UPS vs. EPS: What's the Difference?

The failure of power may jeopardize security, damage the equipment, and stop the operations. This makes UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and EPS (Emergency Power Supply) essential. But what are EPS and UPS? While both help to maintain crucial systems during a power cut, EPS mostly backs up safety devices, including lights and alarms.

Whereas UPS offers immediate backup power for sensitive devices, including servers and computers. Through this comparison, it will be made clear how each system operates, its key differences, pros and cons, and when to use one. To assist you in staying safe and powered during outages, we will also provide some top EPS and UPS choices.

What Is EPS?

An EPS (Emergency Power Supply) is made as a long-lasting, dependable backup power. It is mostly meant to preserve life-safety systems, those required by building and fire codes to safeguard life and property. In addition, it runs crucial devices, including fire protection systems (fire pumps, smoke control and ventilation systems, alarms, and detectors). This is to ensure that fires can be managed and evacuation paths stay clear. An EPS has the capacity to run for a number of hours and even days based on fuel availability.

It also supports emergency lighting and exit signs. So, people may safely exit a building. In addition, an EPS powers systems that support first responders, such as the firefighter controls or elevator recall features. It maintains important systems and communication equipment in critical facilities (hospitals, air traffic control towers, and emergency command centers) in the event of blackouts. EPS emergency power systems operate with the following important elements:

• Batteries: Should the primary power go off, they offer instant power to enable a flawless transition.
• Generators: Usually driven by diesel, gasoline, or propane, the EPS generators kickstart when the need for consistent electricity emerges.

The entire process is managed by an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which identifies the blackouts, kickstarts the generator, and diverts power to it in several seconds.

What Is UPS?

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is an instant and short-term backup power. It responds in milliseconds when the power goes off and instantly turns to battery power. So that the running devices are not affected in any way, and the data stored is not lost.

However, UPS is designed to operate over a short period of time, usually a few minutes to an hour. It provides sufficient time to safely shut down equipment, continue running equipment due to short-term blackouts, or trigger a generator in the event of a long-term outage. A UPS is also used to stabilize and protect sensitive electronics. It provides transient voltage protection, voltage, and frequency control to maintain constant power.

In addition, it offers noise filtering to prevent the interference that may result in either data errors or glitches. UPS systems are frequently used for computers, servers, network equipment, data storage devices, medical diagnostic tools, POS systems, and home entertainment setups. They make certain that these applications stay safe and stable during power issues.

What Differs EPS From UPS?

So, what are EPS and UPS? The primary difference between a UPS and an EPS is their main objective. Other significant differences, however, include:

Pros and Cons of EPS

Although EPS systems have countless benefits, they have drawbacks as well, such as:

Pros:

• Long-Lasting Power: Utilizes fuel-powered generators (diesel, gas, or propane) to supply electricity to appliances during lengthy blackouts lasting hours or even days.
• High Power Output: It's designed to power high-wattage equipment, including fire pumps, lifts, motors, and full building lighting.
• Adherence to Code: An EPS system is absolutely necessary to meet the strict building and fire code and ensure that life-safety systems will always run in an emergency.
• Supports Critical Infrastructure: It supplies electricity to critical services, including hospital circuits, ventilation, alarms, and emergency lighting.

Cons:

• Power Delay: Needs 10-60 seconds to boot up, then change power, which can be disruptive to sensitive electronics.
• No Power Conditioning: Supplies unfiltered generator power, which can have surges and noise and which might be damaging to sensitive devices.
• High Cost: It is expensive to purchase, install, and maintain, and includes fuel and testing costs.
• Complex Installation: Requires a big area to house equipment and fuel and high-level safety, noise, and emission standards.

Pros and Cons of UPS

Here are the benefits and limitations of UPS systems:

Pros:

• Immediate Power Backup: The battery power kicks in with no delay, preventing shutdowns or data loss.
• Power Conditioning: It filters and regulates electricity, shielding equipment against surges, drops, and noise.
• Safe Shutdown Time: Provides some minutes to hours to save work and shut down systems in a proper manner.
• Small and Flexible: It is available in all sizes, small enough to suit a PC, large enough to support a data center, and simple to install.

Cons:

• Limited Runtime: Only a few minutes to an hour long; not designed for extended outages, as battery size varies.
• Battery Replacement: The UPS batteries can be expensive to replace, particularly for larger units, and their life span is 3-5 years.
• Limited Power Output: Can't support large equipment or heavy machinery, and only supports sensitive electronics.
• Temporary Solution: Provides short-term backup, not a long-term fix for extended power failures.

When to Employ Each System?

Picking between an EPS and a UPS is a decision that you must make based on what you need to power. It's not about which is best, but which fits your needs. The following are a few guidelines on the appropriate use of each system:

When to Employ EPS?

Utilize an EPS when systems designed to sustain life and other critical functions in a building must be maintained over a long duration of a full power failure. It will safeguard individuals and physical assets and enforce compliance.

Also, if the system must operate to allow safe evacuation or support emergency responders and run for more than a few minutes, an EPS is required. The following are the practical applications of an EPS system in the real world:

• In Life Safety Systems: These are mandated by law, and they consist of fire alarms, emergency response, exit lighting, fire pumps, and smoke control systems.
• Critical Building Infrastructure: An EPS system can supply electricity for safe evacuation and emergency response (e.g., elevator recall and ventilation in vital locations).
• In Critical Facilities: It can support critical operations during disasters in such places as hospitals (ICUs, operating rooms, emergency departments), emergency command centers, fire/police stations, and air traffic control towers.

When to Employ UPS?

Utilize a UPS where you require continuous power for sensitive electronics. Moreover, when the loss of data, its damage, or the termination of the operations is at risk, even due to a short power outage, a UPS is required. These are some of the practical, real-world scenarios where a UPS is needed:

• Computers & Servers: It prevents the loss of information or system crashes and enables a graceful shutdown in case of short-term outages.
• Network Equipment: Maintains routers, switches, and modems to ascertain connectivity.
• Data Centers: Switch off all IT equipment and bridge power until EPS generators start.
• Sensitive Medical/Lab Equipment: Safeguards devices like MRI machines or analyzers from sudden power loss.
• POS & Security Systems: Makes certain that transactions aren't lost and cameras stay online.
• Telecommunications: Maintains phone systems, such as Voice over IP (VoIP).

When to Employ Both Systems?

In many critical settings, UPS and EPS systems function together to provide layered protection. Take a hospital as an example. In the event of a primary power failure, the UPS will come into play immediately. So, the servers, ICU monitors, and surgical equipment won't halt their operations.

After 10-60 seconds, an EPS generator will kickstart and take over the UPS to feed electricity to emergency lighting, fire pumps, and critical outlets. It will also rejuvenate the UPS batteries to provide long-term power and prepare them for the next blackout.

Recommended UPS Backup Options

If you're looking to install a UPS system to juice up crucial tech gadgets at your home or office, the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 is a great candidate. With a 1800W output and a 1024Wh capacity, it can power your computer, laptop, WiFi, emergency lights, and other small devices in your home/office. The unit also offers a 10ms UPS switchover for an uninterrupted electricity supply to your server, CPAP machine, POS system, network, computers, etc.

Moreover, the Elite 100 V2 can be charged with solar, an AC outlet, a car charger, and dual AC + solar. You can charge the unit up to 80% in 45 minutes with 1200W AC, and up to 100% in 70 minutes with 1000W solar. But if you want 6x faster charging, employ a car charger. For an EPS-style system, the BLUETTI Apex 300 is the best candidate. It's more ideal than a regular generator, as it emits no fumes, can be utilized indoors, and provides a noiseless operation.

With a 3,840W output and 2,764.8Wh capacity, you can use the unit to juice up critical and emergency devices. Alongside you can power-hungry appliances like a Window AC, a refrigerator, or a microwave. But if you want an EPS-style system for prolonged electricity breakdowns, expand the Apex 300 to hit 11.52 kW output and 58 kWh capacity. In addition, you can charge the unit with an AC outlet, solar, dual AC + solar, or a 120/240V generator. It also includes a 0ms UPS switchover to provide consistent power to sensitive equipment.

With 2400W solar input, the Apex 300 can hit up to 80% in 40 minutes, and with 3840 AC + solar and a generator, it can reach 100% in 60 minutes. Moreover, it can hit up to 80% in 45 minutes with an AC input and 30kW with Solar X 4K & AT1. The unit also boasts a 12kW bypass for HVACs, EVs, and other power-voracious appliances. Both the Elite 100 V2 and the Apex 300's voltage can be controlled, and the performance can be monitored through the BLUETTI smart app. You can employ both units together for a foolproof UPS and EPS-style hybrid system or use them with other backup options.

FAQs

1. Is it viable to run my entire residence on a UPS?

No, a typical UPS will not be able to juice up a complete household. It's designed to support only a few electronic devices. To run such high-wattage appliances as AC-units, water heaters, or refrigerators, you would require a large-sized UPS, which will be quite expensive. So, a more appropriate option would be to employ an EPS system, which can juice up the entire residence.

2. What does "Inverter" mean in the context of these systems?

An inverter is a crucial component of UPS and EPS that converts DC power from a battery into usable AC power. Both UPS and battery-based EPS systems include an inverter.

In a UPS, it runs continuously to condition power and instantaneously switches over when needed. While in an EPS, the inverter is activated as required to supply juice to the sensitive equipment by converting battery or generator power into a constant, clean electricity supply.

3. Do the batteries in an Emergency Light form a part of an EPS?

Yes, the emergency lights and exit signs have batteries that belong to the whole Emergency Power System. These are self-contained units that switch on automatically when there is a blackout and give a minimum lighting duration of 90 minutes. Emergency lights are used to provide a temporary supply ahead of a central EPS generator starting up. They may be used as the sole source of supply in buildings without a generator, to keep exit routes illuminated for safe evacuation.

4. What type of maintenance are these systems subject to?

UPS needs to be tested on a regular basis, its batteries should be changed within 3-5 years, and it should be checked visually in case of any warnings. Whereas an EPS, usually a diesel or gas generator, needs more thorough care, including regular test runs under load, checking fuel levels, and quality. It also involves the inspection of the automatic transfer switch and the changing of filters after some scheduled oil changes, as well as professional inspections as per the code.

Conclusion

Now that concludes the answer to your query, "What is EPS and UPS?" Both EPS (Emergency Power Supply) and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) have different but complementary roles in backup power. An EPS will deliver long-term, dependable energy to sustain life-safety systems and vital building operations in case of long periods of blackouts. Meanwhile, a UPS provides direct, temporary support to sensitive electronics within seconds for safe shutdowns.

If you want a UPS system, the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Power Station provides a decent one for home/office. The unit offers rapid transition, modular charging, and dependable power for computers, network equipment, and critical medical devices. However, for long-term power cuts, the BLUETTI Apex 300 is an EPS-style scalable power station. It can feed power-hungry appliances and emergency systems when the electricity goes off for a long time. Both BLUETTI units can be combined for long- and short-term protection against blackouts.