Toshiba’s Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are built on decades of experience in power technology and a long history of innovation and proven performance.

At CORE Support Systems, we’re proud to deliver Toshiba’s reliable, on-line, double-conversion UPS units for facilities that need dependable power and protection from electrical disruptions.

Before selecting a UPS for power backup, you’ll need to take stock of the equipment it needs to support and review your current load and planned growth to find one that fits your current operations and future needs.

Common UPS Sizing Mistakes

UPS sizing affects how well a system handles a facility’s actual power demands, and it’s easy to over- or underestimate. Avoid these common mistakes when sizing your UPS:

• Relying only on nameplate ratings: The actual power draw of equipment can be lower than its listed nameplate rating.
• Underestimating capacity: An undersized UPS may have trouble handling changes in load or additional equipment.
• Oversizing the UPS: Too much extra capacity can add cost without serving a practical need.
• Overlooking power factor: UPS capacity is usually listed in kVA, while equipment loads may be given in kW. A mismatch can leave you with a UPS that can’t handle the load.
• Forgetting peak loads: Some equipment draws more power at startup or during high demand.

The aim is to have enough capacity for your current loads and expected growth without paying for capacity you won’t use. It’s a delicate balance that can quickly lead to unnecessary costs or leave your system short on capacity.

How to Avoid UPS Sizing Errors

Sizing a UPS doesn’t just involve considering your equipment’s current power draw. Here are three key steps to help you choose a unit that fits your needs.

1. Start With an Accurate Load Analysis

Get a clear picture of what the system will actually power by assessing the following load factors:

• Connected load: List all the equipment that will receive UPS power.
• Operating load: Record actual power use where available.
• kW and kVA: Check for both when determining UPS capacity.
• Peak demand: Account for startup and other periods of higher power use.
• Load type: Identify sensitive equipment and other critical loads.
• Load profile: Look at how demand changes during normal operation.

Use this information to give you a more realistic basis for determining the UPS capacity your facility needs.

2. Plan for Growth, But Don’t Guess

Think about what your facility is likely to add over the next few years. Keep in mind that adding new servers, racks, medical and production equipment, and expansions may all increase UPS load.

However, make sure to base your growth allowance on planned additions and expected power needs instead of adding an arbitrary percentage to today’s load.

For example, Toshiba’s 3000 SP Series offers 6, 12, 18, and 24 kVA/kW capacities in a modular design that allows capacity or redundancy to be added as requirements change.

3. Match UPS Capacity to the Application

Capacity isn’t the only factor when choosing a UPS size. The system should also work with your facility’s electrical setup and the way you plan to use it. Consider these UPS application and installation requirements:

• Phase configuration: Confirm whether your infrastructure needs a single-phase or three-phase UPS.
• Runtime: Choose a battery setup that provides the required backup time.
• Redundancy: Decide if the application needs N+1 or another configuration.
• Installation space: Allow room for the UPS, batteries, and service access.

Knowing these details lets you further narrow down the UPS option that will work for your operation.

Get the Right Toshiba UPS for Your Needs

Avoiding common Toshiba UPS sizing mistakes starts with knowing your current load, taking into account peak demand, and planning for realistic growth. But even with the numbers in hand, deciding which UPS capacity and configuration best fit the application takes careful consideration.

With access to Toshiba’s range of UPS systems, CORE Support Systems can help engineers and facility teams evaluate capacity, runtime, configuration, and future needs when planning their system.

Reach out to our experts today to discuss your project and find a Toshiba UPS that suits your power needs.