What is a Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) & Understanding How a UPS Works

A UPS is more than just a backup battery—it’s a sophisticated power management system designed to bridge the gap between a power failure and a generator or full system shutdown. It provides instantaneous power and voltage regulation to keep equipment running smoothly.

Key Components of a UPS  

  1. Battery – The heart of a UPS, supplying power when the mains power fails.
  2. Inverter – Converts stored DC power from the battery into usable AC power.
  3. Rectifier – Converts incoming AC power into DC to charge the battery.
  4. Bypass Switch – Ensures continuous power flow in case of UPS failure or maintenance (online UPS only).

Types of UPS Systems 

  1. Standby (Offline) UPS
  • Activates only when a power failure occurs.
  • Best suited for personal computers, small office setups, and non-critical loads.
  • At PSS we don’t stock offline UPS
  1. Line-Interactive UPS
  • Regulates minor fluctuations without switching to battery power.
  • Ideal for small businesses, security systems, and network equipment.
  • Example:
    • Eco 600 UPS – ideal for home modems, routers, and small appliances.
    • XL+ Series – perfect for industrial settings, roller doors, CCTV, and medical applications.
  1. Online (Double-Conversion) UPS
  • Provides continuous, clean power with no switchover time.
  • Best suited for critical applications like medical facilities, data centers, and high-end industrial use.
  • Example: Enduro Series – premium protection with extended battery modules (EBM) for longer run times.

Why Does Your Business Need a UPS?

Power outages can be costly. A single power disruption can lead to:

  • Data loss – Sudden shutdowns can corrupt files and damage hard drives.
  • Equipment damage – Surges and spikes shorten the lifespan of electronic devices.
  • Operational downtime – Productivity loss and financial impact due to unexpected shutdowns.

At PSS Distributors, we offer UPS solutions tailored to every project—from small offices to large-scale industrial and medical applications. With over 30 years of experience and more than 1, 000,000 units sold, our expertise ensures that your business remains protected, no matter what.

Choosing the Right UPS for Your Needs

Selecting the correct UPS depends on:

  • Load Capacity – The total wattage of devices that need backup power.
  • Run Time – How long you need backup power to last.
  • Application Type – Home, office, industrial, or medical use.

To simplify this process, PSS provides an easy-to-use UPS, ensuring you get the right fit without the guesswork.

Final Thoughts

A UPS is an essential safeguard against power disruptions, ensuring continuous operation and protecting valuable equipment. Whether you need a small UPS for home use, a scalable solution for business, or a high-reliability system for critical applications, PSS Distributors has the expertise and product range to meet your needs.

Need help finding the right UPS? Contact our team today and get expert advice tailored to your power protection requirements.

What is a Power Supply?

Simple Definition  

A power supply is a device that converts electrical energy from one form to another, ensuring that electronic devices receive the correct voltage and current to function properly. It acts as a bridge between a power source (such as a wall outlet or battery) and the device it powers, regulating and stabilising electricity to prevent damage.

A Real-Life Example  

Think about your laptop charger—it doesn’t just transfer power from the wall to your laptop. The bulky block in the middle is the power supply. It converts high-voltage AC power from the wall into low-voltage DC power that your laptop needs to operate safely.

Now, compare this to a phone charger. A standard wall charger has a built-in power supply that regulates voltage and provides a steady output, typically 5V at 2A or more, ensuring fast charging.

But what happens when you charge your phone in a car using just a simple USB cord plugged into a port? Many car ports only provide 1A of power, meaning your phone charges much slower. This is because it lacks a proper power supply to regulate and boost the output, demonstrating why a dedicated power supply is critical for efficient operation.


A More Technical Definition 

A power supply performs three primary functions:

  1. Voltage Conversion – Converts power from an AC source (like a wall outlet) or a DC source (like a battery) into a usable voltage level for a device.
  2. Regulation – Ensures the output remains stable and within safe operating limits, protecting sensitive electronics from surges, drops, and noise.
  3. Current Limiting & Protection – Prevents excessive current draw, which could damage components or create safety hazards.

There are different types of power supplies, including:

  • Linear Power Supplies – Provide smooth, stable power but tend to be larger and less efficient.
  • Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) – Highly efficient, compact, and commonly used in modern electronics, including laptops and industrial equipment.

Patriot Power Supplies – Reliable DC & AC Solutions

At PSS Distributors, we provide high-quality Patriot Power Supplies designed for a range of applications. Our range includes:

With over 30 years of expertise, PSS ensures that your devices receive the correct, stable, and reliable power they need to perform at their best.

Looking for the right power supply for your project? Contact PSS Distributors today for expert guidance and high-performance solutions.