Whether your house's electricity
goes out every day, several times a month, or just once in a while, backup power
can be necessary. You'll have to decide whether that means installing a backup
generator or an uninterruptible power supply. The type of backup you choose
depends on various factors such as the frequency of outages, available space, and budget, but the real difference is in how they work to keep your vital systems
online.
When people face blackouts, they
usually start to find ways to solve the problem. People sometimes use
generators if they are aware of the use. Here I want to discuss the uses and
shortcomings of generators and UPS as a source of power supply in houses.
To overcome this issue, people
have been adopting alternative ways. Some of the most common alternative
resources used by homeowners and offices include the use of UPS (Uninterrupted
Power Supply) and Generators.
Both of these power supply systems typically serve as a backup to temporarily make up for the lack of original power supply. Although they serve the same purpose, how they operate is different which is where the need to discuss the pros and cons of UPS and generator comes into place.
Pros and Cons of UPS and Generators
There are many different types of
generators, and UPS available in the market, and you can buy one easily based
on its features, and affordability. But before that, it’s essential to
understand the differences between both the systems how they work, what
benefits they offer, as well as what are the drawbacks.
This article will give you a
detailed insight into the usage of both systems, which will help you make the
right decision.
What is UPS? 
UPS stands for Uninterrupted
Power Supply, which is backed up by a battery. In case of any power outage or
voltage drop to an unacceptable level, UPS works as a backup source.
Some UPS systems only supply
power for a short time like a few minutes. These are typically small UPS
systems with small batteries just so one can save files and work on their PC.
Whereas a bigger UPS has the potential to supply power for your house
appliances for quite a few hours, which is why they are preferred for houses.
There are three main types of UPS
systems, let’s take a look below:
Standby UPS System – It remains
in standby mode unless there is a power failure.
Line Interactive UPS system –
This system has an inverter and a battery that is connected to the output. In
case of power failure, a switch changes the power flow.
Double conversion UPS system –
The backup battery in this is charged by the input AC. Which powers the output
inverter for a smooth switch.
Advantages of UPS
When it comes to the pros and
cons of UPS and Generators, one of the most commonly used devices in Pakistani
households is UPS. This comes with many advantages, and some of them are listed
below.
Works in Silent Mode
UPS works in silence and is
free of noise which is the best thing about having them. While they switch to
the automatic backup power supply mode without creating any noise.
People that are sensitive to noise will appreciate this feature specifically.
Instant Power Supply
It provides an instant power
supply that keeps your critical devices like computers and other equipment
running without any disruption.
Consistency
A UPS is designed in a way that
it automatically kick starts, providing alternative electricity, eliminating
the chances of any kind of glitches, or power surges, which allows you to safely
shut down the computer and other critical appliances.
Guard Against Damage
UPS senses the power fluctuates,
surges, dips, etc. Hence it switches to the backup power resource, guarding the
appliances against any potential damage caused by these irregularities.
Filter
A line-interactive UPS
essentially works as a filter. As it refines the power that enters into the UPS
then adjusts its output to make it compatible with the internal systems, so
they receive a smooth, consistent power supply free from all the anomalies.
Low Price and Low Maintenance
The expenses of buying a UPS and
installing it are lower than that of buying a generator. Buying a UPS can be
one-time spending, as they work fine as long as their battery is working well.
In comparison to generators, they
need almost zero maintenance. If you make sure that the battery is in good
condition, your UPS can go for as long as many years.
Cons of UPS
Even though there are so many
advantages of having a UPS, there are some drawbacks that can factor in the
purpose you are using it for.
Unsuitable for Heavy Appliances
A major drawback of buying a UPS
is that their batteries do not support appliances that require heavy power for
instance Iron, Fridge, etc. The only recommended appliances are fans, and light
bulbs.
This is why UPS is not suitable
for the houses that are in areas of frequent power outages. They only fit
in areas where the downfall lasts only for a few hours.
Batteries May Require Frequent Maintenance
The battery is the backbone of
the UPS system, so it is essential to buy a good quality battery. If you choose
to buy a battery that is of low standard and cheaper, you will have to change
the liquid in it now and then or replace it with a new one every 4-5 months.
What is a Generator? 
When our major source of electricity – Dams – does not produce enough of it, there is a
shortfall of power, and consumers like you and me have to cope with it. One
common method is to get your own mini, portable electricity generator, which
will produce enough electricity to support all your home
appliances.
Unlike UPS, the generator is not
backed by a battery, that stores, rather it generates electricity itself. It
converts kinetic energy into electrical power that is used to run the
appliances.
You will find various types of
generators in the markets, depending on their use – houses, industries, and
commercial sectors.
They can run a whole
office/building, or household appliances, based on their power-generating
ability. Depending on their size and model, they require three different types
of fuel.
Gasoline or Petrol Power System
Diesel Fuel Power System
Natural Gas Power System
Advantages of Using a Generator
All three types of generators
come with different advantages, which are given below.
Portable
Despite being heavy, portable
generators can be carried from one place to another. This is because of the
wheels attached with them, which makes it portable as well as easier to use in
other places, unlike the UPS system.
No Installation/Extra Wiring Required
No special wiring or installation
is required for the generators to work. To use it, you can just turn the main
system off, start the generator, and use any switch to plug it in.
In the case of distributive
connection, or Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), you will need an additional
switcher.
Supports Heavy Appliances
The KVA ratings of generators
tell us that they can run heavy appliances such as iron, TV, refrigerator,
motors, etc., making generators a good choice for people that live in areas of
heavy and frequent power outages.
During the hot summer season,
they can be particularly helpful in keeping the food fresh and rooms cool with
their respective systems.
Disadvantages of Having Generators
Besides advantages, there are
also many disadvantages of using generators. Some of them are mentioned below.
Disturbance by Loud Noise
Although they generate
electricity for most of your house appliances, one of the worst sides of using
a generator is that you will have to hear a loud noise.
For people that live in small apartments, or in areas where houses are in close
vicinity of each other, using generators can be very more troublesome because
of the noise pollution that it can create.
An alternative to this is the
inverter generator, but these are usually more expensive than regular
generators.
Regular Maintenance
It has an engine and is a
mechanical device, which is why it requires frequent maintenance. It also needs
to be refilled with fuel, which makes it heavier on one’s pocket.
The quantity of the fuel matters
a lot, so you will have to check the fuel regularly, as running it on low
gasoline will damage the engine. Other things that you need to take care of
include air filters, carburetors, plugs, etc.
More Expensive
The buying and maintenance cost of it makes it an expensive option. You will have to refill the fuel regularly, which itself will cost you a lot. Also, the fuel erodes the engine, which is why it needs regular maintenance, which again will cost you some money.
Emission of Poisonous Gas
Besides being high maintenance,
and noisy, generators emit dangerous poisonous gases as well. They
downgrade the air quality inside your home. These gasses not only
add to air pollution but are harmful to humans if inhaled.
Manual Switching
If one does not install the
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), they would have to start and off it manually,
which can be quite hectic.
Electricity is important in the
current era for things to run smoothly, which is why there are different means
that people bring in use to overcome its shortage. This detailed overview of
the pros and cons of UPS and generators will help you choose according to your
requirements, situation, and affordability.
UPS OR A GENERATOR: KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO DEVICES
Let’s learn about the difference
between a UPS and a generator, which has been highlighted in the pointers below, and find out which option is best for you when it comes to buying power backup
devices in Pakistan.
PURPOSE
Both generators and
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are designed to use as power backup
systems. As discussed, UPS systems are designed to provide a backup power
supply to keep the small electrical equipment running in your home without
interruptions during an outage. They protect the connected appliances against
power surges. On the other hand, generators can be connected to the main power
supply since they’re designed to handle multiple devices. This also makes the
larger models of generators (which also come with a stand-by power option)
suitable to be used in commercial and industrial sectors.
UPS OR A GENERATOR: THE MAINTENANCE FACTOR
UPS systems run on batteries,
which means you have to check the level of fluids in your battery every month
to make sure it doesn’t run dry, exhausting, and damaging your power backup
system. On the other hand, power generators in Pakistan run on either petrol,
diesel, or gas, which means they need to be constantly supplied with the fuel
they require. However, the cost of maintaining a generator may be more than the
cost of maintaining a UPS at home. The battery of your UPS system is charged
from the electrical supply in your home, which may cause your electricity bill
to increase but it may still be cheaper than running a generator.
Note: Power
generators produce more electricity than any UPS system and power up multiple
appliances at a time, which is why they require more fuel to run.
UPS VS. GENERATOR: THE NOISE FACTOR
One of the biggest factors for
people preferring to buy generators over UPS is noise. Power generators run on
combustion engines, which is why they cause noise pollution. People living in
small homes and apartments just can’t bear the loud noise produced by
generators, especially when it echoes with the walls and roof of a building.
However, with some cutting-edge improvements, the technology of sound-proofing
has been introduced to power generators. This is why these days; you can easily
find different types of models of power generators that cause little or no
noise pollution at all.
UPS PRICE IN PAKISTAN
The starting price of a UPS
system in Pakistan (capable of powering up to 2 fans and lights at a time) is
around PKR 10,000. However, this doesn’t include the battery and installation
charges. Installing the complete UPS system in your home may cost you around
PKR 30,000
GENERATOR PRICE IN PAKISTAN
The price of a power generator in
Pakistan (capable of producing 1KVA of power) starts at around PKR 35,000. It
will be enough to power a small home (with two to three rooms).
SAFETY TIPS FOR USING A UPS
SYSTEM
Some important safety precautions
you need to take while using a UPS system in your home have been listed as
under:
Do not lay metal parts or any
types of electric tools on top of batteries.
Disconnect the charging source
before connecting or disconnecting battery terminals
To reduce the risk of fire, avoid
overloading your UPS system.
SAFETY TIPS FOR USING A GENERATOR
one of the most important safety
tips for using a generator at home is as follows:
Always operate your power
generator in a well-ventilated area in your home
Never pre-plug any electric
appliances into the generator before turning it on to avoid electrical hazards
like electrocution and fire incidents.
Turn off and let your power
generator cool down before refueling it
So, is it a UPS or a generator?
What have you decided to install in your home after learning about the key
differences among these power backup devices discussed in the blog above?
Safeguard the UPS generator system by considering the following:
1. Survey the generator
recurrence. Each UPS has a set information voltage and recurrence window that
whenever surpassed, will make the UPS go on battery. Assuming a generator's
recurrence range is excessively wide for the UPS to acknowledge, then, at that
point, the UPS might decipher the generator as a shaky power source. Assuming
that this happens, the UPS stays on battery for all time, which will eventually
make the battery fizzle and drop your heap.
2. Size up the generator.
Appropriate generator estimating is fundamental to guarantee the security of
both the UPS load and an association's workforce during an extensive blackout.
Many organizations anticipate that the generator should oblige cooling, crisis
lighting, interchanges, and other fundamental administrations. However, if the generator isn't measured sufficiently huge, it will not have the
option to hold voltage and recurrence inside input resistances when the UPS
comes on the web.
The greater the generator motor,
the more steady the recurrence, and subsequently the more it can deal with as
the UPS falls off of the battery. Considering that, at whatever point spending
plans grant, it is astute to evaluate and furthermore take into account some
expected development with the generator well-disposed UPS. The overall
suggestions for UPS models up to 25 kW are as per the following:
twice the absolute burden
(counting the UPS, A/C, and any remaining gear that should stay on the web) for
petroleum gas-fueled and mechanical lead representative generators.
1.5 times the complete burden for
propane-or diesel-fueled generators and those with an electronic lead
representative.
3. Consider the fuel source. The
most widely recognized generator fuel choices incorporate propane, gaseous
petrol, and diesel, every one of which accompanies its own arrangement of its own
benefits and burdens. Flammable gas working generators can be slower to
answer and maybe estimated bigger than their propane partners. Diesel
is generally viewed as the best fuel and is prevalent for generator
arrangements 50 kW and bigger; notwithstanding, it has a short stockpiling life
and its expense can strain spending plans.
4. Try not to ignore the lead
representative. Compact generators are furnished with a lead representative,
which restricts the speed of fuel being conveyed to the motor to a protected
level amid burden changes. Electronic lead representatives rush to answer,
while mechanical lead representatives are increasingly slow and additionally cause
alignment challenges.
5. Think about the UPS geography.
The kind of UPS will likewise affect UPS generator similarity and design, as
not all can make up for recurrence varieties without depending on the battery.
Both reserve and line-intelligent UPSs use battery ability to keep recurrence
varieties from influencing the safeguarded load. A twofold change, online UPS,
then again, reproduces the sine wave and channels recurrence varieties as a
component of its generally expected activity, in this way protecting battery
duration. Since it continually redresses AC to DC and afterward transforms the
DC back to AC, the web-based UPS produces a result that amends for voltage and recurrence
deviations. Consequently, twofold transformation innovation is the most widely
recognized for basic burden applications, and the most worthwhile sort of
framework for generator reconciliation.
6. Talk with the makers.
Regularly you can stay away from a scope of likely issues and the UPS not
chipping away at generator power by first guaranteeing that the generator
producer has tried and supported the items expected to use with UPSs. To
guarantee that ideal UPS versus generator measuring is accomplished, it is
insightful to talk with both the UPS and the generator maker before concluding
a buy. Moreover, limits of forthcoming burdens to be safeguarded can commonly
be found in the producer's particulars.
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