An Easy Guide To Selecting UPS: Capacity

Vol.1 - Introduction to Capacity

In this tutorial series, you can learn the easy steps on how to select UPS for your equipment or facility. First, let’s go over on basics with capacity.

1. What information is required when selecting a UPS?

  • Capacity (kVA, kW), load equipment (model/power consumption)

  • Input/output voltage (V), number of phases (single-phase, three-phase), number of wires

  • Retention time (backup time)/Battery type

  • Other individual additional requirements

2. What is capacity?

Capacity is a numerical value that indicates how much power can be supplied.

Capacity is measured using kVA (kilovolt ampere) .

V = voltage (volts)

A = current (amperes)

Voltage “V” x Current “A” = Capacity “VA”

 

A 1kVA UPS can back up devices with a voltage of 100V and a total current of up to 10A.

1kVA = 1,000VA = 100V x 10A

 

3. Capacity Examples

images of capacity

Large Capacity Examples:

an image of large capacity examples

4. Capacity Selection

  1. Calculate capacity of each equipment used in the system or facility, such as servers and multiple PCs.

  2. Add it up to calculate the total required capacity. This would be the basis of UPS capacity selection. 

  3. select the capacity with some allowance.

 
an image of UPS capacity selection example
an example of UPS capacity selection