Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
What is it?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power or a load when the input power source fails. A UPS is different from a standby generator because it will provide near-instantaneous protection from power interruptions by supplying energy stored in batteries, super capacitors, or flywheels. The on-battery run time for most UPSs is relatively short (a few minutes) but sufficient to start a standby power source and/or properly shut down the protected equipment.
Why is it important?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is important to protect hardware such as computers, data centers, and telecommunication equipment, as well as other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption, or data loss. The UPS complements a backup generator and therefore the MFI needs to evaluate its overall emergency power sources, taking into account both of these resources.
Key things to watch out for
- Does the MFI’s emergency power planning include the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as well as backup generators?
- Are there UPSs available in all locations where there is mission-critical hardware such as computers, data centers, and the like?
- Does the MFI regularly check the functionality of the UPS (for example, every six months)?
How to calculate
Not applicable.
Benchmarking
Not applicable.
Resources
- Improving Internal Control: A Practical Guide for MFI by Anita Campion. Available at www.microfinancegateway.org/.
- The New MicroFinance Handbook: A Financial Market System Perspective edited by Joanna Ledgerwood, Julie Earne, and Candace Nelson. Available at www.microfinancegateway.org/.
Evaluation
T1.A6-3.RMG