Rack Mount UPS Systems

What Are Rack Mount UPS Systems?

Rack-mount UPS systems are reliable power supplies that fit into standard 19-inch equipment cabinets and server racks. These systems offer power protection and emergency backup support for environments with critical equipment.

Each UPS system can protect your equipment from surges, voltage fluctuations, and mains power failures.

While traditional tower UPS systems can be beneficial for some environments, a rack-mounted unit is installed inside your comms cabinet or server rack. They’re particularly beneficial in space-sensitive environments such as IT rooms, data centres, and industrial control systems.

When you invest in a modern UPS system, you can also benefit from features such as remote monitoring, network shutdown integration, online double-conversion technology, and scalable battery runtime.

Rack Mount UPS Systems for Servers, IT Rooms and Comms Cabinets

Our rack-mount UPS units protect equipment that’s housed within cabinets, server rooms, and racks. For this reason, they’re popular options for supporting telecoms equipment, CCTV systems, servers, storage devices and routers.

However, investing in a rack-mount UPS is an excellent decision if you need to protect critical equipment and require reliable backup power.

Our rack-mounted UPS systems are available in sizes from 1000VA single-phase units to 20kVA units that support high-capacity applications.

If you’re unsure which solution is right for you, please get in touch with us today to discuss your options.

When Should You Choose a Rack Mount UPS?

There are many scenarios when a rack mount UPS might be suitable for your needs, including:

• You require reliable backup power within a 19-inch cabinet or server rack.
• You need to protect security systems, routers, storage, servers, and other vital equipment.
• A tower UPS wouldn’t be feasible due to limited space.
• You want a simple installation that includes monitoring.
• The UPS needs to support shutdowns during power cuts.
• You plan on using external battery packs to support scalable runtime.
• You need professional sizing, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Benefits of Rack Mount UPS Systems

Rack-mount UPS systems offer a range of benefits, including space-saving, clean backup power, and scalability.

Space-Saving Installation

Environments with limited floor space can integrate rack-mounted UPS systems directly into communications cabinets and server racks. Not only does this save space, but it also provides critical equipment with a reliable backup power source.

Clean Backup Power

Clean backup power is vital for compliance, and modern UPS systems utilise online double-conversion technology. This technology is beneficial because it ensures stable, clean power for sensitive equipment, protecting it from electrical instabilities such as voltage fluctuations.

Flexibility

You can also find flexible solutions with some rack-mount UPS systems that come with tower-conversion formats. This means we can provide bespoke installations tailored to your application requirements and available space.

Scalability

When you invest in a larger UPS system, it can support battery packs and external cabinets, which prolongs runtime during an outage. Your business can customise backup capabilities based on operational requirements.

Remote Monitoring and Integration

Modern systems often include additional features, such as remote monitoring and advanced communication capabilities, enabling you to integrate them into your wider systems. Communication and monitoring solutions can include:

• USB connectivity
• Serial communication
• SNMP network cards
• Modbus integration
• Relay interfaces
• Emergency power-off (EPO)

Improved Equipment Protection

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of rack-mount UPS systems is their ability to reduce the risk of equipment damage, prevent data loss, and maintain operations, thereby preventing costly downtime.

For businesses operating in time and production-sensitive environments, these systems provide ongoing peace of mind.

Rack Fit, Runtime and Sizing Considerations

Selecting a suitable UPS system isn’t just about choosing a VA or kVA rating, because you’ll also need to consider your future power requirements, physical rack dimensions, runtime needs, and maintenance access:

• VA/kVA Rating: Sizing is essential, as the UPS must meet your immediate power needs while accounting for future expansions.
• Rack Depth: It’s also important to consider whether the UPS will fit within the cabinet, accounting for ventilation, rear-socket access, and cable clearance.
• U Height: Rack UPS take up rack space, so you need to account for the system itself and external battery modules.
• Battery Runtime: Your required runtime depends on the battery’s capacity, connected loads, power factors, and UPS efficiency.
• Weight and Placement: If we’re installing a heavy UPS system with battery cabinets, we often advise installing them lower in the rack to ensure stability.
• Monitoring Requirements: Business-critical installations might need SNMP cards or remote monitoring integration.
• Maintenance Access: If you install a large system, it may require more planning. This includes bypass arrangements, battery replacement schedules, and servicing requirements.

Common Applications for Rack Mount UPS Systems

Rack-mount UPS systems are highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of environments and industries. These include:

• Server rooms
• Data cabinets
• Comms rooms
• Network switches and routers
• CCTV and access-control systems
• Telecoms equipment
• Edge IT cabinets
• Medical equipment racks
• Industrial control panels
• Retail EPOS and back-office IT systems
• Building management and monitoring systems

Rack Mount UPS Installation, Servicing and Battery Support

When you choose Solent Power for rack-mount UPS systems, you can benefit from ongoing support. Our specialists work across the UK, offering the following services:

• UPS sizing and specification
• Site power surveys
• Rack installation planning
• UPS installation and commissioning
• Battery and runtime planning
• External battery cabinet supply
• UPS service contracts
• Battery impedance testing
• UPS battery replacement
• Electronic UPS repairs where viable

We’ll ensure that your UPS system is installed, configured, and maintained, giving you ongoing peace of mind. Please get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.