What is Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS?
Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS Definition: A device that allows your computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost.
Understanding Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS
A device that allows your computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost. A UPS provides temporary emergency power to electronic equipment during power outages voltage fluctuations and other electrical anomalies. Beyond simple backup power modern UPS systems also condition power eliminating surges spikes and other potentially harmful electrical issues. UPS systems are critical for preventing data loss system damage and service disruption. UPS requirements are specified in standards like NIST SP 800-53 PE controls ISO 27001 and various datacenter standards. Organizations implement UPS solutions based on criticality requirements power quality assessment and business continuity needs. For example a hospital might implement multiple layers of UPS protection for critical systems including rack-mounted UPS units providing immediate battery backup room-level UPS systems supporting critical infrastructure and building-level UPS systems bridging the gap until generators activate ensuring that life-critical systems maintain continuous operation during power disruptions. Related terms Power protection Backup power Generator Surge protection Power conditioning Battery backup Runtime Power management Emergency power Data center infrastructure.