they can last anywhere from seconds to hours. So what should you do when the lights go out? You need to have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a surge protector with battery backup in your home!
The question is which one is better? Below, I will discuss the difference between these two devices and why it’s important that you choose wisely.
Power Conditioner Vs UPS: Overview
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS):
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides emergency power to devices when the utility power fails. If either power source fails, the bridge acts as a regulator, maintaining the flow of electricity.
A UPS is typically used in computers and other devices that do critical work. There are many types of UPS systems, but they share the same purpose: ensuring that a device continues its work in a stable and consistent manner.
Types of UPS:
One of the most common types of UPS systems are:
1) Standby (offline): A standby (or offline) UPS system consists of a battery pack, an inverter, and some electrical distribution equipment. The inverter is typically located in a confined area, such as a utility room or equipment closet.
This type of UPS is used to protect PCs, monitor equipment racks, telecommunication equipment, and control equipment.
2) Line-interactive: A line-interactive UPS system consists of a battery pack, an inverter, and a voltage regulator.
The line-interactive UPS system is designed to provide power as long as within certain operating specifications, even if the power quality is poor.
3) Online: An online UPS system consists of a battery pack, an inverter, and some electrical distribution equipment. The inverter is typically located in a confined area, such as a utility room or equipment closet.
This type of UPS is used to protect PCs, monitor equipment racks, telecommunication equipment, and control equipment.
Power Conditioner:
A power conditioner is a device that provides proper power to an electrical load. The power it supplies may or may not be within the required voltage range.
It usually provides surge protection, filtering, and regulation methods such as line disturbance power factor correction methods, harmonic waveform distortion correction methods, and so on.
As well as protecting the equipment from surges, it prolongs its lifespan by filtering radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), both of which can harm the equipment.
Voltage-sensitive equipment includes advanced life support medical devices, home offices, labs, networking gear, industrial control equipment, semiconductor fabrication equipment, servers, and storage equipment.
Also, there are many power management processes, you can do using a power conditioner. So it’s better to use a power condition where it is appropriate.
Types Of Power Conditioners:
There are two main types of power conditioners:
1) AC power conditioner: It doesn’t provide automatic voltage regulation or line disturbance power factor correction, but does provide surge protection and filtering.
This type of power conditioner is used in small-scale systems that have no or little power factor correction requirements. For example, a single rack of network gear in an enterprise wiring closet.
2) Power line conditioners: These use a three-phase high-power switching power supply to provide automatic voltage regulation, line disturbance power factor correction, and filtering.
It is best suited for large-scale systems. For example, data centers and other enterprise facilities have many racks of equipment.
Features Comparison
There are many differences between a power conditioner and a UPS. Below is the top common features comparison between them.
Voltage Rating and Run-Time
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides voltage regulation, while power conditioners do not. Uninterruptible Power Supply has a higher Voltage rating and run time compared to power conditioners. Also, the power conditioner output voltage can vary a lot if it is overloaded, which is not the case with a UPS.
Inverter Technology
Unlike UPS inverters, power conditioners use switched-mode technology, which is cheaper to build and maintain. When you consider the inverter technology benefits, then the UPS is superior.
Power Factor Correction
Power factor correction is only available with UPS systems. That’s why UPSs can produce an improved power factor, while power conditioners always have a poor power factor which is not suitable for power-sensitive devices, but it can improve the sound quality of power audio devices.
Noise
UPS systems are typically used when you need to provide clean power, so there is no noise in the output of a UPS. Power conditioners are cheaper to build, so they may have little noise in the output.
Run-Time
UPS systems can run for a long time without any input signals, so they don’t need to be turned off. But if you use power conditioners, they will need to be turned off when there is no signal. That means, you can’t use power conditioners for remote-switch applications, while UPS systems can be used.
Performance Monitoring
Some UPS systems have performance monitoring features that provide run-time information. Also, you can monitor the battery voltage and current for providing the health status of the UPS system.
Whereas, power conditioners don’t have such features, but you can monitor a it by using a power quality monitor or a power meter.
Form Factor
UPSs are always larger and heavier than power conditioners, while some models can be very large. In this case, UPSs are more suitable for small-space installations.
User-Replaceable Batteries
Most power conditioners don’t have user-replaceable batteries, while UPSs always have. Why user-replaceable batteries? Because UPSs are used in remote-switch applications where you can’t access them when the power is off. So, when the battery is dead, you can replace the batteries without turning off the UPS.
Equipment Protection Policy
UPS provides more protection for your equipment than power conditioners against short-term power failures or voltage transients. When you have expensive equipment, UPSs will be more appropriate.
Also, power conditioning devices and UPS both provide output AC voltage regulation and voltage correction facilities. A UPS will provide a sustained backup time, whereas a power conditioner is used for short-term systems like data centers, automation systems, etc.
Besides, UPS is suitable for remote-switching applications where power should be cut off without any interference. While power conditioners are suitable for short-duration systems.
Power Conditioner Vs. UPS: Pros & Cons
Both devices are useful in different situations, but both have some pros and cons. So if you are new to these devices or want to know more information about them, you must read their pros and cons.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) PROS
CONS:
Power Conditioners PROS:
CONS:
Popular Brands of UPS & Power Conditioner
Now you have a general idea about both power protection devices. But you should know some popular brands in this market to make a smart purchase decision.
Top 3 Brands of UPS & Conditioner
You can read our comparison between APC and Tripp Lite.
Power Conditioner: Our Top Picks
UPS: Our Top Picks
FAQs
Before using one, you must check the voltage and frequency of the output. If they are stable and within the range, it is good for use. Whereas, UPS doesn’t need this checking, because UPS always provides stable voltage and frequency.
A power conditioner provides voltage regulation and filtering. It operates on the source, while a voltage regulator works only with the load.
A power conditioner is a device that helps regulate the voltage of an electrical supply. On the other hand, a surge protector is a device that protects against sudden spikes in voltage. You can read more about power conditioners vs surge protectors.
Summary
When it comes to choosing a power conditioner or UPS, there are several factors to consider. If you’re looking for the best protection for your electronics, a UPS is a way to go. Because it will provide clean, uninterrupted power to your devices in the event of a power outage or brownout.
Whereas, a power conditioner will also help protect your equipment from voltage spikes and surges. However, if you’re only concerned with protecting against blackouts, a power conditioner may be all you need.
