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Purchasing a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system is a commitment and should not be thought of as a one off cost. A UPS system is far more than just a battery. What makes it a resilient backup power solution are the components within it.

“It can be risk assessed out” these very unsettling words are ones often spoken by contractors when referring to secondary power supplies for firefighters lifts. They are often referring to a misperceived loophole in the BS 9999 regulation, one that is alarmingly misjudged by all too many. 

The electricity industry is facing the biggest challenges seen in over a century with the development of a decarbonised electric power system and the transition to a ‘smart grid’ using variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as wind and solar.

Airborne dust can get into almost every part of a UPS system and a build up of dust can cause significant degradation.

It is strange to think that battery structure has not really changed for over 50 years. However, with the market shifting and demand for greater lifespan, efficiency and reduced footprint becoming more prevalent, battery manufacturers have upped their game with lithium-ion battery solutions.

Environmental initiatives and a push for ‘green building’ methods have seen the traditional approach to specifying UPS systems overhauled. Reliability is no longer is the sole system focus as both reliability and efficiency are at the forefront of UPS calculations.

Not only does the utilities market need to address the changes to consumption and introduction of smart energy products but it also needs to support the vast infrastructural changes that are being scoped. With the governments recent plea to build, build, build the utilities field is inextricably linked to ensuring the deployment of solutions that will work towards achieving the ambitious net zero target.

The governments announcement to push on with a ‘build, build, build’ programme puts jobs and infrastructure at the centre of their economic growth strategy. But as infrastructure projects accelerate, so does the need for a reliable supply of power. UPS systems should not be overlooked and great consideration should given to what the most suitable UPS solution will be.

The Covid-19 impact on businesses is unlikely to be clear for months, maybe years. Already we have seen countless companies forced to close with many others falling into administration.