Plymouth (01752423151)
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sales@southwestpowerprotection.co.uk

What is a UPS System Bypass Switch?

A bypass switch is an essential additional bit of kit to use in with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. You will find that it is particularly useful during your maintenance or repair work on the UPS system you already have installed. If you are uncertain about the maintenance or repair of your UPS system and what actions are taken by engineers, or if you are not sure if it is necessary for you, it might be helpful to consult with a professional.

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There are two main types of bypass switches:

  1. Static Bypass: This serves as a backup mechanism for the inverter. If the inverter fails, the load will instantly switch to the main power source, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Most online UPS systems come already equipped with this static bypass switch, so therefore adding an extra layer of safety to maintain power continuity.
  2. External Maintenance Bypass Switch (Wraparound Bypass): This switch is installed externally by our engineers from South West Power Protection, it is typically attached/installed to the UPS system. The external bypass switch allows for uninterrupted power flow during maintenance or repairs like the static bypass switch, enabling the easy disconnection of the UPS without shutting down the entire network. This saves businesses time and money by minimising downtime associated with UPS repairs.

How can you determine if your UPS has a bypass switch?

When selecting a UPS system, it's important to check the product description to confirm if it includes a static bypass switch. While it's often a standard feature in online UPS systems, it's advisable to verify. If you have any doubts, feel free to reach out to us for clarification. We'll gladly provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is a static bypass?
    • A static bypass is a connection that directly links the input power source to the output, supplying the load without passing through the UPS system.
  • How does a UPS bypass switch work?
    • UPS static bypass switches allow for bypassing the normal UPS operation during instances of overload or fault. A well-designed system enables this without disrupting the power supply to the load.
  • What is UPS bypass mode?
    • UPS bypass mode occurs when the circuit is redirected to bypass the UPS. A manual bypass switch is used to remove the UPS from the circuit for maintenance, servicing, or in case of a malfunction. An automatic transfer switch operates similarly to a manual switch but automatically transfers the load from the UPS to the main electrical supply in case of internal UPS failure.
  • What is a bypass switch in an inverter?
    • In the context of a static inverter, which is a specialised version of a UPS system, the bypass switch allows the static inverter system to be bypassed if there is an issue or maintenance is required.
  • What is UPS THDi?
    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THDi) is a metric used to measure the level of harmonic distortion in an electrical power system. It represents the ratio of the combined power of all harmonic frequencies to the power of the fundamental frequency. THDi is commonly used to assess power quality in electrical systems and describe the linearity of audio systems.

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Plymouth Tel: 01752 423151
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E-mail: sales@southwestpowerprotection.co.uk

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