Scenario: You have been using the 3000VA or 5000VA rackmount UPS units. Now, you are expanding. You need to add a few more racks and another couple of the 3000VA units. Also, you need to replace the batteries on the existing UPS units since it has been a couple of years since initial purchase.
Should you add additional 3000VA rackmount UPS units or consider a standalone 3 phase UPS units?
The answer will be specific to your situation, budget, and goals but below are advantages and considerations to each option.
|
Advantages |
Considerations |
More Rackmount
UPS Units |
- Lower initial cost of investment
- Good solution if your environment is going to stay below 20 kW
- Easy installation and operation
- No need for an electrician or facilities involvement
- Ability to do your own maintenance/user serviceable
|
- Not ideal for mission critical equipment
that requires high availability
- Takes up valuable rack space
- Limited back-up time
- Limited battery life (2 – 3 years)
- Not as efficient as 3 phase UPS
- Batteries might not be hot swappable
|
Standalone
3-Phase Units |
- Designed for high availability environments
- More easily scalable from 10 kW and up
- Maximizes 3 phase power, higher efficiency
- Longer battery life (5 – 6 years)
- Batteries are hot swappable
- Redundancy can be built in
|
- Higher upfront investment
- Requires electrical contractor to ensure proper installation
- Requires space for the standalone unit
- Scheduled maintenance is required
|
Questions? Please contact us at solutions@mirapath.com for more information including an advantage and considerations report specific to your project.
