Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and inverters are both devices used to support power supply during power outages. Is a UPS the same as an inverter? Which one is more suitable for family/business use? Do I need a UPS or an inverter? If you have these questions, this article will offer you some assistance to help you understand UPS and inverters.



What is an inverter?
An inverter or power supply inverter is a power electronic device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). It can be used as an independent device capable of receiving electricity from DC power sources such as solar energy and batteries and converting it into AC power, or it can be used as a utility interactive inverter as part of a larger circuit such as a power unit or UPS. An inverter does not generate or store electricity, but it can be connected to a power source (usually a battery) to support the power supply.

What is UPS?
UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. A UPS is a hardware device that can provide backup power when the main power supply fails or there is a significant power outage. The UPS system contains many components. For a basic UPS system, it includes a battery, a battery charger, an inverter and a transfer switch. In this basic UPS system, the inverter is used as the device to convert direct current into alternating current, because the power from the battery uses direct current, but it must be distributed in the form of alternating current. For more information about UPS, please refer to What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS.