UPS for all seasons: 6 appliances tested

Suffering from blackouts, brownouts, or sags? How about bushfires, floods, or cyclones? Then maybe you need a UPS. We review six UPS appliances.

	UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

Some months ago, my computer was ravaged by the vagaries of our local power supply, which is susceptible to frequent brownouts.
A few years ago this would not have been such a serious an issue as over-sized power supplies protected our machines from a certain amount of trouble. However not so with my current machine. The power supply itself survived the disaster (I could just hear it saying, "That'll teach you to make me work so hard"), but I lost the RAM, CPU, and both hard drives.
Foolishly, I had backed up certain information on the second disk, but did not have everything on removeable media for offsite storage (although I thought I did).
As a result, I am still discovering exactly what I have lost, and am still trying to replace it. The worst of it is, all of this trouble could have been prevented by using an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
Emergency power is online
The job of a UPS is basically twofold. Firstly, it should ensure that the electric current reaching your equipment is "clean" -- and I don't mean "green" but rather that it matches the quality intended by the utility and that required by your equipment.
Clean power can be achieved by using a line conditioner. Spikes, sags, surges, noise, and even frequency variations can be detrimental to the effective live of electronic devices of all kinds. Spikes and surges are momentary and prolonged increases in voltage respectively, these can overload circuitry, blowing fuses -- or worse -- delicate electronics. A surge protector will protect you from such troubles, but you might still be caught out be the opposite problems: sags and brownouts.
Sags and brownouts are low voltage problems, which are also quite capable of stressing electronic circuits. Electrical noise can interfere with proper equipment function (unshielded communication lines are particularly susceptible to such interference).
Fluorescent lights, electric motors, and high-voltage cables can all cause noise, so it is worth taking a careful look at the relative positioning of all electrical equipment and the cabling that supports it. Don't leave cables in messy bundles or coils, avoid piggy-backing power-boards, and try to use the right amount of cable for the job. Besides the problem of noise, messy cords can be a potential fire hazard.
Secondly, in the event of a total power failure (blackout), the UPS should continue to run on battery power until either, (a) the power supply returns to normal, or (b) the user is able to save data and shut down the equipment gracefully, or transfer to an alternative power source, such as a generator. Once power is restored the UPS automatically recharges its batteries. A UPS will contain circuitry for line conditioning as standard.
In the event of an extended power shortage -- say storm damage wipes out power-lines in your area -- then a UPS may not be able to protect your business by itself. In critical situations you might consider a generator to back up your UPS. This way, if you cannot afford to stop work when the UPS battery runs down, the UPS can signal the generator to take over from the mains supply (or switching can be manual for that matter) before the battery capacity reaches zero. Hospitals, for example, make use of generators to backup their essential services. Check the generator periodically to ensure that it is well maintained and that there is an adequate supply of fuel on-site.
The price of failure

	UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

Consider the situation with my computer. Now multiply that problem by however many servers you have at your offices. Feeling nervous? Is your blood pressure rising?
A 3000VA UPS could support about five servers. At about AU$6000 per server that's AU$30,000. Now how much value do you place on the data stored on those machines? How many person hours will it cost to replace or repair hardware, load backup data, and then redo the work that was lost between the last backup and the power crisis that has stopped your business in its tracks. (You do have recent backups of all your data on removeable media don't you? And that media is in a safe place, yes?) Even if no physical damage is done, even if no data is lost, consider the disruption to the work day caused by a brownout that causes every server to reboot in the middle of a transaction or backup procedure.
Workers will get irritated and thus their productivity is likely to be further reduced. Isn't it worth spending three or four thousand dollars to protect your investment?
With regard to return on investment, I'm tempted to give every machine five stars simply because whichever one you choose, your UPS is vital insurance for your equipment and data -- I cannot stress this enough.
How big is yours?
UPS power ratings are given in terms of Volt Amps (VA). To determine the size you need simply multiply the supply voltage (probably 240V) by the current drawn by the equipment needing protection. For example, four computers drawing 830mA from a 240V supply require an 800VA UPS (0.83A x 240V x 4 = 796.8VA).
This month's review looks at rack mountable UPSs for the server room, rated at 3000VA. Please note that devices of this size use 16A power connectors, so ensure that your site is set up to cope with 16A plugs before purchasing.
Battery run-time is dependent on the load. If the UPS is only supporting half of its rated load it may operate for up to three times longer before losing power. Typically, UPS specifications will claim about 15 minutes runtime on half load and only about five minutes on full load.
Realistically, the load will probably be somewhere in between -- you don't want to push the limits of the UPS (and you should allow for expansion of your current needs), and you don't want to pay for an excessively large UPS. Should you, by chance, overload your UPS you'll know about it, because it will sound an alarm and flash one of its LEDs frantically at you.
Often, additional external battery packs are available which can be used to expand system capacity without totally replacing the UPS (more later). This is particularly useful in situations where it is not practical to shut down all systems with the typical five to 10 minute window.
It is also generally a good idea to avoid running a laser printer via a UPS. Such printers are extremely power hungry and thus greatly increase the size requirements of your UPS. Energy guzzlers can always be protected by a separate line filter (without battery backup).
UPS types

	UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

There are basically three types of UPS: Offline, online and line interactive. Offline (also called standby) is not really suitable for the office environment. It provides very efficient, cost effective protection to isolated devices, but is not ideal for critical systems, especially where network communications are essential. Power is automatically switched from mains to battery as required, but this process may take several vital milliseconds. In either case, power is then filtered before reaching the load.
Line interactive systems send part of the available mains power through the inverter -- enough to keep the battery charged. The battery can then support the main supply during a sag, or take over completely during a blackout. Sometimes manufacturers can be a bit loose with the terminology and label these as online, so take care. The load cannot be completely isolated from variations to the mains power without switching to the battery. Again a filter is required.
With online models (also called double-conversion), mains power constantly runs through the inverter, which supplies the battery. All power entering the UPS is rectified and reconstructed as a purified waveform (without need of further filtering) before reaching the load (Figure 1c).
Since all power is running through the inverter and rectifier at all times these components need to be very robust, thus increasing the price of this type of device. Online UPSs provide the most complete protection to networked computer systems.
Communications, Management
Power failures and fluctuations can occur at any time and you may not be there to shutdown your equipment should this be necessary. Fortunately UPSs normally come with hardware and software that automates shutdown prior to the battery being fully drained. Three basic interface methods are available: Serial port, USB, and Web based (SNMP).
The interface, whichever type is chosen, allows the UPS to inform the system administrator of any variations in the state of the electricity supply and recommend that shutdown procedures be initiated. Automatic shutdown generally occurs only after users have been given a warning to shutdown manually. Before purchasing a UPS you will need to consider the most appropriate control method. Do you have serial or USB ports available? Are there any possible hardware conflicts? Do you understand how to make the most of the option you have chosen? Will it interoperate with your existing network management system (NMS)?
Remember that your UPS need to support not only the servers, but also the associated administration workstations and other essential devices (switches, routers, external drives) that need to maintain power in the event of a mains failure. Particularly in the case on an SNMP device, switch protection is vital. What's the point of your server trying to communicate with the NMS if the network itself is compromised?
Batteries AND Runtime
Typically a UPS uses sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries. These are basically like a car battery that is sealed to prevent leakage. They don't need to be topped up, but, like any battery, they can wear out in time and thus require replacement. In the event that the batteries need to be changed it is normally possible to do a hot-swap; that is, the batteries can be changed over with out powering down the system first (and thus interrupting the hardware you are trying to prevent from being interrupted).
Advanced battery management (ABM) ensures that battery life is as long as possible. UPS batteries are charged to about 90 percent (sometimes less) rapidly and then allowed to charge fully at with a "trickle charge". The battery is then allowed to rest a while before being subjected to any further charging which might be required due to usage.
Typically during a power outage, batteries will last for five minutes when the UPS is fully loaded, increasing to around fifteen minutes for a half-loaded unit. It may well be that this is totally inadequate for your purposes. What happens if servers are in the middle of a lengthy process (such as a CAD/CAM rendering), which cannot be interrupted, or perhaps an urgent job that must be completed now or sooner? Fear not because external battery packs can normally be added to these heavy duty UPSs. As an example, both Powerware and Liebert claim that their machines can run for two hours with a 75 percent load when backed up with four external batteries.
Liebert UPStation

	UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

This little black number is a true online UPS with automatic bypass. The LED's indicate the status of battery, A/C power, temperature, and the bypass feature. The line filter is unaffected by the bypass feature. The UPStation GXT fills only two rack units (RU) and may also be set up as a free standing unit, however it has only four 10A output sockets. The serial port can be supplemented by adding USB, SNMP, or multiport communications cards.

Product	Liebert Upstation GXT
Price	AU$3740
Vendor	Emerson Network Power
Phone	1300 367 686
Web	www.liebert.com.au
Interoperability
Good management options
Futureproofing	½
Battery expansion available, and reasonable outputs.
ROI	½
Good price for features
Service
Standard two-year warranty.
Rating	½

Nikko Vanguard

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

M+H Power provided us with a 2RU online machine complete with LCD status screen. Instead of interpreting LED indicators, the problem or status can be read in plain English. Read outs of various data can be obtained ranging from ambient temperature to output frequency (LED indicators are also present). Power is filtered on entry and exit even while in bypass mode. There are two 15A Australian power outlets. Network/phone protector input/output jacks are also present.

Product	Nikko Vanguard Rackmount
Price	AU$4017
Vendor	M&H Power
Phone	1300 733 006
Web	www.mhpower.com.au
Interoperability	½
Reasonable
Futureproofing	½
Battery expansion available but only 2x 16A outputs.
ROI	½
Reasonably priced.
Service
Standard two-year warranty.
Rating

Powerware 9125

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

Cream coloured, the 9125 can be rack mounted or freestanding and has online topology with auto-bypass. When in bypass mode the UPS still passively filters the mains supply. The LEDs inform the user of battery and mains status, bypass operation, overloads, and extreme temperatures. The device fills 2RU, and four 10A outputs and one 16A output are available. Various add-on cards are available to support communications serially with multiple servers, by USB or by SNMP.

Product	Powerware 9125 RM
Price	AU$2850
Vendor	Invensys/Powerware
Phone	1800 339 531
Web	www.powerware.com.au
Interoperability
Good management options.
Futureproofing	½
Battery expansion available and reasonable outputs.
ROI	½
Reasonably priced.
Service
Standard two-year warranty.
Rating	½

Pro Power Plus

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

This big black beauty from Upsonic is a 3RU model, though the weight is more like that of a 2RU device. While it is an online/double conversion device there is apparently no further filtering available to the bypass mode. The LED/LCD status monitors provide data on temperature, power frequency, and voltage, as well as the standard battery/ mains-normal/ mains-bypass/ overload indications. Six 10A outputs exist along with phone/ network protection jacks.

Product	Pro Power Plus
Price	AU$4290
Vendor	Upsonic Power
Phone	1800 634 307
Web	www.upsonic.com.au
Interoperability	½
Reasonable.
Futureproofing	½
Battery expansion available and six output sockets.
ROI
Somewhat pricey.
Service
Standard two-year warranty.
Rating

Pulsar Extreme C

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

This unit is an online/double-conversion design with the typical filtered, automatic bypass. The manual is large because it includes six European languages. The black, 2RU casing is equally at home rack mounted or used in tower format. The LED indicators warn of overloads, system faults, and current power source as well as supplying data on the battery load. Output power is supplied via four 10A sockets and one 16A socket. This machine is a little higher powered than the others, being a 3200VA unit rather than 3000VA.

Product	Pulsar Extreme C
Price	AU$3290
Vendor	MGE UPS Systems
Phone	03 9646 1099
Web	www.mgeups.com.au
Interoperability
Good management options.
Futureproofing	½
Battery expansion available and quite good outputs.
ROI
Great price for the features.
Service
Standard two-year warranty.
Rating	½

Smart UPS XL

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

This UPS has an unpainted steel chassis with a black, plastic faceplate-clearly it is intended purely as a rack-mounted device. Unlike the other machines reviewed here, this is a line-interactive model. Electronics and battery module are used to trim or boost the mains power as required rather than totally isolating mains power from the load. The supply is filtered just as with true online devices. The LED indicators mark battery level, use, and need for replacement as well as overload and supply status. This weighty 3RU device has eight 10A output sockets that are supplemented by a single 16A socket. The manual is multilingual, so don't be afraid of its thickness!

Product	Smart UPS XL
Price	AU$4475
Vendor	American Power Conversion
Phone	1800 652 725
Web	www.apc.com/au
Interoperability
No UBS support.
Futureproofing
Battery expansion available and nine output sockets.
ROI
Somewhat pricey.
Service
Standard two-year warranty.
Rating

Specifications

Product	Liebert Upstation GXT 2U and RS1836T	Nikko Vanguard Rackmount 3000VA	Powerware 9125 3000VA RM
Vendor	Emerson Network Power	M+H Power	Invensys/Powerware
Price (incl. GST)	AU$3740	AU$4017.20	AU$3850.00
Phone number	1800 622 074	1300 733 006 (03 9763 0555)	1800 339 531
Standard warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years
Dimensions (mm) and rack units	87 x 430 x 618	84 x 428 x 635 (2U)	89H x 432W x 607D (mm)
Weight (kg)	31.9kg	32.5kg	37kg
Audible noise	<45 dBA,="" at="" 1m="" from="" front="" and="" sides,="" <50dBA="" rear="" fan<="" td="">	<40dBA at="" 1m<="" td="">	<45dBA at="" 1m<="" td="">
Interface port (USB/Serial/SNMP)	Standard: Serial (GUI + Data + Server S/D), Digital (GUI + Server S/D, UPS S/D); [Optional (user plug-in): SNMP, Opencom Web browser, USB, Relay, Multiport]	USB/Serial (standard), (SNMP optional)	Remote emergency power off port, X-Slot Serial communications port and Powerware Software Suite as standard. (Optional X-Slot expansion modules available.)
Topology (online/line-interactive)	True Online double conversion with redundant mains auto-bypass	On line, double conversion, w/ auto bypass	True on line double conversion UPS
Input
Voltage (nominal/selectable)	230VAC nominal; 276V-160V	240V nominal. 208-230V factory programmable. 100-127V available on request.	160VAC to 288VAC (208/220/230/240 selectable)
Model rating VA/W	3000VA / 2100W	3000VA / 2100W	3000VA / 2100W
Input frequency (Hz)	50/60Hz auto sensing, 40-70 Hz input range	50/60 auto sensing	50/60Hz auto sensing
Input connector	IEC320-16A	16A 3-pin male	IEC320 16A
Output
Voltage variation	200/208/220/230/240 (user configurable) VAC, +/- 3%	240V +/- 2%	Ã,±3%
Frequency variation	50 Hz or 60 Hz, synchronized to bypass input. Frequency converter mode selectable, +/- 0.1Hz	+/- 5%	45Hz to 65Hz
Wave shape	Sinewave in all operation and load modes (VFISS111 AS62040-3)	Pure sine	Sinewave
Output sockets and number	4x IEC320-10A, 1 x IEC320-16A	2x 15A Australian 3-pin socket	4x IEC320 10A (load segment 1) and 1 x IEC320 16A (load segment 2)
Efficiency	90% (Overall and in double conversion mode)	87% in standard mode and 95% in High Efficiency mode	85%
Battery
Voltage	72VDC nominal, 82V float	72VDC	72VDC
Number and type (V/ AH)	6 x 12V x 9.0 Ah	6 x 12V 9Ah	6 x 12V 9Ah sealed lead acid type battery with ABMTM
Typical run/ backup time (vendor supplied)	10 mins at 75% load, > 2 hrs with 4x external battery modules at 75% load	6 mins at full 3000VA Load. Optional add-on battery packs available	5 mins at full load, 13min at half load, ~2 hrs with 4x external battery modules at 75% load
Recharge time (vendor supplied)	5 hours to recharge internal batteries to 95% capacity after full discharge at 100% load.	4 hours to 90%	3 hours to 90%

Product	Pro Power Plus 3000RM	Pulsar Extreme C	Smart-UPS XL 3000VA
Vendor	MGE UPS Systems	American Power Conversion
Price (incl. GST)	AU$4290	AU$3290	AU$4475
Phone number	1800 634 307	03 9646 1099	1800 652 725
Standard warranty	2 years replacement warranty	2 years (Optional 3 Years)	2 years (extended warr. avail.)
Dimensions (mm) and rack units	132 x 435 x 542 (3U)	86.5 x 438 x 654 (2U)	133 x 483 x 660 (3U)
Weight (kg)	36.4kg	36kg	56.4kg
Audible noise	<50dBA at="" 1m<="" td="">	<50dBA at="" 1m<="" td="">	<53 dBA="" at="" 1m<="" td="">
Interface port (USB/Serial/SNMP)	Serial (USB & SNMP optional)	USB / Serial / SNMP / XML / Modbus / JBus	Serial, Network Management Card
Topology (online/line-interactive)	On line double conversion rackmount	On line, double conversion, with auto bypass	Line-interactive
Input
Voltage (nominal/selectable)	160 VAC-275 VAC	Selectable 120V-284V	230 VAC, single phase (auto-selectable)
Model rating VA/W	3000VA / 2000W	3200VA / 2080W	3000VA / 2400W
Input frequency (Hz)	45-65Hz auto select	50-60Hz auto select. 40-70Hz Frequency Convertor as a standard	50 or 60 Hz
Input connector	3-pin Australian plug 15 Amp	16A IEC C20, 3-pin male	IEC320 C20 (ships with two detachable 8ft power cordsââ,¬"CEE7/7 on a BS1363)
Output
Voltage variation	240 VAC +/- 2%	230V +/- 3%, Selectable 120-250	196-253 VAC
Frequency variation	50/60 Hz Autoselect	+/- 5%	50 + 1-3Hz
Wave shape	Pure Sinewave	True sinewave	Sinewave
Output sockets and number	6x IEC C13 10A	4x IEC C13 10A (two programmable) & 1 x IEC C19 16A	8 x IEC320 C13, 3 x IEC320 jumpers, 1 x IEC320 C19
Efficiency	85%	86%-89%	96.8 at 100% load
Battery
Voltage	96VDC	72VDC	96VDC
Number and type (V/ AH)	8 x 12 V 21W (CSB HC1221)	6 x 12V 9Ah	8x 12V / 9 AH
Typical run/ backup time (vendor supplied)	5 mins @ full load, external battery packs avail.	6 min @ 100% load, 10min @ 70%, 15min @ 50%, opt. Batt. Packs avail. (w/ auto recog.)	6 mins at 2400W (more runtime available with extended run battery pack)
Recharge time (vendor supplied)	80 % after 8 hours	3 hours	3 hours

How we tested

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

Interoperability
What management options are offered by the devices?
Futureproofing
What is the expansion potential of the machine, and what are its networking capabilities?
ROI
What value for features are offered?
Service
How long is the warranty? The longer the better.
Each UPS was tested driving a single Apple Dual xServe G5 400W server and an 80W monitor. The basic routine was:

• Charge up UPS batteries.


• Connect server to the UPS.


• Cut mains supply and start Linux timing script.


• Timing script writes timestamp to file every minute.


• Wait for battery to run down.


• Reconnect mains and reboot server.


• Check time-stamp file for the total minutes of operation.

Sample scenario

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

Company: Tayden Supplies
This company wants to provide a UPS supporting a single rack of servers at each of its three branches.
Approximate budget: AU$4000 each
Requires: The units purchased must be rack mountable with 3000VA power ratings.
Concerns: The most serious concern for the company is maximising system uptime in the event of a power failure. Staff need to be able to prepare for the possibility of a lengthy period without their equipment. Cost and ease of management are also considerations, as is the ability to scale up to meet future needs.
Best solution: In terms of the main criterion, runtime, all the machines were reasonably close (see Runtime Testing). If the differences involved between them is a concern, then you'd best get some extra external battery packs or a larger UPS because you're sailing very close to the wind. Price wise, it's hard to beat MGE's Pulsar Extreme C.

Editor's choice: Pulsar Extreme C

UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

While we're inclined to sail close to wind myself at times, I won't pass judgement on the minor differences in runtimes. I would have to say that the priorities of the given scenario are fairly close to my own heart and so I'm going to select the Pulsar Extreme as the best machine. Although the Liebert UPStation and Powerware 9125 also deserve honourable mentions. These three also have an excellent range of interface port options as well as clear, easy-to-read manuals.
This article was first published in Technology & Business magazine.
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About RMIT IT Test Labs

	UPS appliances  The price of failure  UPS types   Liebert Upstation   Nikko Vanguard   Powerware 9125   Pro Power Plus   Pulsar Extreme C   Smart-UPS XL  Specifications  How We Tested  Sample Scenario  Editor's choice  About RMIT

RMIT IT Test Labs is an independent testing institution based in Melbourne, Victoria, performing IT product testing for clients such as IBM, Coles-Myer, and a wide variety of government bodies. In the Labs' testing for T&B, they are in direct contact with the clients supplying products and the magazine is responsible for the full cost of the testing. The findings are the Labs' own -- only the specifications of the products to be tested are provided by the magazine. For more information on RMIT, please contact the Lab Manager, Steven Turvey.