Understand what is the use of each of this equipment and choose the ideal model for your company
Can you tell the difference between UPS and stabilizer? The doubt is pertinent because, for many people, both are the same thing. However, these two devices have different characteristics and it is important to know what they are.
In stores, you will find both alternatives. Depending on your needs, a stabilizer may not meet your demand. Because of that, let’s get to know a little more about each of them beforehand.
What is a stabilizer?
The electrical current we receive in our home or office is not continuous. That means it fluctuates, up or down. In general, these oscillations are normal and are not enough to damage your equipment. However, in some regions, these energy peaks can be higher (or lower).
In situations like these, your computer may suddenly shut down because it doesn’t have enough power. In this scenario, in addition to losing the work being performed, there is also the risk that the equipment will be damaged. And it is precisely to prevent this from happening that this device was created.
Its goal is to keep the voltage of the electronics stable, thus increasing their useful life. In case of a power outage, if the computer is connected directly to an outlet, it may even burn out. With the use of a stabilizer, this does not happen, as it is he who holds any peaks.
Benefits:
- Protects your computer from burning out due to power surges
- Protects computer from burning out due to total power outage
- Size and weight are less than a UPS
- Most affordable price
Disadvantages:
In a power outage the computer will simply shut down and you may lose data from what you were doing
What is a UPS?
The no breaks can also be considered a type stabilizer since perform the same function. However, they have an extra difference: the ability to store energy. So when the light goes out, they trigger their backup compartment and keep the electronics on for a while longer, until you can save your work and safely shut down the machine.
The amount of time they are able to keep the equipment turned on varies depending on the consumption of the electronics connected to it and the energy storage capacity. Those that have a bigger load are more expensive.
Benefits:
- Protects your computer from burning out due to power surges
- Protects computer from burning out due to total power outage
- It can take up to 15 minutes turned on to save your work (depending on computer components)
- Extends the life of your computer’s electronic components
Disadvantages:
- The useful life of a UPS battery lasts an average of 2 to 3 years, being necessary to replace it after any problems
- Its size is suitably larger, as is its weight, thanks to the internal battery
- The price is relatively higher
UPS or stabilizer: which alternative to choose?
In general terms, we can consider the stabilizers as very limited versions of the no breaks. They’re relatively useful, but there’s not that much difference between having a surge protector or having a surge protector. Both have the same principle and the filters still have a slight advantage – being cheaper. However, it is important that the model in question supports electromagnetic filtering.
Thus, no breaks appear like the best alternative in this regard to protect your equipment. A good product offers at least four types of protection: against voltage surges; against voltage drops; against power outage (lack of light); and against frequency oscillation.
The second aspect to be considered among no breaks concerns the capacity to store energy. The simplest models have enough energy to keep the equipment on for about 15 minutes while the more robust models can remain active for up to two hours.
In short: a stabilizer is important and is the minimum protection you should have on your machines. However, when you purchase a UPS, you will be taking home a stabilizer and another solution capable of keeping the machines running for an extra time. In other words, this is a more complete alternative.
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