Better Performance All Around

We got some interesting results, since all UPSs but one qualified our VA rating test( can the UPS handle 100% of its rated load for at least 30 sec). Cold start has become a standard feature in all UPSs, and all of them managed to do it without a hitch. Given similar performance results, the deciding factors become price and features. 

HITA got the highest performance scores with the maximum backup time of 21 mins

Online UPSs



All online models we received were within the limits of all tests. The only performance differentiator was backup time. This was done at 80% of the rated load, at a power factor of .65.

The HITA SFT10002 got the highest score in performance with the maximum backup time of 21 mins. But, it was not too high on features compared to the others. There were no surge-protected ports nor connectors for external batteries. Optional software costs Rs 500. 

The Aplab DynamIT was the cheapest at Rs 26,000 with another 1,500 for the software. Though it fared well in all

performance tests, it lost a few points because it gave only a backup of 14 mins. This model didn’t have connectors for

external batteries. It gave the best input switchover-voltage range of 120-302 V AC. The UPS comes with a telephone line

surge protection port, and a basic set of indicators. 

The PowerServer NG-30 gave backup for 16 mins, has a telephone line surge protection port, and a surge protected output socket. Plus it has connectors for external battery packs. Software costs an extra Rs 1,000.

Datext Accure topped in backup time in line-interactive UPSs

Line interactive UPSs



Performance in this category was also good. All UPSs passed the droop test. Except for the Vintron UPS, all qualified our load test at 100% rated load. The Vintron cleared at 90% of its rated load. One differentiator in performance was the maximum output voltage. This was slightly high for the TVSE and Samtek UPSs at 260V and 269V respectively. 

The other differentiator in performance was the backup time. Datext came out to the tops with a backup time of 25 mins at 80% load followed by the Samtek UPS. The Aqupower and Vintron were the lowest at 5 mins each, and others like Elnova, Wipro and Quantum were close at 6 mins each. The input voltage range of all the models was within our limits and so was the float voltage. 

There was a variation in the features offered by the UPSs. Apart from basic indicators for mains, battery and overload, others like the TVSE and Wipro also had additional indicators to denote boost/buck modes, and fault indicators. For battery status, our winners had battery level indicators while most of the other UPSs had just a low battery LED. In the special features, the Vintron and Samtek UPSs are barebone models having just the power outlets. The others had a RS232 port for PC connectivity. 

The prices lie in roughly three bands–below Rs 10,000, 10,000—15,000 and above 15,000. Apart from Su-Kam, four others were in the first price range and except for APC, others were in the second price bracket. 

Ashish Sharma