When you’re living in Pakistan, power outages seem like an everyday hassle. To tackle this problem, the government has initiated numerous power projects in Pakistan, however, they are still under construction. The shortfall of electricity affects people at every level, from corporate offices to big factories to schools and even houses. To overcome this issue, people have been adopting alternative ways. Some of the most common alternative resources used by homeowners and offices include the use of UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) and Generators. Visit Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal for a detailed account of UPS vs. generators.
Both of these power supply systems typically serve as a backup to temporarily make up for the lack of original power supply. Although they serve the same purpose, how they operate is different which is where the need to discuss the pros and cons of UPS and generator comes into place
UPS vs. Generators for Home
There are many different types of generators, and UPS available in the market, and you can buy one easily based on its features, and affordability. But before that, it’s essential to understand the differences between both the systems, how they work, what benefits they offer, as well as what are their drawbacks.
This article will give you a detailed insight into the usage of both systems, which will help you make the right decision.
UPS vs. Generator |What is UPS?
UPS stands for Uninterrupted Power Supply, which is backed up by a battery. In case of any power outage or voltage drop to an unacceptable level, UPS works as a backup source.
Some UPS systems only supply power for a short time like a few minutes. These are typically small UPS systems with small batteries just so one can save files and work on their PC. Whereas a bigger UPS has the potential to supply power for your house appliances for quite a few hours, which is why they are preferred for houses.
There are three main types of UPS systems, let’s take a look below:
- Standby UPS System – It remains in standby mode unless there is a power failure.
- Line Interactive UPS system – This system has an inverter and a battery that is connected to the output. In case of power failure, a switch changes the power flow.
- Double conversion UPS system – The backup battery in this is charged by the input AC. Which powers the output inverter for a smooth switch.
Advantages of UPS
When it comes to the pros and cons of UPS vs. generators, one of the most commonly used devices in Pakistani households is UPS. This comes with many advantages, and some of them are listed below.
Works in Silent Mode
UPS work in silence and are free of noise which is the best thing about having them. While they switch to the automatic backup power supply mode without creating any noise.
People that are sensitive to noise will appreciate this feature specifically.
Instant Power Supply
UPS provides an instant power supply that keeps your critical devices like computers and other equipment running without any disruption.
Consistency
A UPS is designed in a way that it automatically kick starts, providing alternative electricity, eliminating the chances of any kind of glitches, and power surges, which allows you to safely shut down the computer and other critical appliances.
Guard Against Damage
UPS senses the power fluctuates, surge, dip etc. Hence it switches to the backup power resource, guarding the appliances against any potential damage caused by these irregularities. This is one of the major advantages of having a UPS, which a generator does not provide.
Filter
A line-interactive UPS essentially works as a filter. As it refines the power that enters into the UPS then adjusts its output to make it compatible with the internal systems, so they receive a smooth, consistent power supply free from all the anomalies.
Low Price and Low Maintenance
When you are deciding between UPS vs. generator, the cost is one factor that plays a major role. The expense of buying a UPS and installing it is lower than that of buying a generator. Buying a UPS can be one-time spending, as they work fine as long as their battery is working well.
In comparison to generators, UPS need almost zero maintenance. If you make sure that the battery is in good condition, your UPS can go for as long as many years.
Cons of UPS
Even though there are so many advantages of having a UPS, there are some drawbacks that can factor in the purpose you are using it for.
Unsuitable for Heavy Appliances
A major drawback of buying a UPS is that their batteries do not support appliances that require heavy power for instance Iron, Fridge etc. The only recommended appliances are fans, and light bulbs.
This is why UPS are not suitable for the houses that are in areas of frequent power outages. They are only fit in areas where the downfall lasts only for a few hours.
Batteries May Require Frequent Maintenance
The battery is the backbone of the UPS system, so it is essential to buy a good quality battery. If you choose to buy a battery that is of low standard and cheaper, you will have to change the liquid in it now and then or replace it with a new one every 4-5 months.
UPS vs. Generator | What is a Generator?
When our major source of electricity – Dams – does not produce enough of it, there is a shortfall of power, and consumers like you and me have to cope with it. One common method is to get your own mini, portable electricity generator, which will produce enough electricity to support all your home appliances.
Unlike UPS, a generator is not backed by a battery, that stores, rather it generates electricity itself. It converts kinetic energy into electrical power that is used to run the appliances.
You will find various types of generators in the markets, depending on their use – houses, industries, and commercial sectors.
They can run a whole office/building, or household appliances, based on their power-generating ability. Depending on their size and model, they require three different types of fuel:
- Gasoline or Petrol Power System
- Diesel Fuel Power System
- Natural Gas Power System
Advantages of Using a Generator
All three types of generators come with different advantages, which are given below.
Portable
Despite being heavy, portable generators can be carried from one place to another. This is because of the wheels attached with them, which makes it portable as well as easier to use in other places, unlike the UPS system.
No Installation/Extra Wiring Required
No special wiring or installation is required for the generators to work. To use it, you can just turn the main system off, start the generator, and use any switch to plug it in.
In case of distributive connection, or Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), you will need an additional switcher.
Supports Heavy Appliances
The KVA ratings of generators tell us that they can run heavy appliances such as iron, TV, refrigerator, motors, etc., making generators a good choice for people that live in areas of heavy and frequent power outages.
During the hot summer season, they can be particularly helpful in keeping the food fresh and rooms cool with their respective systems.
Disadvantages of Generators
Besides advantages, there are also many disadvantages of using generators. Some of them are mentioned below.
Disturbance by Loud Noise
Although they generate electricity for most of your house appliances, one of the worst sides of using a generator is that you will have to hear a loud noise.
For people that live in small apartments, or in areas where houses are in close vicinity of each other, using generators can be very more troublesome because of the noise pollution that it can create.
An alternative to this is the inverter generator, but these are usually more expensive than regular generators.
Regular Maintenance
A generator has an engine and is a mechanical device, which is why it requires frequent maintenance. It also needs to be refilled with fuel, which makes it heavier on one’s pocket.
The quantity of the fuel matters a lot, so you will have to check the fuel regularly, as running it on low gasoline will damage the engine. Other things that you need to take care of include air filters, carburettors, plugs etc.
More Expensive
The buying and maintenance cost of it makes it an expensive option. You will have to refill the fuel regularly, which itself will cost you a lot. Also, the fuel erodes the engine, which is why it needs regular maintenance, which again will cost you some money.
Emission of Poisonous Gas
Besides being high maintenance, and noisy, generators emit dangerous poisonous gases as well. They downgrade the air quality inside your home. These gasses not only add to air pollution but are harmful to humans if inhaled.
Manual Switching
If one does not install the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), they would have to start and off it manually, which can be quite hectic.
Electricity is important in the current era for things to run smoothly, which is why there are different means that people bring in use to overcome its shortage. This detailed overview of UPS vs. generators, and their pros and cons, will help you choose according to your requirements, situation, and affordability.
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